Relieving headaches and migraines with cooling therapy

Many patients are looking for alternative methods of treatment for headaches and migraines, and many are looking for information on cooling therapy, among other things. For more than 100 years, cooling therapy has been one of the primary methods of self-treatment for migraines without and with aura^{! 1}.

How does cooling therapy work?

The pain-relieving effect of cooling therapy is probably due to the fact that the cold sensation can help to divert attention from the pain.

What does the research say about cooling therapy for migraines?

The studies that have been done on cooling therapy involve only a few patients. Since you cannot blind the studies (it is obvious to the user whether they have been given a cold or not cold ice pack) there will be a significant placebo effect.

Few studies exist that have investigated the effectiveness of cooling treatments specifically against migraines either as cooling headbands^{! 3} or as ice packs against the neck^{! 2}. In both studies, many of the participants' migraine pain was relieved within 30 minutes while applying the cooling. However, there is no evidence of a long-term relief or preventive effect^{! 2}.

Should I try cooling therapy?

Cooling therapy is readily available, inexpensive and many report relief from headaches and migraines, so it may be worth trying. Cooling therapy can also be used in conjunction with seizure therapy. It can also be used if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

For example, if you want to start cooling therapy, you can start by applying a bag of frozen peas or similar wrapped in a towel. Try it for a short period the first time to avoid getting too cold. If it hurts or becomes uncomfortable, stop. Does cooling therapy work for you, you can advance from the frozen peas and buy a bonnet/cooling cap specially developed for migraine sufferers. One of the newest products in this category is the Danish developed hood Relevo.

Not a substitute for professional medical advice

Although cooling treatments can offer quick relief, it is important to keep in mind that they do not replace professional medical advice. If you are not sure if you should seek medical advice, read more hereto.

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Sources:

1. Self-Administered Pain-Relieving Manoeuvres in Primary Headaches

2. Randomized Controlled Trial: Targeted Neck Cooling in the Treatment of the Migraine Patient (2013)

1. Cold intervention for relieving migraine symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis (2022)