Trigger Point Referred Pain Pattern of the Sternocleidomastoid
When trigger points are present pain may be referred to the cheeks, above the eye and to the throat and sternum.
Symptoms & Stress:
Activation of Trigger Points Here is usually caused by mechanical overload. You may complain of soreness in the neck, a stiff neck or suffering from tension headaches are often the main symptoms. But you may also experience blurred or double vision, a loss of equilibrium and postural dizziness can be more of an issue especially while driving.
The strernocleidomastoid muscle is subject to stress while watching a movie while sitting in the front row, painting a ceiling, teachers who constantly write on a blackboard. Any work that requires you to look up (i.e hanging curtains or painting a ceiling) can cause overloading of this muscle. Whipflash from a car accident. Reading while in bed can also contribute to overloading the Sternocleidomastoid if your head is turned to one side.
Attachment:
Attached to the Sternum, Clavicle and Mastoid bone.
Action:
Both muscles together flexes the head. One muscle rotates the face to the opposite side while lifting it towards to the ceiling.
Muscle Weakness:
Trouble raising your head from lying on your back position. Head turns towards the weak side while lying on your back (supine)
Quote:
“The best and most efficient pharmacy is within your own system.” Robert C. Peale
Corrective actions:
Posture is the main issue here sitting in front a computer with your head projected forward. Instead stand and sit with your head erect. Nearsightedness should also be corrected.
While reading in bed position the light should be directly above your head and not the one side. Get a headset and do not hold the phone to ear with your shoulder. Swimming can also overload these muscles by overloading it from breathing and turning the head.
You should sleep with your head straight and the ends of the pillow should be tucked between your chin and your shoulders. Your pillow should not be underneath your shoulder at all. Sidelying people should sleep with the pillow in-between their head and shoulders
Other considerations:
These muscles are also associated with sinuses and can be affected by allergies. Collars for men should be loose about one finger test is recommended. You should be able to insert at least one finger in-between your collar and neck even with the head turned to one side. Vitamin B is helpful here as well.
Massage Therapy:
At Roman Paradigm Massage & Therapy, we strive to help you live pain-free. And we are dedicated and here for you, when, you decide that living with pain and dysfunction is NOT something that, you want to continue experiencing call us 408 247-1169
References:
- “Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction; The Trigger Point Manual” Janet G. Travell, M.D. & David G. Simons, M.D.
- “The Muscle Book” by Paul Blakey
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