If your headaches start in your neck, chances are you have wondered this at some point: “Should I be wearing a neck collar?” Maybe a doctor mentioned it or maybe someone in a support group swears by it or maybe you saw one online at 2 am, desperate for relief. And honestly? That question makes sense. When your head is pounding, your neck feels heavy, and even holding yourself upright feels like work, the idea of external support sounds comforting. Like finally letting something else hold you up. But here’s the part most people don’t explain well: A neck collar can help or it can quietly make things worse, depending on how you use it. Let’s talk through it in this blog.
A soft cervical collar limits motion and gives your neck temporary support. It can reduce strain when your muscles are already overwhelmed. Used briefly, it can:
- Calm down irritated muscles that are in spasm and causing nerve pain.
- Reduce movement during acute flare-ups
- Provide short-term relief when pain is intense
But it does not fix the root cause of cervicogenic headaches, which usually involve posture, muscle coordination, nerve sensitivity, and a nervous system stuck in protection mode.
A collar may make sense short-term if:
- You are in an acute pain flare and even small movements spike symptoms
- You have just had a medical procedure or injury (under guidance)
- You need temporary support during travel or a very demanding day
Think of it like crutches for your neck pain … helpful for a moment, not meant for long-term living.
However wearing a collar too often or for too long can:
- Weaken deep neck stabilisers that form the core muscles of the neck.
- Increase dependency on external support
- Teach your nervous system that your neck can not support itself.
Watch his video to learn Easy tips to manage Cervicogenic Headaches:
Most cervicogenic headaches improve when the body feels safe, supported. This can be achieved with:
- Gentle cervical alignment (not forceful correction)
- Small posture resets throughout the day
- Micro-movements that restore confidence in your neck
- Nervous system calming so muscles stop bracing constantly
A neck collar isn’t wrong option but it’s just not the long term solution. If you are looking for a targeted, sustainable approach, explore the course on 'Simple Solutions To Manage Your Cervicogenic Headache' It gives you the exact tools, movement routines and shifts needed to get to the root of your pain, without the overwhelm. This course walks you through a calm, step-by-step way to reduce neck-driven headaches. Find out more about the Cervicogenic Headache Course HERE.
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