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.
Jacob Godwin, LAc, MAOM
Jacob Godwin graduated from the Academy of Oriental Medicine at Austin and is currently in private practice in Austin, Texas. He has studied Daoism since age 17, and enjoys sharing the wealth of wisdom in Oriental medicine with his community and the world through his practice, his writing and his lectures.