Victor Forge
The sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle is a powerful neck muscle that allows you to bend your neck and turn or tilt your head. It is a two-headed neck muscle that bears attachments to the manubrium of the sternum, the clavicle, and the mastoid process of the temporal bone. SCM is an important landmark in the neck, which divides it into an anterior and a posterior triangle. It is closely related to certain neurovascular structures that pass through the neck towards the head or the body's periphery. SCM syndrome, torticollis, and temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) are a few conditions associated with SCM.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Sternocleidomastoid (SCM) |
| Type | Two-headed neck muscle |
| Location | Anterior portion of the neck |
| Function | Allows bending, turning, and tilting of the head |
| Attachments | Sternum, clavicle, and mastoid process of the temporal bone |
| Innervation | Accessory nerve (cranial nerve XI) and cervical plexus (C2-C3) |
| Blood Supply | Superior thyroid artery (branch of external carotid artery) |
| Treatment for Injuries | Stretching, physical therapy, osteopathic manipulation, surgery in severe cases |
| Prevention and Care | Manage stress, maintain good posture, regular exercise, yoga, meditation |
| Associated Conditions | Sternocleidomastoid syndrome, temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD), torticollis |
| Variations | Supernumerary triangle, extra clavicular slips, stenosis of the lesser supraclavicular fossa |
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What You'll Learn
Sternocleidomastoid muscle anatomy
The sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle is a two-headed neck muscle that allows for neck flexion and head rotation. It is a powerful and long muscle, located just below the skin at the front of the neck. The SCM muscle is easily visible and can be felt on both sides of the neck.
The SCM muscle is named after its points of attachment: "sterno-" for the manubrium of the sternum, "-cleido-" for the clavicle, and "-mastoid" for the mastoid process of the temporal bone. The muscle originates from the manubrium sterni and the medial third of the clavicle, joining into one muscle belly that inserts on the lateral surface of the mastoid process. The SCM muscle ends at the mastoid process, located at the base of the skull behind the ears.
The SCM muscle serves as a primary landmark in the neck, dividing it into anterior and posterior cervical triangles. This division helps define the location of structures such as the lymph nodes in the head and neck. The SCM muscle is closely related to neurovascular structures, including the common carotid artery, accessory nerve, and brachial plexus.
The SCM muscle is susceptible to strain and injury due to its size and complexity. Conditions such as sternocleidomastoid syndrome can cause neck stiffness, pain, and trigger points within the muscle. Treatment options for SCM-related issues include massage, osteopathic manipulation, physical therapy, and surgery in severe cases. Maintaining good posture and managing stress are important for SCM health.
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Functions of the sternocleidomastoid muscle
The sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle is a powerful neck muscle that allows for neck bending and head turning and tilting. It is the largest muscle in the front of the neck, extending from the base of the skull to the collarbones and breastbone.
The SCM muscle has several functions, including:
- Neck Flexion and Rotation: During a unilateral contraction, the SCM muscle flexes the neck to the same side and rotates the head to the opposite side. This movement occurs at the cervical vertebral joints and atlantoaxial joints, respectively.
- Head Elevation: When both sides of the SCM muscle contract together, it results in bilateral elevation of the head by extending the upper cervical joints.
- Respiratory Accessory: The SCM muscle also functions as an accessory muscle of inspiration or respiration. During bilateral contraction, it elevates the sternum and clavicles, expanding the thoracic cavity and assisting in inspiratory breathing.
- Posture and Stabilization: The SCM muscle helps maintain posture and stabilizes the neck, even when at rest.
- Chewing: It supports the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the jaw to the skull and enables the opening and closing of the mouth for chewing.
- Neck Protection: The SCM muscle protects vital neurovascular structures in the neck, including branches of the cervical plexus, deep cervical lymph nodes, and soft tissues.
Due to its complexity and size, the SCM muscle is susceptible to strain and injury, which can lead to conditions such as sternocleidomastoid syndrome and torticollis. Proper care of the SCM muscle involves stress management, maintaining good posture, and treatments such as massage, osteopathic manipulation, and physical therapy.
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Sternocleidomastoid syndrome
The sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle is the largest muscle in the front of your neck. It allows you to bend your neck and turn or tilt your head. SCM is an important landmark in the neck, dividing it into an anterior and a posterior triangle.
SCM syndrome is an acute or chronic condition involving neck stiffness, pain, and other symptoms. It occurs when the SCM muscle develops tightened, sensitive areas, or trigger points. The SCM muscle’s size and complexity make it susceptible to strain and injury. As a result, trigger points may develop in multiple places within the muscle.
SCM syndrome symptoms can include facial pain, lacrimation, dizziness, blurred vision, eyelid jerking, frequent headaches, ptosis, sinusitis, and sore throat. The syndrome can be caused by poor posture, aging, pillow height, frequent sleeping on the stomach, neck trauma (whiplash), certain occupations (violinists), weightlifting, incorrect swimming styles, and abrupt sit-ups.
SCM syndrome treatments include physical therapy, stretching, self-massage, and strengthening of the neck. Active treatments may also be used to restore normal biomechanical movement patterns in the cervical and thoracic regions. Surgery may be required if conservative treatments have not worked and there is severe structural damage.
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Sternocleidomastoid muscle injuries
The sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle is a powerful neck muscle that allows you to bend your neck and turn or tilt your head. It is the largest muscle in the front of your neck and is located just below your skin.
As with any muscle, the SCM is susceptible to injuries, sprains, strains, atrophy, and tumours. Sternocleidomastoid syndrome is a condition that involves neck stiffness, pain, and other symptoms. SCM syndrome can occur when the SCM muscle develops tightened, sensitive areas, or
If you experience SCM pain, it is recommended to manage stress and anxiety, as these can contribute to muscle tension. Regular exercise, yoga, meditation, and sleep are effective ways to manage stress and reduce SCM tension. Maintaining good posture is also crucial, especially when using digital devices or reading, to avoid straining your neck. Supporting your neck during sleep, such as sleeping on your back with a pillow supporting your neck, is essential. Additionally, daily neck stretches are beneficial, especially if you sit most of the day or maintain uncomfortable postures for extended periods.
Conservative treatments for SCM pain and injuries include massage, osteopathic manipulation, physical therapy, and pain management techniques such as rest, ice, heat, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. If conservative treatments are ineffective and severe structural damage is present, surgery may be necessary.
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Sternocleidomastoid muscle treatments
The sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle is a powerful neck muscle that allows you to bend your neck and turn or tilt your head. It is susceptible to strain and injury, which can lead to pain and stiffness.
Stretching
Stretching is an effective way to reduce and prevent tension in the SCM muscle. A simple stretching routine can be done at home with minimal equipment. The seated neck stretch is a great place to start. Neck extension exercises involve tipping the chin towards the ceiling and can help improve posture by strengthening the muscles at the back of the neck. Another stretch involves slowly rolling the head in a circular motion in one direction and then repeating in the other direction, ensuring the shoulders remain relaxed.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can be beneficial for treating SCM issues. This may involve specific exercises to target the SCM muscle and improve its flexibility.
Osteopathic Manipulation
Osteopathic manipulation treatment can be used to relax and release the SCM muscle.
Surgery
In severe cases, surgery may be required if more conservative treatments have not been successful. Surgery is typically considered when there is severe structural damage, such as a major tear or a tumour that has damaged the tissue.
Stress Management
Managing stress and anxiety can help to minimise muscle tension. Regular exercise, sleep, yoga, and meditation are all effective ways to reduce stress levels.
Posture
Maintaining good posture can help prevent SCM issues. This includes being mindful of the positioning of digital devices to avoid craning the neck and ensuring proper neck support during sleep.
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Frequently asked questions
The sternocleidomastoid (SCM) is a two-headed neck muscle that allows you to bend your neck and turn or tilt your head.
The SCM muscle is involved in multiple actions, including:
- During unilateral contraction, it laterally flexes the neck to the same side at the cervical vertebral joints.
- During unilateral contraction, it rotates the head to the opposite side at the atlantoaxial joints.
- During bilateral contraction, it flexes the neck at the cervical vertebral joints.
- During bilateral contraction, it elevates the sternum and clavicles and can act as an accessory muscle of inspiration.
Injuries and tension within your SCM can lead to pain and stiffness. Treatments include stretching, physical therapy, osteopathic manipulation, and in some cases, surgery.
You can care for your SCM by managing stress and maintaining good posture. Regular exercise, sleep, yoga, and meditation are all good options for managing stress.
