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.
Jule Pretki-Weber, LAc, MSOM
Julie Predki-Weber is a licensed acupuncturist and certified health coach. She is currently the lead TCM health coach at Elix Healing, a woman-founded and led, mission-driven TCM startup that delivers personalized herbal formulas and coaching for menstrual and hormone health, and standardized formulas supporting stress, immunity, and digestion. Contact her with questions and comments at Julie@elixhealing.com.