Yet Another Bulletin Board

Welcome, Guest. Please Login or Register.
Mar 28th, 2024, 12:27pm

Home Home Help Help Search Search Members Members Member Map Member Map Login Login Register Register
Clusterheadaches.com Message Board « Excercise as an abortive »


   Clusterheadaches.com Message Board
   New Message Board Archives
   2005 Cluster Headache Specific Posts
(Moderator: DJ)
   Excercise as an abortive
« Previous topic | Next topic »
Pages: 1 2  Reply Reply Notify of replies Notify of replies Send Topic Send Topic Print Print
   Author  Topic: Excercise as an abortive  (Read 4082 times)
MAugust
New Board Newbie
USA 
*



Run like the wind!!!

   


Posts: 15
Excercise as an abortive
« on: Dec 5th, 2005, 9:16am »
Quote Quote Modify Modify

I have been a cluster patient for over 20 years now.  I get attacks every 20-24 months for about 6-8 weeks.  I used to take a variety of painkillers, none of which did anything for the headaches.
 
Back during my 2001 attack, I read that for some people, strenuous physical excercise can abort attacks.  I tried it and it worked.  In fact, it works every time, without fail.  I have not taken painkillers for clusters since.
 
What happens is that when I feel an attack coming on, I go outside and run/jog for about 0.25 mile and then start walking.  The pain subsides within about 15 minutes or less in most cases.  Sometimes during a particularly severe attack, it may take longer, but that usually only happens once or twice during the 6-8 week period.
 
I realize that this may not work for everyone, but I am curious to hear from those for whom this does work.  Certainly, I can't be the only one!
 
So, if you are able to abort your cluster attacks using this method, please let me hear from you.
IP Logged
BobG
New Board Hall of Famer
USA 
*****





   


Gender: male
Posts: 5747
Re: Excercise as an abortive
« Reply #1 on: Dec 5th, 2005, 9:30am »
Quote Quote Modify Modify

I have never tried that method but like you said there have been others here that have had success with it.
 
Glad to hear that it works for you and you don't need to load up on meds.
« Last Edit: Dec 5th, 2005, 9:31am by BobG » IP Logged

Stay stressed. Never relax. Never sleep. Ever.
maffumatt
Guest

Email

Re: Excercise as an abortive
« Reply #2 on: Dec 5th, 2005, 2:14pm »
Quote Quote Modify Modify Remove Remove

It does the opposite for me, the harder I work the worse the pain is.
IP Logged
Bob P
New Board Hall of Famer
USA 
*****




Shut up Bob!

   
WWW Email

Gender: male
Posts: 3436
Re: Excercise as an abortive
« Reply #3 on: Dec 5th, 2005, 3:54pm »
Quote Quote Modify Modify

Works for me.  I do squats till my legs burn then sit down and breath deeply.  Attack gone within 10 minutes.
IP Logged

Mrs. Barlow, I never, and I repeat never, ever pissed in your steam iron.

"SHUT UP HUB!"
seasonalboomer
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
USA 
*****



If I think hard enough maybe it'll go away.....

   


Gender: male
Posts: 2248
Re: Excercise as an abortive
« Reply #4 on: Dec 5th, 2005, 4:13pm »
Quote Quote Modify Modify

on Dec 5th, 2005, 9:16am, MAugust wrote:
 .....I used to take a variety of painkillers, none of which did anything for the headaches.....
 
Back during my 2001 attack, I read that for some people, strenuous physical excercise can abort attacks.  I tried it and it worked.  In fact, it works every time, without fail.  I have not taken painkillers for clusters since.

 
Several people have success with cardio exercise. I'm another opposite -- exercise for me, when in cycle, isn't good at all.
 
What you will find to be more significant is that just about everyone here will tell you that conventioal painkillers do nothing for their headaches.
 
If you like exercise, you might really love O2. All the benefits without the work.... And it is a little more flexible for middle of the night hits when going out for a jog in some areas isn't so safe.
 
Scott
IP Logged

-----------------------------------------------------
seasonal boomer
-----------------------------------------------------
zwibbs/Scott
New Board Hall of Famer
USA 
*****



Stay Strong !!!

   
Email

Gender: male
Posts: 2206
Re: Excercise as an abortive
« Reply #5 on: Dec 5th, 2005, 4:58pm »
Quote Quote Modify Modify

Two years ago I was on a strenuous exercise program, and the Cycle I was in went away almost immediately. I had a real bell-ringer this past friday night and made myself very busy on saturday AND the results were great. Keeping my fingers crossed, but always fearful the end is not quite here yet. Just have to think positive--at all times.
IP Logged

There's always light at the end of the Tunnel.
marlinsfan
New Board Hall of Famer
USA 
*****




I love this place!

   
Email

Gender: male
Posts: 876
Re: Excercise as an abortive
« Reply #6 on: Dec 5th, 2005, 5:20pm »
Quote Quote Modify Modify

Excercise is a trigger for me when in cycle... We are all different. If it works for you, feel good in knowing you found something to abort with which also improves your health!
IP Logged
Jasmyn
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
Mozambique 
*****




Each day will be a new trick in life's journey

  JazzdeBeer+de+Beer  
Email

Gender: female
Posts: 2762
Re: Excercise as an abortive
« Reply #7 on: Dec 5th, 2005, 6:54pm »
Quote Quote Modify Modify

I used to be a dancer and had my own dance studio but when I were in cycle I couldn't even teach because as soon as I got my heart rate up, I got hit.
 
Like most have said here, it works for some and for others not but I'm glad you found a solution that works for you.
 
Now that makes me wonder if blood pressure plays a role about who gets hit during exercise and who doesn't?
 
Ueli, this question will need some professional expert answer, please.
IP Logged

Jazz Wink

Madness is proclaimed by society’s inability to accept its own infallibility
unsolved1
Guest

Email

Re: Excercise as an abortive
« Reply #8 on: Dec 5th, 2005, 7:05pm »
Quote Quote Modify Modify Remove Remove

I couldn't image trying to run down the road with a KIP 8 ! Thank god Imitrex works within 15 minutes  Wink
 
 
 
Glad it works for some of you
 
PF WIshes
UNsolved
IP Logged
MJ
New Board Hall of Famer
USA 
*****





   


Gender: male
Posts: 911
Re: Excercise as an abortive
« Reply #9 on: Dec 5th, 2005, 7:46pm »
Quote Quote Modify Modify


Excersise is my first line of defense at the onset of an attack.
Pushups are my thing. At the start of a cycle I may be able to do 30 or so. By the end of a cycle I am up to 3 and 400 per hit. Its the only benefit of CH I ever found.
 
The excersise occasionally but seldom actually aborts a hit  It is more of a meditative concentration thing. I do think it makes it easier when the pain is extreme. I continue the regimen untill the pain peaks or my arms give out. Then I pace just like you walk. Its how I keep control I guess.
IP Logged

MJ
Spike_Inmyeye
New Board Junior
Syria 
**



Better living through oxygen!

   


Gender: male
Posts: 52
Re: Excercise as an abortive
« Reply #10 on: Dec 6th, 2005, 1:50am »
Quote Quote Modify Modify

You must look like Schwartznegger by now!
IP Logged

"If you can treat it over-the-counter it isn't a headache"
MAugust
New Board Newbie
USA 
*



Run like the wind!!!

   


Posts: 15
Re: Excercise as an abortive
« Reply #11 on: Dec 6th, 2005, 7:51am »
Quote Quote Modify Modify

[quote If you like exercise, you might really love O2. All the benefits without the work.... And it is a little more flexible for middle of the night hits when going out for a jog in some areas isn't so safe.
 
Scott
[/quote]
 
I hear you Scott, but isn't the 02 expensive?  Even if it isn't, running is free.  I am fortunate enough to live on 8 acres and my driveway is about 1/10th of a mile long, so running space is abundant.  Besides, I've been told that this method is more about adrenaline and/or endorphin production than 02 ingestion.
 
A couple of weeks ago when I was out running in the south field, I saw a meteor explode.  To me, that was like a reward for putting up with the Beast.  I wouldn't get to see all the beautiful stars and planets if I didn't run.
IP Logged
sandie99
New Board Hall of Famer
Finland 
*****




Wish it, dream it, do it - inspite the pain!

   


Gender: female
Posts: 10429
Re: Excercise as an abortive
« Reply #12 on: Dec 6th, 2005, 8:15am »
Quote Quote Modify Modify

Excercise doesn't work with me, either. Unfourtunately. I do stretch, do pilates daily and yoga sometimes.
 
Sanna
IP Logged

CH happends, Live anyway! PF days to us all!

"Do what you can and let God take care of the rest. Leave your heart wide open and always wish for the best" (Sanna Hillu)

"No matter how far out your dreams are, it's possible" (Marketa Irglova)


lionsound
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
USA 
*****




breathe

   


Gender: female
Posts: 2021
Re: Excercise as an abortive
« Reply #13 on: Dec 6th, 2005, 2:09pm »
Quote Quote Modify Modify

I USED to abort by sprinting on the treadmill in the winter. Cold air/freah air/ cardio/ better than crying and pacing.
 
Now at nine mos preggo that would surely be a sight to see....LOL!!! ....not to mention physically impossible.
 
Maybe I'll switch to shooting hoops. Wink
IP Logged
Dave
New Board Junior

**





   


Gender: male
Posts: 62
Re: Excercise as an abortive
« Reply #14 on: Dec 7th, 2005, 12:20pm »
Quote Quote Modify Modify

Exercise always works as an abortive for me.  It is the only 100% reliable method.  
 
The problem is that depending upon the severity of the attack, it could come back.  For me, sometimes it goes away for the night, but sometimes it could be back an hour or two later.
 
I've had a few nights where I would abort with exercise, but it would come right back every half hour.  Might as well just fall asleep on the weight bench at that point!
 
For these situations, oral triptans are useful, but the headache would come back when the triptan wears off.
IP Logged
MAugust
New Board Newbie
USA 
*



Run like the wind!!!

   


Posts: 15
Re: Excercise as an abortive
« Reply #15 on: Dec 7th, 2005, 1:03pm »
Quote Quote Modify Modify

Yes, they do come back.  During the peak of activity, the attacks will come back every two hours, beginning about one hour after I fall asleep.  I just keep getting up and running, then go back to bed for two hours.  the advantage of this over meds is that you can keep doing it whereas the meds are not supposed to be repeated inside of a two-hour time frame.
IP Logged
Dave
New Board Junior

**





   


Gender: male
Posts: 62
Re: Excercise as an abortive
« Reply #16 on: Dec 20th, 2005, 9:01pm »
Quote Quote Modify Modify

An oral triptan like Zomig should hold off the headaches for a good 8-12 hours.  The down side is that it takes a half hour to work... but that's where the abortive exercise comes in... a one, two punch.
 
The frequency at which the headaches come back after exercise can vary depending on the cycle and the night.  Coming back every two hours like you say may be typical, but on a bad night they can come back every half hour, and on a good night, a few bench presses may knock it out for the night.
 
Good luck.
IP Logged
MAugust
New Board Newbie
USA 
*



Run like the wind!!!

   


Posts: 15
Re: Excercise as an abortive
« Reply #17 on: Dec 21st, 2005, 7:27am »
Quote Quote Modify Modify

Thanks to everyone for the replies.  It's good to know others are able to use excercise instead of meds.
 
I am pretty much out of cycle now.  I have only had two mild attacks in the last week.  This is the first cycle where I have gone completely without meds.
 
It's nice to be able to enjoy Christmas beers for the holidays without the fear of triggering an attack.
 
See you all in a couple of years!
IP Logged
Wendy
Guest

Email

Re: Excercise as an abortive
« Reply #18 on: Dec 21st, 2005, 10:40am »
Quote Quote Modify Modify Remove Remove

Excerise is an abortive for me ONLY with hard shadows or mild hits, same with cold air. But when in a bad cycle it makes it worse.
IP Logged
seasonalboomer
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
USA 
*****



If I think hard enough maybe it'll go away.....

   


Gender: male
Posts: 2248
Re: Excercise as an abortive
« Reply #19 on: Dec 21st, 2005, 11:02am »
Quote Quote Modify Modify

on Dec 21st, 2005, 7:27am, MAugust wrote:
Thanks to everyone for the replies.  It's good to know others are able to use excercise instead of meds.
 
I am pretty much out of cycle now.  I have only had two mild attacks in the last week.  This is the first cycle where I have gone completely without meds.
 
It's nice to be able to enjoy Christmas beers for the holidays without the fear of triggering an attack.
 
See you all in a couple of years!

 
 
See you all in a couple of years? I hope you mean that you're hoping to not get "hit" again for a couple years but will stop in every once in awhile to share any successes you feel you've achieved in treating and avoiding CH's. If you found the feedback you got when you visited here to at all supportive I can only request that you try to offer similar support to others that may be arriving daily.
 
Scott
IP Logged

-----------------------------------------------------
seasonal boomer
-----------------------------------------------------
MAugust
New Board Newbie
USA 
*



Run like the wind!!!

   


Posts: 15
Re: Excercise as an abortive
« Reply #20 on: Dec 21st, 2005, 12:14pm »
Quote Quote Modify Modify

No Scott, that's not what I meant.
 
What I meant was that I won't have any CH's until or around Nov., 2007.  That being the case, I won't have any experiences to share for two years.  I also meant that since I, and people like me who don't use drugs to battle CH's, are in the minority, I don't feel like there is anything for me to contribute to the discussion, other than what I have already done.  I feel that by asking for replies from others who use exercise to abort CH attacks, I have highlighted this method and hopefully others will give it a try if they haven't already.
IP Logged
seasonalboomer
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
USA 
*****



If I think hard enough maybe it'll go away.....

   


Gender: male
Posts: 2248
Re: Excercise as an abortive
« Reply #21 on: Dec 21st, 2005, 12:51pm »
Quote Quote Modify Modify

on Dec 21st, 2005, 12:14pm, MAugust wrote:
No Scott, that's not what I meant.
 
What I meant was that I won't have any CH's until or around Nov., 2007.  That being the case, I won't have any experiences to share for two years.  I also meant that since I, and people like me who don't use drugs to battle CH's, are in the minority, I don't feel like there is anything for me to contribute to the discussion, other than what I have already done.  I feel that by asking for replies from others who use exercise to abort CH attacks, I have highlighted this method and hopefully others will give it a try if they haven't already.

 
Your contributions can be as important as you want them to be. There are many people like you that prefer to find methods other than pharmaceuticals to control their CH. They come here asking for help. Your contribution can be helpful to these souls seeking help and understanding. So, come when you can and help where you see those in need. Your method, while not universally applicable seems to work for many people, and you might just help someone who falls into the "exercise works" category.
 
scott
IP Logged

-----------------------------------------------------
seasonal boomer
-----------------------------------------------------
Dave
New Board Junior

**





   


Gender: male
Posts: 62
Re: Excercise as an abortive
« Reply #22 on: Dec 21st, 2005, 8:23pm »
Quote Quote Modify Modify

Exercise really does work wonders sometimes for a lot of people.  Especially because there are so many skeptics out there, we need to keep bringing this up as a topic so that anyone who might benefit gives it a shot.
 
My personal technique is using weight lifting.  And it doesn't matter what muscle group or type of lift.  I do ten lifts, the ten deep breaths, then ten more lifts, ten deep breaths, and so on.  I can feel the effect in 3-5 minutes.
IP Logged
cazman
New Board Veteran
USA 
***



if ya dont like it take a walk

    kingcazman
Email

Gender: male
Posts: 223
Re: Excercise as an abortive
« Reply #23 on: Dec 22nd, 2005, 10:39pm »
Quote Quote Modify Modify

ok heres a thought if heat and lack of movment cause attackes as ive read then running naked in the winter or on a cool night might be the answer ? yes? no?
IP Logged
Bob P
New Board Hall of Famer
USA 
*****




Shut up Bob!

   
WWW Email

Gender: male
Posts: 3436
Re: Excercise as an abortive
« Reply #24 on: Dec 23rd, 2005, 7:03am »
Quote Quote Modify Modify

MAugust,
 
Since you made it through this cycle unmedicated, do you think it made a difference in the length of the cycle?  Some have said in the past that they think the cycles are shorter unmedicated.
IP Logged

Mrs. Barlow, I never, and I repeat never, ever pissed in your steam iron.

"SHUT UP HUB!"
Pages: 1 2  Reply Reply Notify of replies Notify of replies Send Topic Send Topic Print Print

« Previous topic | Next topic »


Clusterheadaches.com Message Board » Powered by YaBB 1 Gold - SP 1.3.1!
YaBB © 2000-2003. All Rights Reserved.


©1998-2010 Web Vision Enterprises All rights reserved. All information on this site is protected by international copyright laws. You may not re-distribute any information from this site without written permission from Web Vision Enterprises and the webmaster of this site. Violators will be prosecuted.
You may view our privacy policy and financial disclosure statement here

test rss