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.
Lynn Eder, MFA
Lynn Eder is a professional writer and editor for the acupuncture profession. She was associate editor for The American Acupuncturist from 2009-13 and managing editor for Meridians: The Journal of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from 2014-2018.