Tie a knot in the open end of the sock, or use rubber bands to serve as ties to close off a few inches at both ends. Check the temperature to determine the best length of time to heat the rice in your microwave. Wrap the sock around your neck, lie down on your back or sit with your head supported, and allow your muscles to relax. This is an excellent time to practice relaxation techniques and abdominal breathing. If you do not have a microwave you can use a heating pad.
Models are widely available with a moist heat option.
Also use ice, applied to the back of your neck, to prevent headaches. Many people use ice, usually placed on the forehead, to reduce discomfort after a headache has started. However, ice can be far more effective when it is used before a headache develops, or at the earliest sign of a headache. Ice can be a very valuable addition to behavioral strategies for headache prevention and early intervention. These two uses of ice, for prevention of pain after exercise and prevention of headaches, are described below.