Headaches are common, but cluster headaches are in a category of their own. They can cause severe pain that comes on quickly, typically around or behind one eye. For people who experience them, the intensity and unpredictability of cluster headaches can interfere with sleep, work, and everyday life. Some people living with headaches also deal with neck tension, stiffness, or other issues that affect how they move and function on a daily basis. Here’s what you need to know about cluster headaches and how chiropractic care can help.
What Are Cluster Headaches?
Cluster headaches get their name because they tend to occur in groups, or “clusters.” A person may experience headaches frequently for weeks or months, followed by a period without attacks. The pain caused by cluster headaches typically occurs on one side of the head and around the eye or temple. A cluster headache may also come with symptoms on the same side of the face, including a watery or red eye, stuffy or runny nose, or a drooping eyelid. Some people even become restless or find it difficult to sit still during an attack.
What Causes Cluster Headaches?
Doctors still don’t know exactly what causes cluster headaches, though there may be a connection to the part of your brain that helps control your internal clock, including your sleep and wake cycles. This could help explain why cluster headaches often show up around the same time each day or during certain times of the year. Some people also notice specific things that can bring on an attack when they’re already in an active cluster period. Alcohol is a common trigger, while others may be affected by things like bright lights, heat, certain medications, or changes in altitude. Cluster headache triggers can vary from person to person.
Where Does Chiropractic Care Fit In?
If you’re dealing with cluster headaches, you may also notice tension or restricted movement in your neck and upper back. Spending long hours at a computer, looking down at a phone, dealing with stress, and other habits can all leave this area feeling tight. Chiropractic care can help keep your spine and joints moving comfortably. If you’re also experiencing tightness or stiffness in your neck and upper back, chiropractic care offers a noninvasive and drug-free approach to tackling the source of your pain. At Bare Chiropractic, we take time to look at how your spine and nervous system are functioning and how that may impact the severity and frequency of your cluster headaches.
Pay Attention to What Your Body Is Telling You
Living with cluster headaches can be frustrating, but you don’t have to guess your way through them. If neck stiffness or limited mobility is adding to your discomfort, Bare Chiropractic is here to help. We can build a care plan that addresses your headaches and anything else that may be impacting how you feel day to day. If you’re looking for chiropractors in Billings, MT, contact our office to learn more about how chiropractic care can help you feel and move better.
Sources
“Headache.” National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/headache
“Cluster Headache.” Mayo Clinic, 12 Aug 2025. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cluster-headache/symptoms-causes/syc-20352080
