Victor Forge
The sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle is a large muscle in the neck that can cause pain behind the ear, down the neck, or referred pain. SCM pain can be caused by tension or injury and may result in symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and tingling. The SCM muscle is the largest neck muscle in the front of the neck and allows you to bend your neck and turn or tilt your head. In addition to the SCM muscle, the posterior auricular muscle is another muscle located behind the ear that draws the auricle of the outer ear backward, and in some people, it can cause protruding ears.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Sternocleidomastoid (SCM) Muscle |
| Location | Base of the skull on either side of the neck, behind the ears |
| Functions | Allows bending of the neck, turning or tilting of the head, chewing, swallowing, and stabilising the head |
| Composition | Parallel rows of muscular fibres, with 60% white anaerobic fibres and 40% red aerobic fibres |
| Pain Symptoms | Dull or sharp pain, tightness, pressure, swelling, redness, bruising, muscle spasms, headaches, dizziness, and tingling |
| Pain Causes | Muscle tension, repeated activities, chronic health conditions, acute respiratory infections, stress, poor posture, injury, or trigger points |
| Pain Treatment | Stretching, physical therapy, osteopathic manipulation, yoga, and medication |
| Associated Muscle | Posterior Auricular Muscle |
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What You'll Learn
Sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle
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, located just below your skin on both the right and left sides. The SCM muscle consists of parallel rows of muscular fibres, with about 60% being white anaerobic fibres and the remaining 40% being red aerobic fibres.
The SCM muscle has two heads, the sternal head and the clavicular head, that join into one muscle belly. The sternal head originates from the manubrium of the sternum, while the clavicular head originates from the medial third of the clavicle. The muscle then inserts on the lateral surface of the mastoid process of the temporal bone and the lateral half of the superior nuchal line of the occipital bone. The SCM muscle ends at the mastoid process, which is a section of bone located at the base of the skull behind the ears.
The SCM muscle is closely related to certain neurovascular structures that pass through the neck towards the head or the periphery of the body. It helps protect these structures, including the vertical neurovascular bundle of the neck and branches of the cervical plexus, from damage. The SCM muscle also supports the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which allows you to open and close your mouth.
Injuries, tension, sprains, strains, atrophy, and tumours can all damage the SCM muscle. Sternocleidomastoid syndrome is a condition that can result from SCM muscle issues, causing neck stiffness, pain, and other symptoms. SCM muscle pain can be treated through various methods such as stretching, physical therapy, osteopathic manipulation, hot or cold therapy, and surgery in severe cases. Managing stress and maintaining good posture can also help prevent and alleviate SCM muscle issues.
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SCM pain
The sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle is a large muscle in the neck that can cause pain behind the ear, down the side of the neck, or referred pain. SCM pain typically results from muscle tension or performing repeated motions. It can also occur with certain health conditions, such as asthma and pneumonia. SCM pain can have a number of causes that are often related to some type of muscle tension. Tightness in another part of the body can cause referred pain in the SCM.
There are a number of treatments for SCM pain. You can explore options to figure out which ones help you manage your symptoms. Applying an ice pack or heating pad to the affected area for 20 minutes a few times a day may help relieve swelling, relax muscles, and reduce pain. If you alternate between the two, end with the cold treatment. Set aside at least 15 minutes per day to do some simple stretches or yoga poses.
If SCM pain is caused by stress and anxiety, stress-relieving techniques can usually resolve the problem. Meditation, relaxation, yoga, light bodyweight exercises, and breathing techniques can help. If the syndrome is caused by poor posture, physical therapy can help fix and improve the posture and give advice on daily life activities.
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SCM injuries
The sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle is a large muscle in the neck that can cause pain behind the ear, down the neck, and the shoulder. SCM injuries can lead to pain, stiffness, and tightness in the neck. They may also cause symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and tingling. SCM injuries can be acute or chronic and may result from muscle tension or strain.
SCM pain can be caused by tightness in another part of the body, leading to referred pain in the SCM. It can also be caused by repeated activities, chronic health conditions such as asthma, or acute respiratory infections like sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, and the flu. SCM injuries can also cause trigger points, which are sensitive areas in the muscle that can lead to pain when pressed.
To treat SCM injuries, it is important to identify the root cause of the pain. Treatment options may include stretching, physical therapy, osteopathic manipulation, and yoga poses. Managing stress and maintaining good posture can also help prevent SCM injuries and pain.
- Sit or stand facing forward. Exhale and slowly turn your head to the right, keeping your shoulders relaxed and down. Inhale and return to the center. Repeat this motion for the left side, doing 10 rotations on each side.
- Sit or stand facing forward. Exhale as you slowly tilt your right ear down toward your shoulder. Use your right hand to gently apply 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. Return to the starting position and repeat on the left side.
It is important to consult a doctor if you are experiencing SCM pain to rule out other potential causes and determine the appropriate treatment.
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SCM treatments
The sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle is a large muscle in the neck that can cause pain behind the ear, down the neck, and shoulder. SCM pain can be caused by muscle tension or performing repeated motions. It can also be caused by certain health conditions, such as asthma, sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, and the flu. SCM pain can be felt in various ways, including sensitivity to touch or pressure in the neck, shoulders, or upper back. It may be accompanied by feelings of tightness or pressure, and turning or tilting the head may cause sharp pain.
- Stretching: Set aside at least 15 minutes per day to perform simple stretches or yoga poses that target the neck and shoulders. Examples include slowly turning the head from side to side, looking over the shoulder, and tilting the ear toward the shoulder.
- Physical therapy: A professional can guide you through specific exercises and treatments to improve neck mobility and reduce pain.
- Osteopathic manipulation treatment: This involves manipulating the SCM muscle to relieve tension and improve range of motion.
- Hot or cold therapy: Applying hot or cold compresses can help ease inflammation and pain associated with SCM injuries.
- Massage: Massage can be used to relax and release the SCM muscle, reducing tension and promoting healing.
- Posture correction: Improving posture can reduce strain on the SCM muscle and alleviate pain. This may involve making adjustments to your work setup or using a headset instead of holding a phone between your ear and shoulder.
- Stress management: As stress can contribute to muscle tension, finding ways to manage stress, such as through relaxation techniques or anxiety reduction strategies, can help alleviate SCM pain.
In more severe cases of SCM injuries, surgery may be considered if conservative treatments have not been successful or if there is severe structural damage, such as a major tear or tumour. It is important to consult with a doctor to determine the underlying cause of SCM pain and to receive guidance on the most appropriate treatment options.
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Posterior auricular muscle
The posterior auricular muscle is located behind the auricle of the outer ear. It originates from the mastoid process of the temporal bone and inserts at the root of the posterior auricle. The muscle is innervated by the posterior auricular nerve, a branch of the facial nerve (CN VII), and receives its blood supply from the posterior auricular artery, a branch of the external carotid artery.
The primary function of the posterior auricular muscle is to reposition the ear by pulling it backward. This movement aids in the positioning of the auricle of the outer ear relative to the skull. The degree of movement caused by this muscle varies, with only a slight effect observed in most individuals. However, some people can wiggle their ears due to a more significant muscle movement.
Research has suggested that the posterior auricular muscle may have additional functions beyond ear movement. Electromyographic signals indicate that this muscle could be part of an ancient system for monitoring sounds outside our field of vision. The postauricular reflex, a vestigial muscle response, causes the ear to move upward and backward involuntarily in response to sudden, surprising sounds.
Anomalies in the posterior auricular muscle can lead to physical variations. For example, if the muscle inserts into an unusual part of the auricle, it can result in protruding ears. Interestingly, one study found that approximately 5% of people lack the posterior auricular muscle altogether.
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Frequently asked questions
The muscle behind the ear is called the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle.
The SCM muscle is a powerful neck muscle that allows you to bend your neck and turn or tilt your head. It also helps with chewing and swallowing and stabilizes your head when you drop it backward.
Sternocleidomastoid syndrome involves neck stiffness, pain, and other symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and tingling. SCM pain can be caused by tension or injury and can be treated with stretching, physical therapy, and osteopathic manipulation.
