The sternocleidomastoid muscle is a complex muscle located in the front of the neck, performing a variety of movements in the neck and head. Injuries and stiffness in this area can cause pain in other areas of the neck, headaches, and even dizziness. Treatment includes NSAIDs, hot or cold packs, massage, physical therapy, and chiropractic care. Causes of pain include repetitive stress, sports injuries, and carrying heavy weights.
The sternocleidomastoid muscle is located in the front of the neck. There are two such muscles, one on each side, which run from the breastbone and clavicles to the side of the skull behind the ear. The start and end points explain the muscle’s complex name, because the muscle starts at the sternum and clavicle and ends at the mastoid process on the skull, creating a strong band of muscle that sits at an angle along the side of the neck. The muscle itself is also complex, performing a variety of movements in the neck and head.
These muscles are used to move the head, as well as help with inhalation by lifting the sternum or sternum. Rotating and flexing the neck are other functions it performs. It also prevents the head from falling too far back by limiting neck movement in that direction. In shape, the muscle is widest in the central area and narrow at each end, although its exact shape can vary widely between individuals.
Injuries to the sternocleidomastoid muscle are not uncommon, and many people also experience stiffness and tightness in this area. However, an injury often does not cause pain in the immediate area of the muscle. Instead, it often occurs in other areas of the neck as well as causing headaches or pain in the throat and even the eyes and ears. In some cases, pains that have been diagnosed as headaches can be traced to a spasm or strain in this muscle. Even dizziness, sometimes misidentified as a sinus problem, can result from problems with it.
Treatment for a strain can greatly reduce these symptoms. Many people find relief with standard inflammation treatment, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), hot or cold packs, and massage. Physical therapy might also be recommended for pain, tension, or injury. Chiropractic care can also be helpful in returning the neck to proper alignment and relieving muscle spasms by reducing the strain on the muscle and helping it relax into its normal position.
Causes of pain in the sternocleidomastoid muscle include repetitive stress and sports injuries. Carrying large weights, such as a small child, for an extended period of time can also cause muscle strain which could lead to a variety of symptoms. Medical professionals sometimes have difficulty diagnosing this type of pain, known as referral pain, because it occurs in areas away from the muscle itself.
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