What’s Your Secret: Neck Pain Solution

By Holly Harding

1 min read

After several decades of navigating severe neck pain as one of her primary and most troublesome migraine symptoms, Holly shares the various solutions she has employed to seek relief.

In the comment section below, please share the solutions you have tried to address neck pain – both the hits and misses - so that the rest of us can learn from your wisdom and experience.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The Migraine.com team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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meg2 Member
My neck tightens up so much I end up using Ben Gay or other salves that help. I also use a heat wrap as that seems to ease the muscle pain
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="meg2" user-id="3827160"/> Thanks for sharing what works for you. I'm always fascinated to hear how some people respond to heat vs. cold packs. Part of my migraine presentation has to do with the sensation of heating up - so the application of heat seems counterintuitive. I know many who count on it completely. I wonder what that's about. Thanks again for chiming in! Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
mrs-doyle Member
Ugh! That neck stuff can be the beast to beat all beasts. One of my migraine components is being cold, so much to the point of chills with teeth chattering, so getting myself warmed up with heating pads, electric blanket, full body warm up eases the clenching which helps the neck tension. Showers unfortunately don’t make the cut because they feel like nails blasting my skin and my blood pressure gets wonky and I get weak and wobbly and don’t need to fall and complicate things even more. I have success with the wooden nobby you showed, and one thing that’s nice about it is it doesn’t require as much hand strength to get a good effect. I love my tennis balls in a sock and use them all the time. I get them positioned just so as a way to prop up my head in a chair or pillows in bed. The only downside is our very large dog discovered there are tennis balls in some socks and will either try and sneak them to hide if I don’t put them up, or sit and stare with eyes begging for a ball. She’s an early alert for my migraine (her behavior changes when she smells something that changes with me), so it is fair that I share the balls with her. I make an essential oil blend in a rollerball to apply to my neck and it really helps to release the tension/spasms. Hubby uses it for his shins that spaz on him just from living life. It’s the first thing I grab along with my meds. One thing I have recognized is that the amount of sensory overwhelm I’m managing can have me tense from bracing against the light, sound, touch, etc. so if I can limit light with an eye mask, minimize noise or use noise canceling headphones, make sure what’s touching my skin isn’t aggravating, then each notch down corresponds to a notch down in muscle tension. I’ve found a couple brief guided meditation on Insight Timer that walk through getting a massage, and while not as great as the real thing, they have been helpful at times. Oh, yeah how could I forget, the Thera Cane Massager. It’s a well designed curvy stick with knobs that can let you reach those spots you just can’t reach on your own usually. And a big wedge pillow to elevate lower legs. They are different than the triangle shaped ones that elevate your top half, more like a block for your calves to rest on with a bit that angles back to support your thighs. It sound counterintuitive to elevate your lower legs, but it shifts the whole alignment from tail to top which is all connected. Basically I’m lying on the floor, or very stiff mattress, (we have Sleepnumber mattress that inflates), with my legs elevated, heating pads or electric blanket covered with another blanket, probably a hoodie sweater, an eye mask, headphones, oil rubbed into my neck, tennis balls in a sock under my neck, and a very large German Shepard lovingly watching over me (or trying to calculate how to get the balls without disturbing me). I bust out the wooden nobby or Thera Cane a little later in the process when my system is starting to simmer down and can navigate the skin sensation, extra stimulation. I had initially found relief with Botox injections, but then they stopped working and I thought that was the increase in shoulder/neck/back issues, but once I stopped Botox all together everything improved. So Botox was great, then not so great, but that’s been true for nearly everything. I’m grateful it was an option for me. 
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="mrs-doyle" user-id="3838762"/> Oh this is so helpful! I'm really grateful for these recommendations. I will get online and start doing some ordering. I'm not sure I can recall the scent of Neroli or palo santo. I'm up for trying it. A few years ago I went essential oil crazy and bought some starter kits with a lot of samples but then moved and gave it away while downsizing. So, I appreciate the names of good companies. I'll also research the two headphones you suggest. These days it's so easy to return things to amazon, I suppose I could order both and try them on and return that which I don't like as much. Fascinating by your realization that your experiential response to music was indeed unique. There are so many parts of the migraine experience, as it's neurological, that are difficult to articulate and yet are things many of us have experienced since childhood. We assume they are universal. Wild when we realize they are unique to us. And we are similarly unique in the way we respond to scents, lights, and sounds. And yet- the solutions - that which help to soothe and calm a sensitive sensory system- can sometimes be universal. So, to that, I'm grateful for the ideas you're offering. So grateful that you're passing along your well-earned wisdom to the rest of us so we can learn from you. Warmly- Holly <a href='https://-migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>-migraine.com</a> team.
2. Rebecca C Moderator
 <inline-mention username="mrs-doyle" user-id="3838762"/> - there's some great information here - ty! I fear all those scents may cause my asthma to act up (maybe one or two would possibly be okay) - I've been to my massage therapist where she has these scents. I may ask her to try some. Also, the whole description of irritation you get from sound and earplug fit is a common struggle for me as well. When migraine attacks visit, I need light easy sounds of nature or no sound at all (earplugs). Thankfully, I have a very quiet home (barring two barking dogs) where I can escape noise and chaos when I need to. Thanks for the useful tips. Rebecca (comm advc)
wappaw Member
Nice video. I, like you, have tried many things to relieve my neck pain associated with migraine. Neck pain is my number one precursor prior to migraine onset, and a continuous major source of pain, along with the head pain during the migraine, and residual pain after the migraine. I remember, years ago, going to the ER asking if they could just cut the neck muscle that felt as if was twisting my head off my neck. I have tried: Acupuncture, multiple rounds of physical therapy, including the McKenzie technique where the physical therapist used me as a model for teaching the technique to other therapists, Bio-Freeze, Icy-Hot, Lidocaine sprays and roll-ons, Menthol sprays and roll-ons, neck slings that hang off of door knobs, the Back Cane, wooden massage devices, Chiropractic sessions, vibrators, heat packs, ice packs, Tens units, the list is endless. 
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="wappaw" user-id="3905284"/> Glad this video resonated with you. It sounds like your list of remedies may be similar to mine! I also remember begging the ER to chop off my head- your request was much more specific and articulate. I forgot about the McKenzie technique. And yes- the acupuncturist, chiropractor, physical therapist, and yes, I also forgot about the tens unit (which didn't do a thing for me, personally). The list really is endless as this has been a many decades long battle (sounds as if it has been for you as well). Also nerve blocks! You didn't mention botox as a strategy you had tried. Did you ever experiment with that as it's so often employed for neck-related migraine pain. Thanks so much for sharing some of your journey with us. Hope you'll continue to do so and stay in touch. So helpful to learn from one another. Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
azreynolds Member
<inline-mention username="Holly Harding" user-id="3755969"/> OK, this is too funny! I'm sitting in the waiting room to get an MRI on my neck right this minute!! I haven't had a chance to watch the video yet, but my neck processes involve my tens unit, ice packs switching back and forth with moist heat, CBD oil cream from Highland Pharms, and PT exercises I've been doing since I was 19 after my first car accident being rear-ended by a drunk. The MRI is to see why I locked up completely 2 weeks ago, unable to move even a fraction of an inch. Also, I can't get cervical epidurals anymore because there's no room for a needle anymore because the discs are almost completely gone and I'm bone on bone in several places. My pain doc wants me to try another radio-frequency ablation next. We shall see! PS. Today is our 22nd wedding anniversary! 😁
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="azreynolds" user-id="3677307"/> Oh dear. I'm so sorry to hear about these results. How long do you expect to have to wait? I hope not too long so you can get to some solutions and relief. Thinking of you. - Holly (migraine.com team).
2. Melissa Arnold Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="azreynolds" user-id="3677307"/> OUCH. That sounds miserable. I'm assuming surgery is off the table? It's too bad that we can't replace a spine, huh? Sending you a gentle hug today, Annie. -Melissa, <a href='https://migraine.com' target='_blank'>migraine.com</a> team
cydyth Member
I was getting terrible neck pain. I have been working hard on my posture and also use muscle relaxants and arnica gel (otc).
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="cydyth" user-id="3698145"/> Ahh- yes the employment of muscle relaxants and arnica. Good suggestions. I've tried both of those in the past as well. Bringing our consciousness to our posture is always a great idea, but very easy to forget to do! Thanks for chiming in on this! Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
2. mrs-doyle Member
 <inline-mention username="cydyth" user-id="3698145"/> Arnica is awesome! Thanks for that reminder!
Nancy Harris Bonk Moderator
Thanks <inline-mention username="Holly Harding" user-id="3755969"/>. I love this! I'm a fan of Migrastil roll on! Nancy Harris Bonk, Patient Leader/Moderator <a href='https://migraine.com' target='_blank'>MIgraine.com</a> Team 
1. Nancy Harris Bonk Moderator
 <inline-mention username="Holly Harding" user-id="3755969"/> I was VERY skeptical of it at first, but tired it and REALLY like it. HEre'shttps://migrastil.com/ a link; https://migrastil.com/ Today is so-so. I hope your day is going well and I miss you too!! Nancy Harris Bonk, Patient Leader/Moderator <a href='https://migraine.com' target='_blank'>Migraine.com</a> Team 
2. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Nancy Harris Bonk" user-id="3845796"/> Oh! Now that I look it up, I realize I already have and use that! It's in my little go-to purse make-up bag! I love it- great smell! Thanks, dear! Stormy over here in NC so I'm laying low. I SO wish we lived closer. Sending love- H. (migraine.com team).
javt Member
My neck pain has started to become a real problem again after years of hardly bothering me, making the bed or getting together a load of laundry can do me in. My trusty heating pad and muscle relaxant a bit of stretching are it right now. I've just moved to FL from MI I have a new Neurologist, only seen him once but he sent me for an MRI on the brain and neck because of the fact that I didn't move my neck well and kept my head tipped. He talked about injections, I had a cervicogenic block (I think that is what it was called) for headaches once it was only moderately helpful and the insurance I had a that time wouldn't pay for it. I do remember physical therapy helped. At this point I'm willing to try just about anything 
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="javt" user-id="3781182"/> Thanks so much for sharing some of your journey with us. I wanted to at least make mention of the idea of trying Botox for both your neck and migraine condition. There is something called "cervical dystonia" that I'd encourage you to speak with your neurologist about. When you talk about tipping your head, that could be something that's at play. Take a look at some of our resources on the topic here: https://migraine.com/search?s=cervical%20dystonia. As I said Botox can be employed for both conditions if you end up being diagnosed. I also know that moving can be a stressor and so perhaps you've some extra stiffness from all that's involved in that transition. That would certainly be reasonable. Thinking of you! - Holly (migraine.com team).
simchristine Member
Neck pain, one of my 3 main migraine symptoms - this, along with terrible nausea and vertigo. I used to have almost exclusively silent migraines at first (not the case anymore), that were only “silent” in my head, or the head pain was minimal, compared to the total mess my other body parts were in. Actually, my doctor was able to finally diagnose me with migraines, based on the specific description of my neck pain. Sometimes, the pain in my neck fully mimicked the usual head pain - pulsating, nauseating, one-sided, unbearable. It was like an “echo” of an actual head pain. So, in my case it was a symptom itself, rather than an accompanying pain from built-up tension during an attack. After the attack was completely gone, it sometimes felt my neck was so loose, it wouldn’t hold my head up. As for the reliefs - during the attack, nothing works. After an attack, it usually resolves on its own, but it may take a couple of hours or even days. I figured what helps me during this time - a gentle stretching yoga and progressive muscle relaxation (the part when you contract your muscles, then release). This speeds up the process of recovery a little bit - and it has benefits of preventing any blockage in the long-term.
1. Nancy Harris Bonk Moderator
 <inline-mention username="simchristine" user-id="3886984"/> Thank you for reaching out and sharing your journey with us. You're not alone in having migraine attack symptoms and patterns to change over time, mine sure have. It sounds like you have a good plan in place to help combat the sore muscles. I understand how frustrating that is. Wishing you a low pain day, Nancy Harris Bonk, Patient Leader/Moderator <a href='https://migraine.com' target='_blank'>Migraine.com</a> Team 
2. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="simchristine" user-id="3886984"/> How interesting to hear the way your attacks present. Sounds like you have a solid partnership with your doctor yet I'm sorry to hear you haven't found something to provide relief during the actual attack phase. That is tough. If you haven't found success preventing or treating the migraine attack itself, do you take or do anything to manage the symptoms related to it (nausea, neck pain, vertigo)? Glad you have found a way to assist you with the post-attack phase. I appreciate your sharing your earned wisdom with the rest of us so we can learn from you. Please stay in touch and glad you're with us. Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
Rebecca C Moderator
Such a great topic, <inline-mention username="Holly Harding" user-id="3755969"/>! I have been dealing with this issue for greater than 20 years. Dealing with migraines, muscle spasms, osteoarthritis as well as inflammatory arthritis, my neck is a major pain in the arse. Have had 2-level cervical fusion and 3-level thoracic fusion with about 4 other spinal surgeries. I have many of the tools you introduced in the video and more which are extremely helpful. I have a heated neck massager as well as a heated back massager and use full-spectrum hemp/CBD & THC-infused ointment & cream on my neck when it is acting up. Charlotte's Web <a href='https://www.icharlotte.com/hemp-balms?utm_source=google&utm_medium=pla&utm_term=7601947&utm_content=37577817&utm_campaign=1800948&gclid=Cj0KCQjw1ZeUBhDyARIsAOzAqQKdpIHkpJPD_eykmue4qIwQ_7o6j5_d1XId93euT1zbW6vtXBPH4-saAnAEEALw_wcB' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>https://www.icharlotte.com/hemp-balms?utm_source=google&utm_medium=pla&utm_term=7601947&utm_content=37577817&utm_campaign=1800948&gclid=Cj0KCQjw1ZeUBhDyARIsAOzAqQKdpIHkpJPD_eykmue4qIwQ_7o6j5_d1XId93euT1zbW6vtXBPH4-saAnAEEALw_wcB</a> or For The People Dark Unrefined CBD (stains - be careful) Here's a list of the best in 2022. <a href='https://www.forbes.com/health/body/best-cbd-creams/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>https://www.forbes.com/health/body/best-cbd-creams/</a> Warmly Rebecca (comm advc)
Rebecca C Moderator
Forgot to mention, <inline-mention username="Holly Harding" user-id="3755969"/>, I have also had dry needling in PT that works wonders. Does anyone else have experience with this? Similar to acupuncture but the needles are used a little more aggressively to stimulate the muscles to relax. Also, the site for CBD for The People is <a href='https://cbdforthepeople.com/category/topical-cbd-salves/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>https://cbdforthepeople.com/category/topical-cbd-salves/</a> Hope this is informative. Rebecca (comm advc) 
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Rebecca C" user-id="3677527"/> thanks for sharing this resource! Dry needling is something I have yet to try. Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
Amanda Workman Moderator & Contributor
Unfortunately, it all depends for me. Sometimes, heat is just the thing I need; in these cases, I can take a hot bath or use a neck heating pad. On the other hand, there are times when my body is putting of so much heat that there is no way I could handle a hot bath. These times some neck massaging and pressure points seem to help more. I do have muscle relaxers that I can take as needed. They can help with the neck muscles that get so tight. When I had my knee surgery, my sister found some CBD gummies that help me relax as well. They also encourage me to eat, which can sometimes be part of my problem! - Amanda (Team Member)
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Amanda Workman" user-id="3715820"/> This is interesting to me- I find that when my botox wears off, my neck pain increases tenfold and I can feel much larger lumps in my neck which I feel drawn to massage and dig into. I'm never sure if doing so is smart or whether or not I'm exacerbating matters by doing so. Sometimes I get the sense that by digging around, I'm releasing toxins that are gathered within the lumps during each migraine thereby causing more attacks in the coming days. but perhaps that's all in my mind! Thanks for sharing what works for you. Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
zazoo1978 Member
I regularly see a chiropractor and a massage therapist. I have that thing pictured in the video that you lie back on and it supports your neck. While I was able to work from home, I used it every day and found that it would relax my whole body---so not specifically my neck but I thought it was great. I don't get results like that with sporadic use, unfortunately. I use a pain relief spray from L.E.H. Soap Company which I love---it has peppermint, eucalyptus and rosemary oils. I used to diligently use a diffuser but that habit has worn off as well. Peppermint is my go to, but I also use eucalyptus, lavender, chamomile and rosemary---often in combinations. These were all recommended by an acupuncturist I used to see. I'm going to start trying this again too. I have a Shakti pillow that I haven't given much of a chance. I like cold on my head and heat on my shoulders, so I kind of alternate for my neck. I have a thing with two balls that gets frozen, so I keep it in the freezer and use that every once in awhile. Finally, I'm contemplating printing signs that say "drop your shoulders" and placing them around my home, office and car because my shoulders are always up at my ears 😒 
1. zazoo1978 Member
 <inline-mention username="Holly Harding" user-id="3755969"/> I used to use this for at least 20 minutes every day. After awhile my whole body would relax. But that doesn't happen when I use it sporadically. <img src="/content/images/2022/05/29/e197d836717a6fd3d1bcc68f84af4d49_medium.jpg" alt="" class="uploaded-image"/>
2. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="zazoo1978" user-id="3923919"/> Ah! THAT thingamajig! Thanks so much for clarifying. I'll have to pull it out and give it a second try (consistently!). Thanks again for sharing what has worked for you. Glad you're with us. Warmly- Holly <a href='https://-migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>-migraine.com</a> team.
tigger2 Member
My helpful hints for my neck with a migraine are putting an ice pack on the back of it. I also use a cap called Thera Ice which works very well for the whole head & neck. Last one is to freeze water in a paper cup & rip part of the cup away & massage the ice over the neck area. Use a towel with it as the ice will melt but it really does help with the cold & the massage. 
1. Nancy Harris Bonk Moderator
 <inline-mention username="tigger2" user-id="3825210"/> Thanks for sharing! I love the idea of freezing water in a paper cup - genius! How are you doing today? Nancy Harris Bonk, Patient Leader/Moderator <a href='https://migraine.com' target='_blank'>Migraine.com</a> Team 
2. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="tigger2" user-id="3825210"/> - great tip! Love this idea with the paper cup! Thank you so much for sharing this with our community! Warmly- Holly <a href='https://-migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>-migraine.com</a> team.