The SCM refers to the sternocleiodomastoid muscle. This muscle run along the side of the neck to the front and middle of the chest. This muscle is often the cause of whiplash symptoms following a car accident or other high-impact jolt to the head or body. When this muscle is massaged it can alleviate incident-related headaches because this muscle holds several nerve-triggering points that may cause headache pain.
An SCM massage is often considered when patients are seeking natural remedies for headaches or headaches following a car accident.

There is no single cure because there is no known cause and symptoms often vary dramatically between patients. It has been found that over the counter pain medications have no effect on the pain from these types of headaches.

Instead, oxygen inhalation is the first given treatment in a clinical setting. Natural remedies include magnesium supplements, feverfew, and melatonin. Hot showers have been shown to work for a small percentage of patients as well.

Preventive solutions are often suggested, triggers to avoid include nitroglycerin, alcohol, excessive heat, and sometimes specific foods depending on the individual.

Cluster Headaches grouped bouts of headaches, normally between 1 and 5 episodes in a day and usually in a set period of time which can span over a couple or days up to several months. They often involve intense pain interrupted by spontaneously going away. It is often a neurological disease but the cause is unknown. Over the counter pain medications have no effect on the pain from these types of headaches. Instead, oxygen inhalation is the first given treatment in a clinical setting. Natural remedies include magnesium supplements, feverfew, and melatonin. Hot showers have been shown to work for a small percentage of patients as well.

It really depends on what type of headache you have to approach it with the “best” remedy. This can be a trial and error process depending on what your body responds to, however, clinical trials are showing several natural remedies are efficient in alleviating discomfort.

Clinical studies are ongoing but current natural supplements that alleviate headache pain include: Magnesium, Riboflavin, Coenzyme Q10, as well as B Complex.

These can all be found at your local pharmacy or natural food store. Another option is massaging with a mixture of peppermint and/or wintergreen oils along the shoulders and back of the neck. These muscles are often directly correlated with headaches when tense.