The sternocleidomastoid muscle, which connects the head, neck and upper spine, has direct neurological relationships with both the trigeminal system and upper cervical nerves. When irritated or tight, this muscle can mimic or drive migraine symptoms – headache, eye redness, drooping eyelids, and restricted neck movement. This case demonstrates how important it is to assess and treat the musculoskeletal system in patients whose migraines don’t respond to conventional care.
Asian Bodywork Therapy
Pam Ferguson, Dipl. ABT (NCCAOM), AOBTA & GSD-CI, LMT
Pamela Ellen Ferguson is semi-retired after years of teaching primarily CEU and advanced ABT courses in the U.S., Canada, Switzerland, Germany and Austria. She was AOMA’s dean emerita of ABT and a former board member of the AOBTA. For previous column articles, visit her online columnist page. She also welcomes comments via email: pamelacudot@gmail.com.