The Sternocleidomastoid Muscle: A Key Player in Neck Pain and How Myotherapy Can Help
The Sternocleidomastoid Muscle: A Key Player in Neck Pain and How Myotherapy Can Help
Author: Jerry Song
The sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle is one of the most prominent muscles in the neck and plays a critical role in head and neck movement. Despite its importance, the SCM is often overlooked as a source of pain and tension. Dysfunction in this muscle can lead to a variety of symptoms, including headaches, neck pain, and even dizziness.
Anatomy and Function of the Sternocleidomastoid Muscle
The SCM is a paired muscle located on either side of the neck. It runs obliquely from the sternum and clavicle (collarbone) to the mastoid process (a bony prominence behind the ear).
Primary Functions:
- Neck Flexion: Both SCM muscles contract to bring the head forward.
- Lateral Flexion: When one SCM contracts, it tilts the head to the same side.
- Rotation: The SCM rotates the head to the opposite side when contracted unilaterally.
- Accessory Breathing: During laboured breathing, the SCM assists in elevating the ribcage.
Given its involvement in such a wide range of movements, the SCM is highly active and can easily become overworked.
Common Trigger Points in the SCM
Trigger points in the SCM are a common source of referred pain and other symptoms. These hyper-irritable spots can occur in both the sternal and clavicular heads of the muscle.
Typical Trigger Point Locations:
- Along the sternal head (from the sternum to the mastoid).
- In the clavicular head (from the clavicle to the mastoid).
Referred Pain Patterns:
- Headaches: Pain may radiate to the temples, forehead, or behind the eyes.
- Jaw and Ear Pain: Discomfort can extend to the jaw or mimic earaches.
- Throat Sensations: Some people report a lump-in-the-throat sensation.
- Dizziness or Vertigo: Dysfunction in the SCM can affect balance and proprioception.
Who Is Most Susceptible to SCM Issues?
Certain demographics and habits make some individuals more prone to SCM-related problems:
- Desk Workers and Students
- Prolonged forward head posture while sitting at a desk strains the SCM.
- People with High Stress Levels
- Stress can lead to muscle tension and shallow breathing, overactivating the SCM.
- Smartphone and Tablet Users
- Constantly looking down at devices (tech neck) places excessive strain on the SCM.
- Athletes
- Activities that involve repetitive neck movements or improper posture during training can cause SCM tension.
- Individuals with Respiratory Issues
- Conditions like asthma or COPD may lead to overuse of the SCM as an accessory breathing muscle.
- Drivers
- Extended periods of driving, especially with poor posture, can contribute to SCM tightness.
Myotherapy Treatments for the SCM
Myotherapy provides a comprehensive approach to treating SCM-related dysfunction, addressing both the muscle and contributing factors.
- Trigger Point Therapy
- Manual pressure is applied to deactivate trigger points and relieve referred pain.
- Myofascial Release
- Gentle techniques release tension in the fascia surrounding the SCM, improving flexibility and reducing pain.
- Dry Needling
- Fine needles are used to target trigger points in the SCM, promoting relaxation and improved blood flow.
- Stretching and Mobility Exercises
- Guided stretches can help lengthen the SCM and improve neck mobility.
- Example: A gentle neck rotation stretch while tilting the head backward.
- Postural Correction
- Addressing forward head posture or other imbalances helps reduce strain on the SCM.
- Heat and Ice Therapy
- Heat can relax tight muscles, while ice can reduce inflammation after intense use.
- Breathing Retraining
- Teaching proper diaphragmatic breathing reduces reliance on the SCM as an accessory breathing muscle.
- Education on Ergonomics
- Adjusting desk height, using ergonomic chairs, and taking regular breaks can prevent SCM strain.
Self-Care Tips for SCM Health
To minimise SCM tension and discomfort, consider these self-care strategies:
- Maintain Good Posture: Keep your head aligned with your spine, avoiding slouching or leaning forward.
- Take Regular Breaks: Avoid prolonged periods of sitting or looking down at devices.
- Practice Neck Stretches: Incorporate gentle stretches to keep the SCM relaxed.
- Manage Stress: Use relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, to reduce overall muscle tension.
- Seek Preventative Myotherapy: Regular sessions can identify and address tension before it leads to pain.
Example case study
A patient (M, 59) presented with ongoing neck and upper back pain, recently confirmed by an MRI to be associated with a slipped disc at the C2/3 junction and cervical arthritis. Prior to the MRI, the patient had reported improvement in symptoms following regular myotherapy treatments. Upon examination, the patient displayed significant tone in his SCM, particularly the left one. After a Myotherapy treatment that included myofascial cupping, dry needling, and trigger point therapy, the patient reported a noticeable improvement in cervical range of motion, and reduced tenderness in previously sensitive areas.
This case highlights the effectiveness of myotherapy interventions in managing complex cervical spine conditions, such as a slipped disc and arthritis. By addressing muscular tension, improving blood flow, and restoring mobility, the treatment provided significant symptom relief and functional improvement.
Future sessions will continue to focus on maintaining the progress achieved, with adjustments to the treatment plan as needed based on ongoing assessments.
The sternocleidomastoid muscle is a vital player in neck movement, posture, and even breathing, but it’s also a common source of pain and dysfunction. Trigger points in the SCM can lead to headaches, neck pain, dizziness, and other symptoms that significantly impact daily life. While we’ve focused on the SCM in this article, it’s also important to note that in most cases, pain arises from multiple contributing factors, including other muscles, joints, and overall movement patterns. For this reason, it’s always best to seek a proper assessment from an experienced therapist to identify the root cause of the issue and develop an effective treatment and self-care plan.
If you or someone you know are dealing with a SCM condition, musculoskeletal pain, or even myofascial trigger points, book an appointment to see Jerry now for an initial consultation so we can assess your condition and come up with an appropriate and tailored treatment plan to manage your pain. Simply click this booking link for the myotherapy initial consultation with our experienced myotherapists.
