I've started going to a chiropractor for the first time. Am 43 and in the past have had 5 car accidents, 4 of which were not my fault. One gave me a terrible case of whiplash. Massages never helped for long periods of time. My chiropractor is hoping to reduce or eliminate my CHs with this treatment. Lots of cracking going on, and my back and hips are feeling much better, but the CH remains. I've only been going for the past 2-1/2 weeks. Should I give it more time? treatment is free and he has me there up to 3x a week. (free because I live in a domestic violence shelter.) He plans a month of continuous cracking...er..."treatment"  ;) I know it will help my back, but CHs????

Do some "search function" reading at this site. Chiropractic, while good for many things, does nothing for CH. If your chiro told you it would, I would find another.

Brew wrote on Mar 22^nd, 2010 at 5:28pm:

Do some "search function" reading at this site. Chiropractic, while good for many things, does nothing for CH. If your chiro told you it would, I would find another.

If your back and hips are feeling better and it is free, keep it up.  As for CH, I wouldn't bet on him being able to help you but as long as he isn't charging you and it isn't hurting you, why not!

I'll echo what your other responders said - enjoy the back and hip relief, don't expect any CH relief.

Michelle,

I am a 15 year cluster headache sufferer and a chiropractor. I have tried almost every different chiropractic adjustment known to man and I  still have cluster headaches. Most chiropractors yet alone MD's don't know what cluster headaches are and just think they are a form of migraines. I can help a tension headache but don't let a chiropractor tell you he can cure your cluster headaches or stop your cycle.

One looks for anything to help these headaches. Some will eventualy go to the chiropractor towards the end of their cycle unknowingly and think that it stopped the headaches. I have practiced for 10 years and have seen 2 patients that were misdiagnosed with migraines. I emediately send them to my local Headache specialist (neuro) and explain to them the benifits of O2 and prevents (verap-lithium etc..)

Chiropractic treatment might help with all the tense muscles after beating your head against the wall and works wonders for low back pain but I can't stop a cluster headache or prevent one period!!!!  Jay

We should be careful before categorically discarding the relationship between CH and possible prior physical traumata.

The following attachment (particularly the section of Cluster Headache and the Occipital Nerve, esp. part 2 of 4), authored in parts by Goadsby and May) explains that indeed there may well be a relationship  between neck injuries and the development of CH or other primary headaches.

After several car accidents you may well be served to continue regular treatments, perhaps more so with an Osteopath that concentrates on the areas related to the Occipital Nerve areas of your neck than the slightly more "crude" modus operandi of a chiropractor, typically addressing more orthopedic ailments.

I am not suggesting that the treatment holds the key to the silver bullet but a general relaxation of this area may nevertheless prove helpful.

---

When I start a cycle, just a touch to my neck can start a ch.
I find my posture to be an important part of daily life to lessen the attacks or at least not to trigger an extra one.

You should always keep an open mind and use good judgment when it comes to helping yourself to get relief. For some a chiropractor may be a waste, but then others may get relief.

Good Luck
john