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The sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle is a powerful neck muscle that allows you to bend your neck and turn or tilt your head. SCM syndrome can be caused by stress, tilting the head too frequently, or prolonged/repeated overuse. When the SCM muscle is strained or overused, it can lead to cervicogenic dizziness, which is a type of dizziness that originates from the neck. This can be accompanied by other symptoms such as neck stiffness, loss of range of motion, headaches, nausea, and a sense of disorientation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dizziness | Caused by cervicogenic factors, SCM syndrome, or trigger points in the SCM muscle |
| SCM Muscle | Located in the neck, behind the ears |
| Function | Allows the head to bend, turn, and tilt |
| SCM Syndrome | Caused by stress, anxiety, poor posture, or overuse |
| Treatment | Physical therapy, SCM exercises, massage, compression therapy, medication, and stress-relieving techniques |
| Symptoms | Headaches, disorientation, nausea, neck stiffness, loss of range of motion, neck pain, and balance issues |
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SCM syndrome
Sternocleidomastoid (SCM) syndrome is a condition that involves neck stiffness, pain, and other symptoms. SCM syndrome is caused by a trigger point forming on the SCM muscle, which is located behind the ears. The SCM muscle is the largest neck muscle in the front of your neck, and it allows you to bend your neck and turn or tilt your head.
If SCM syndrome is caused by stress and anxiety, stress-relieving techniques such as meditation, relaxation, yoga, light bodyweight exercises, and breathing techniques can help resolve the problem. If the syndrome is caused by poor posture, physical therapy can help to fix and improve posture and provide advice on daily life activities.
In addition, manual therapy techniques such as massage, trigger point release, and myofascial release can be used to release tension in the SCM muscle and other neck muscles. Spinal mobilization and manipulation techniques can also be used to restore proper joint mobility and alignment.
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Cervicogenic dizziness
The sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle, located in the neck, is responsible for turning the head. When this muscle is strained or overused, it can lead to cervicogenic dizziness. SCM syndrome can be caused by stress, anxiety, and poor posture, which can be treated with stress-relieving techniques, physical therapy, and SCM exercises. Manual therapy techniques, such as massage, trigger point release, and myofascial release, can also be used to release tension in the SCM muscle and other neck muscles.
Mobile physical therapy can be particularly effective in treating cervicogenic dizziness by addressing the root cause of the condition. Vestibular therapy, consisting of tailored exercises, is often recommended in conjunction with manual therapy to effectively manage the symptoms of cervicogenic dizziness.
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Trigger points
SCM syndrome can be caused by a number of simple actions that an individual performs on a regular and often daily basis. Sternocleidomastoid pain linked to a swollen sternocleidomastoid muscle arises from some type of muscle tension, such that the muscle becomes tightened and shortened from repeated use to create an isolated trigger point on the muscle itself. SCM syndrome can be caused by stress and tension, high stress levels leading to muscle tension, repetitive strain, congenital muscular torticollis, arthritis, nerve compression disorders, vision and dental problems, and impaired blood flow.
There are several treatments for SCM syndrome and trigger points. Physical therapy and SCM exercises such as neck rotations and head tilting are the most common treatments. Neck massages, compression therapy, and over-the-counter medications can also provide temporary relief. Mobile physical therapy can also be used to address the root cause of dizziness and provide long-lasting relief without the use of medication.
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Poor posture
The SCM muscle is a large muscle that runs from the base of the skull down to the collarbone and breastbone. It is responsible for turning the head. When this muscle is strained or overused, it can lead to dizziness and other symptoms, including off-balance sensations. SCM syndrome can be caused by stress, tilting the head in an irregular way too frequently, or prolonged/repeated overuse.
Forward head posture, a common issue for people who work at desks or use their phones frequently, can also cause dizziness. This is because the hyperflexion of the lower cervical spine and hyperextension of the upper cervical spine allow the head to be level, so the eyes can look straight ahead. This can alter spinal proprioception and reduce blood flow to the brain and ears, causing dizziness and brain fog. It can also trigger vestibular migraines and recurrent episodes of BPPV, the most common inner ear cause of vertigo.
To address dizziness caused by poor posture, one can consult an orthopedic manual physical therapist or chiropractor to help get started. They may recommend spinal adjustments, stretching, strengthening, or special footwear as needed. Additionally, one can make improvements by holding their phone up higher while upright and resting their elbow on a soft surface in front of them.
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Treatment options
If you are experiencing SCM muscle-induced dizziness, cervicogenic dizziness, or sternocleidomastoid syndrome, there are a variety of treatment options available. These conditions can be caused by a number of factors, including muscle tension, stress, tilting the head too frequently, or overuse. It is important to seek professional medical advice and get a proper diagnosis to determine the root cause of your dizziness. Here are some common treatment options:
- Physical Therapy: Mobile physical therapy can be highly effective in treating SCM-related dizziness. A physical therapist can provide customized treatment plans that address the underlying cause of your dizziness and help you regain your balance. Techniques such as manual therapy, joint mobilizations, Mulligan Snag techniques, and spinal manipulation can be used to release tension in the SCM muscle and restore proper joint mobility and alignment.
- SCM Exercises: Specific exercises such as neck rotations, head tilting, and stretching can help alleviate tension and improve flexibility in the SCM muscle.
- Massage and Compression Therapy: Neck massages and compression techniques can be used to relieve pain and tension associated with the SCM muscle. Trigger point therapy, which focuses on releasing isolated trigger points in the muscle, can also be beneficial.
- Medications: Over-the-counter medications can provide temporary relief from stress or pain associated with the SCM muscle. However, medication alone may not address the underlying cause of the problem.
- Stress Management: If stress and anxiety are contributing factors, stress-relieving techniques such as meditation, relaxation, yoga, light exercises, and breathing techniques can help resolve the issue.
- Posture Improvement: Maintaining good posture is crucial in preventing and managing SCM-related issues. Physical therapy can also help improve posture and provide advice on daily life activities to reduce strain on the SCM muscle.
- Osteopathic Manipulation: Osteopathic manipulation techniques can be used to treat SCM syndrome and improve neck mobility and function.
It is important to consult with a healthcare professional or a specialized therapist to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific condition.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, tightness in the SCM muscle can cause dizziness. SCM syndrome can be caused by stress, tilting the head in an irregular way too frequently, or prolonged/repeated overuse.
Symptoms of SCM syndrome include dizziness, headaches, nausea, disorientation, neck stiffness, loss of range of motion, and balance problems.
Treatment for SCM syndrome includes manual therapy techniques such as massage, trigger point release, myofascial release, spinal mobilization, and manipulation techniques. Other treatments include medication, physical therapy, neck rotations, head tilting, neck massages, compression therapy, and osteopathic manipulation.
