Hello everyone,

Have had episodes since I was 18, finally diagnoses three years ago by the age of 41.... had always gone to orthopedic doctor since the pain always starts in the back.... what really helps me is ostheopatic treatment to prevent episodes, during episodes oxygen and relpax can bring relief.
From what I read I shouldnt complain, have attacks usually only in the night and mild ones in the afternoon.
Episodes usually occur in the spring or fall, as mentioned starting with problems in my back/neck. Chiropractioners used to help, last few times it actually aggrevated it... seems like the neck is my week spot and the more you do to it, the worse it gets...
My question has to do with my neck, though: Three years ago, it got so bad that I was taken to the hospital, where they finally diagnosed me with CH, but they also gave me a injection in my neck and I felt great for two days.... anyone here who knows about injections to block the occcidental nerve?
Anyway, glad to have found this website, plenty of useful information!!! Thanks!

We are fascinating creatures to observe.

We decide what is truth and then, suprise!, we find it.

"You have the wrong doctor; you worship the wrong god; you eat the wrong food; my pill is better than your's." And on and on....

O.K., a serious reply to your question....

The prevailing theory is that Cluster arises from some malfunction of the hypothalamus--a section in our brain.

This does not mean your neck may not be the source of pain for there are a number of disorders which mimic Cluster but which are not primary headache disorders. The big issue is to get a good diagnostic work-up. Mecical literature and our collective experience shows that most docs have very little useful training/experience/skill in working with complex headache disorders.

If you have the option, seek a headache specialist to do the diagnosis.