What is the sternocleidomastoid muscle used for?
Function. Rotation of the head to the opposite side or obliquely rotate the head. It also flexes the neck. When acting together it flexes the neck and extends the head.
How do I relax my sternocleidomastoid?
Sit or stand facing forward. Exhale as you slowly tilt your right ear down toward your shoulder. Use your right hand to apply gentle pressure to your head to deepen the stretch. Hold for a few breaths, feeling the stretch on the side of your neck down to your collarbone.
What is the origin of sternocleidomastoid?
Sternocleidomastoid Attachments It originates on the anterior surface of the manubrium, and the superior border and anterior surface of the medial third of the clavicle. The SCM converges into one point and inserts on the lateral surface of the mastoid process and the nuchal line of the occipital bone.
Where is sternocleidomastoid located?
neck muscle
The sternocleidomastoid is a superficially located neck muscle that plays an important role in tilting your head and turning your neck, as well as other things. It courses from the back of your head and attaches to your breastbone and collar bone.
What causes tight sternocleidomastoid?
Some causes of sternocleidomastoid pain include: carrying a heavy object, such as a child or backpack, in an awkward position. poor posture, for example, when a person spends long days hunched over a computer or straining their neck to reach things in the garden.
How should I sleep with tight sternocleidomastoid?
Best way to sleep with neck pain
- Use a thin pillow. A thin pillow lets you keep your upper spine in its natural position with a slight forward curve.
- Try a cervical pillow. A cervical pillow supports your neck and head to keep them in a neutral position.
- Use a supportive mattress.
How many sternocleidomastoid are there?
The sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) is one of more than 20 pairs of muscles that act on the neck.
What is SCM in neck?
Sternocleidomastoid is the most superficial and largest muscle in the front portion of the neck. It is also known as SCM or Sternomastoid or Sterno muscle. The name has the origin of the Latin words: sternon = chest; cleido = clavicle and the Greek words: mastos = breast and eidos = shape, form.
Can sternocleidomastoid cause tinnitus?
We have seen multiple cases in our Burnaby physiotherapy clinic that an active trigger point in the sternocleidomastoid can cause pain on the side of the head just behind the ear, around the eye, forehead, and cheekbone. It can also cause pain and ringing in the ear (tinnitus), as well as dizziness or vertigo.