What medication is good for cervical pain and headaches?

October 11, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the American Migraine Foundation, cervicogenic headaches, which originate from a problem in the neck, are often confused with other headache types. Understanding the underlying cause is crucial when determining what medication is good for cervical pain and headaches, as treatment targets the source of the pain.

Quick Summary

This article explores medication options for cervical pain and headaches, including anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, and prescription pain relievers. It covers both over-the-counter and advanced treatments while emphasizing the importance of proper diagnosis.

Key Points

Consult a Doctor First: A healthcare professional must diagnose the specific cause of your pain to prescribe the most effective and safest treatment.
OTC Options for Initial Relief: For mild pain, over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen are effective for reducing inflammation, while acetaminophen offers an alternative for pain relief.
Prescription Medications Target Specific Causes: For severe pain, doctors may prescribe muscle relaxants for spasms, antidepressants for nerve pain, or antiseizure medications for damaged nerves.
Advanced Treatments for Persistent Pain: Nerve blocks and Botox injections are options for refractory cases that don't respond to oral medication.
Medication Overuse is a Risk: Frequent use of some OTC pain relievers can cause dependency and trigger more headaches, a condition known as medication-overuse headache.
Holistic Approach for Long-term Relief: The most successful treatment plans combine medication with non-drug therapies like physical therapy, ergonomic adjustments, and posture correction.

Understanding the link between cervical pain and headaches

Cervical pain and headaches often occur together, especially in the case of cervicogenic headaches. These headaches are defined as pain that originates in the neck but is felt in the head, often starting from the back of the head and radiating to the front, temples, or behind the eyes. Common triggers include whiplash injuries, poor posture, or underlying conditions like cervical spondylosis or herniated discs. Because the pain stems from neck issues, treatments focus on addressing the cervical spine rather than just the headache itself. An accurate diagnosis from a healthcare provider is the first and most critical step before starting any medication regimen.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications for mild to moderate pain

For managing mild to moderate pain, several readily available OTC medications can be effective. These are often the first line of defense for temporary relief.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): These medications, including ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) and naproxen sodium (Aleve), are effective because they reduce both pain and inflammation. This is particularly helpful for cervical pain caused by inflammation in the spinal joints or surrounding nerves. However, overuse can lead to adverse effects like stomach bleeding and may even cause medication-overuse headaches.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol): This pain reliever is an alternative for those who cannot tolerate NSAIDs. It works by blocking pain signals rather than reducing inflammation. It is generally considered safer for the stomach but can cause liver damage if taken in excessive doses.
Combination Products: Some OTC products, such as Excedrin, combine acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine. The caffeine helps enhance the absorption and effects of the other ingredients.

Prescription medications for more severe or chronic pain

When OTC options are insufficient, a doctor may prescribe stronger medications to target the specific cause of the pain.

Muscle Relaxants: For pain related to muscle spasms or tension in the neck, muscle relaxants like cyclobenzaprine (Amrix) or methocarbamol (Robaxin) may be prescribed. These help alleviate the spasms, which can in turn ease headaches. A key side effect to be aware of is drowsiness, and some patients may experience headaches as a side effect.
Antidepressants: Certain antidepressants, particularly tricyclic antidepressants and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine (Cymbalta), are sometimes used to manage chronic pain, including headaches. They work by modulating pain signals in the nervous system.
Anti-seizure Medications: Drugs like gabapentin (Neurontin) and pregabalin (Lyrica) can be prescribed to calm damaged or overactive nerves, effectively dulling nerve pain associated with cervical conditions.
Corticosteroids: For short-term, severe pain and inflammation, oral corticosteroids like prednisone or targeted injections may be used. These powerful anti-inflammatory agents can provide significant but temporary relief.

Advanced and procedural treatments

For persistent or refractory cases, more targeted treatments may be necessary, often administered by a pain specialist.

Nerve Blocks: This involves injecting a local anesthetic, sometimes with a steroid, near the affected nerves in the neck or head. It serves both a diagnostic and therapeutic purpose, and if it provides relief, it confirms the source of the pain.
Botulinum Toxin Injections (Botox): Though evidence is limited for cervicogenic headaches specifically, Botox is an FDA-approved treatment for chronic migraines and may be used for refractory cases.
Radiofrequency Ablation: In severe cases where other treatments fail, a physician might use a radiofrequency tool to destroy the nerve causing the pain.

Medication comparison table


Medication Class	Primary Action	Availability	Typical Use Case	Potential Side Effects
NSAIDs	Reduces inflammation and pain	OTC/Prescription	Mild to moderate pain from inflammation	Stomach bleeding, kidney issues, medication-overuse headache
Acetaminophen	Relieves pain, not inflammation	OTC	Mild pain, alternative to NSAIDs	Liver damage with overuse
Muscle Relaxants	Relieves muscle spasms	Prescription	Pain from muscle tension	Drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth
Antidepressants	Modulates nerve pain signals	Prescription	Chronic pain, nerve-related symptoms	Drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision
Antiseizure Meds	Dulls damaged nerve pain	Prescription	Nerve-related pain and tingling	Dizziness, fatigue, nervousness
Corticosteroids	Powerful anti-inflammatory	Prescription/Injections	Severe pain, short-term use	Short-term side effects vary; injection-specific risks

Non-pharmacological therapies

Medication is often most effective when combined with other therapies that address the root cause of the pain. Physical therapy, for example, is a cornerstone of treatment for cervicogenic headaches, focusing on exercises and stretches to improve posture, strengthen neck muscles, and increase range of motion. Chiropractic care and manual therapy can also help by improving cervical spine alignment and function. Lifestyle modifications, such as ergonomic adjustments at work, proper sleeping posture, and stress management, are also critical for long-term relief and prevention.

Conclusion

While many medications can provide relief for cervical pain and headaches, the most effective treatment depends on the underlying cause. Over-the-counter NSAIDs or acetaminophen are suitable for temporary relief of mild symptoms, but more severe or chronic pain often requires prescription medications like muscle relaxants, antidepressants, or nerve pain modulators. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan. Combining medication with physical therapy and lifestyle adjustments offers the most comprehensive and sustainable approach to managing these conditions. For further information, the Mayo Clinic provides excellent resources on cervical spondylosis and related conditions. Learn more at the Mayo Clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

A cervicogenic headache is head pain that originates from an underlying problem in the neck, such as an injury, arthritis, or a slipped disc. The pain typically starts in the neck and radiates to the head.

NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) are often more effective for cervical pain caused by inflammation because they reduce both pain and swelling. Acetaminophen is a pain reliever without anti-inflammatory properties, making it an alternative for those who cannot take NSAIDs.

You should generally avoid taking OTC pain relievers more than two to three times per week. Frequent, long-term use can lead to side effects or medication-overuse headaches, and if you need them that often, you should see a doctor.

A doctor may prescribe a muscle relaxant like cyclobenzaprine (Amrix) or methocarbamol (Robaxin) to relieve muscle spasms and tension in the neck that can contribute to pain and headaches.

Yes, certain antidepressants, such as tricyclic antidepressants and duloxetine, are sometimes prescribed for chronic pain, including headaches. They work by altering pain signals in the nervous system.

A nerve block is an injection of a local anesthetic, sometimes combined with a steroid, into specific nerves in the neck or head. It can help both diagnose and treat the source of cervicogenic headache pain.

Physical therapy is a key component of treatment for cervicogenic headaches. It helps address the underlying neck issues through stretches, exercises, and posture correction, often providing more lasting relief than medication alone.