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.

Wouldn’t it be nice if someone gave you a magic pill that would stop your headaches forever? Well, if you are a habitual smoker, then the magic pill is as close as that last pack of cigarettes. Smoking is a known trigger for all types of headaches and quitting or cutting back can significantly reduce or eliminate the onset of migraine and cluster headaches in most adults.Smoking increases the level of carbon dioxide in the blood stream and the nicotine in cigarettes constricts the blood vessels. This decreases the blood flow and reduces the amount of oxygen getting to the brain. Smoking also stimulates the ganglion nerves in the back of the throat which can also contribute to headache pain. One recent study by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology showed that smokers in general have higher rates of headaches than non-smokers and, as a result, take more over-the-counter medicines which contain caffeine. Excessive caffeine can also be a trigger for cluster headaches.

A survey of 1,000 migraine sufferers in the Detroit area found that 33% of the participants admitted to regular use of tobacco. This is almost double the percentage among the non-smoking population. It is painfully obvious that any serious treatment program for chronic headaches must begin with the cessation of smoking.