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.
Michael Edson, MS, LAc
Michael Edson is the author of several books, the latest of which is Natural Parkinson's Support: Your Guide to Preventing & Managing Parkinson's (2020). He is a New York-state licensed acupuncturist and the co-founder and President of Natural Eye Care, Inc., established in 1999 to raise practitioner and public awareness of the role natural care can play in eye health and the treatment of eye disease.