The neck is vital in keeping the head upright in a casual relationship with the cervical spine. The neck is home to the thyroid organ and the surrounding muscles that help support the neck to the rest of the body. One of the muscles that helps support the neck is the sternocleidomastoid. When traumatic forces begin to affect the neck, over time can lead to the development of chronic conditions associated with pain. When individuals start to feel pain affecting their neck, it can cause them to be miserable and find ways to relieve the pain they are experiencing. Today’s article focuses on the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle, how trigger points affect it, and ways to relieve SCM pain. We refer patients to certified providers who specialize in musculoskeletal treatments to aid individuals with SCM-related trigger points along the neck. We also guide our patients by referring them to our associated medical providers based on their examination when appropriate. We ensure that education is the solution to asking our providers insightful questions. Dr. Jimenez, DC, observes this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
Have you been experiencing pain along the sides of your neck? What about limited mobility when you turn your neck from side to side? Or do headaches seem to worsen throughout the entire day? Some of these symptoms are associated with neck pain and could affect the surrounding connected muscles. One of the surrounding muscles that lies behind the thyroid is the SCM, or sternocleidomastoid muscle. The sternocleidomastoid muscle is a long muscle with dual innervation and multiple functions in the neck. The SCM is connected to the trapezius muscle, which helps flex the neck, pulling the head forward and bringing the chin down to the chest. The SCM and the trapezius muscle work together to help stabilize and fix the head position while the host is talking or eating. When factors affect the neck over time, the SCM also becomes involved.
When factors affect the SCM associated with the neck, many issues can arise, overlapping with pain near the eyes, ears, sides of the cheeks, and forehead. Studies reveal that SCM may develop myofascial trigger points in the head, causing referred pain. Trigger points usually form when traumatic forces affect specific areas of the body. For SCM to be affected by trigger pain, tiny knots along the taut band of the SCM muscle fibers become sensitive to pressure when compressed, and many people often describe the pain as deep and dull. To that point, the symptoms associated with SCM trigger pain may appear in numerous combinations or together, depending on how severe the pain is for the person. Some of the symptoms related to SCM trigger pain include:
Have you been dealing with headaches all day? What about muscle tenderness in certain areas near your neck or shoulders? Or have you been feeling dizzy to the point that it is affecting your daily activities? Many people with these symptoms may be experiencing SCM pain that is associated with trigger points. The video above offers an insightful overview of how trigger points may be involved with SCM pain. SCM, or sternocleidomastoid muscle, is a long muscle that surrounds the sides of the neck and is connected to the trapezius muscle. When factors begin to affect the SCM, the muscle is at risk of developing trigger points along its fibers. Studies reveal that trigger points along the SCM may affect its normal muscle functions, such as chewing, due to hyperactivity. Fortunately, there are ways to relieve SCM pain associated with trigger pain affecting the neck.
When it comes to SCM pain associated with trigger points along the neck, many individuals find ways to relieve the related symptoms that are causing the pain. Some individuals will take over-the-counter medication to relieve their neck, shoulders, and head pain. At the same time, others do stretches to relieve tension in their heads, necks, and shoulders. However, trigger pain is a bit complex and challenging to diagnose since it mimics other conditions that affect the body. As luck would have it, many doctors will refer patients to musculoskeletal specialists, such as massage therapists, physical therapists, and chiropractors, who can help relieve SCM pain in the neck. Studies reveal that a combination of physiotherapy, classical massage, and stretching exercises can alleviate SCM pain in the neck. By stretching and massaging the SCM, many individuals can begin to experience pain relief in their neck, increase their neck range of motion, and improve neck endurance. Integrating these various treatments for SCM (sternocleidomastoid muscle) neck pain can help revitalize a person’s sense of well-being without pain.
The SCM, or sternocleidomastoid muscle, is a long muscle that sits behind the thyroid gland and is connected with the trapezius muscle. This muscle helps stabilize the head and hold it in position while flexing the neck and bringing the chin down toward the chest. When environmental or traumatic factors affect the neck muscles, they can lead to chronic conditions over time, resulting in pain and tenderness along the SCM. These are known as trigger points and can be difficult to diagnose because they mimic other chronic symptoms associated with the neck, head, and shoulders. Thankfully, various treatments like physiotherapy, stretching exercises, and classical massages can help relieve trigger points along the SCM and ease tension in the neck and surrounding muscles.
Bordoni, Bruno, and Matthew Varacallo. “Anatomy, Head and Neck, Sternocleidomastoid Muscle.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 5 Apr. 2022, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532881/.
Büyükturan, Buket, et al. “The Effects of Combined Sternocleidomastoid Muscle Stretching and Massage on Pain, Disability, Endurance, Kinesiophobia, and Range of Motion in Individuals with Chronic Neck Pain: A Randomized, Single-Blind Study.” Musculoskeletal Science & Practice, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 12 June 2021, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34147954/.
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