Guide To Preventing And Treating A Cervicogenic Headache

Ice The Affected Area

If a patient suspects their cervicogenic headache is caused by pain in their neck, they can try icing the area when the headache begins. This can help them ward off a few of their worse symptoms, and it can also take away some of the pain they’re feeling. Patients can hold an ice pack to the back of their neck for ten minutes at a time to start. Some patients find too much ice can make their skin feel like it’s in pain, which is not helpful, so this is why the time is only ten minutes. They should also use cloth in between the ice pack and their neck to ensure it doesn't get painful.

If a patient prefers an ice-cold shower, they can stand in the shower and allow the water to pulsate on the back of their neck or their forehead to help ease the pain. These methods might not work for everyone, but they do help when the cervicogenic headache is only just forming or when their pain isn’t severe.

Get the details on more ways to prevent and treat a cervicogenic headache.