Relieve-Headaches

Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that is produced by the pineal gland inside of the brain. There is increasing evidence that melatonin levels are related to migraine and cluster headaches. Synthetic melatonin is commonly used by people with sleeping disorders, such as insomnia, to help regulate their sleep cycles. Studies are currently under way to evaluate the efficacy of melatonin in the prevention and treatment of migraine headaches.

Although more research is required, early results are promising. In a study published in the August 2004 issue of Neurology, participants took just 3 mg of melatonin 30 minutes before bedtime for a period of 3 months. At the end of the study, 78% of participants reported a 50% decrease in headache frequency and 25% of participants reported no headaches at all during the study period.

If you are a migraine sufferer, then this may be an alternative therapy that is worth considering. Even though melatonin is available over the counter, you should always consult your doctor before beginning any new treatment.

Studies are currently under way to evaluate the efficacy of topical capsaicin in the prevention and relieve of cluster headaches. Capsaicin is the substance that makes chili peppers hot and in its purified form reduces certain types of pain when used over the course of a few weeks. It does this by depleting substance P, a neurochemical that transmits pain impulses to the brain.

Capsaicin cream is commonly used to treat muscle and joint pain, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and prutitis (itching) by applying to the skin. The treatment for cluster headaches involves applying the cream to the inside of the nose. This is, of course, incredibly uncomfortable to say the least. The fact that people would even consider this is attest to the intense pain that cluster headaches can cause.

The name brand, Zostrix is available over-the-counter. Please do not attempt to use intranasally without physician supervision.