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.
Lixing Lao, PhD, LAc
Dr. Lixing Lao is president of Virginia University of Integrative Medicine and co-chair (with Yemeng Chen, PhD, LAc) of the Conference on Wildlife Protection in TCM – Celebration of the Year of the Tiger.