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.
Carly Druck, LAc
Carly Druck is a classical Chinese acupuncturist who studied under Jeffry Yuen. She attained a Master of Science in Acupuncture from the Swedish Institute of Health Services in 2009, and practices in Edison, N.J. She welcomes feedback to this article via email at CDhealing@gmail.com.