16/04/2023
Headaches are the worst! But massage and stretching can really help. Does this headache patter look familiar to you?
🔊 PAIN CAUSED BY STERNOCLEIDOMASTOID
What SCM Pain or Sternocleidomastoid Muscle?
The SCM or the Sternocleidomastoid Muscle is one of the largest muscles of the neck. This muscle is divided into two parts. It begins at the skull just behind the ears. From there, it forms two parts of which one attaches to the sternum or the breastbone and the other attaches to the clavicle or the collar bone. SCM or the Sternocleidomastoid Muscle is located just underneath the skin and can be visualized when moving the neck completely to one side. Since an individual moves the neck and the shoulders many times during the day hence this muscle is used extensively by the body. This makes it prone to overuse and this results in what we call as SCM Pain or the Sternocleidomastoid Pain. Putting stress to these muscles, having abnormal sitting posture, or sudden movements of the neck or shoulder like in a motor vehicle accident can cause SCM Pain or Sternocleidomastoid Pain.
What are the Pain Patterns of SCM Pain or Sternocleidomastoid Pain?
When we speak of SCM Pain or Sternocleidomastoid Pain, it becomes important to understand the pain patterns of it as the SCM muscle is divided into two parts and both parts have different pain patterns.
Pain in the Sternal Part of SCM or the Sternocleidomastoid Muscle: The sternal division of the SCM or the Sternocleidomastoid muscle may cause pain to the cheek which can be mistaken for a case of trigeminal neuralgia which is a condition in which a nerve irritation causes intense facial pain. In some cases, there may be pain to the breast bone. It can also cause pain deep in the eye resembling pain from sinusitis. It can cause pain in the tongue when swallowing food.
Pain in Collarbone Part of SCM or Sternocleidomastoid Muscle: The clavicular or collarbone pain pattern causes severe pain in the forehead, in the ear or behind the ear. In some cases, an individual can also feel pain in the face and cheeks as well.
How is SCM Pain or Sternocleidomastoid Pain Treated?
Massage: Coming to treatments for SCM pain or the sternocleidomastoid pain, massage is the best form of treatment. This therapy is simple and can be done by the experienced massage therapist or the patient themselves can do it as well. The patient can use the thumb or the forefinger to squeeze the muscles gently so as to relax the muscles. This can be done through therapy as well. Apart from this, stretching and strengthening the Sternocleidomastoid Muscle may also help treat the SCM pain.
Sternocleidomastoid stretch
1. Standing with feet comfortably apart. Roll/fold a regular bath towel lengthways into a strip roughly 6” wide. Drape the towel strip evenly over the shoulder of the affected side. Grip the end of the strip hanging behind the back in the hand of the affected side, and the end at the front using the other side.
2. Apply firm downward pressure to the shoulder by pulling simultaneously on each end of the towel. Then slowly and in a controlled manner tilt the head away from the towel toward the opposite shoulder. Then also rotate the head away from the towel. When a stretch is felt in the neck, stop and hold the position for 20 seconds whilst breathing slowly and deeply. Return to starting position.
