Sternocleidomastoid

Overview

The sternocleidomastoid (SCM) is the prominent muscle on each side of the front of the neck. It runs from the sternum and clavicle to the mastoid process behind the ear. It rotates the head and flexes the neck.

Pain Pattern

The SCM has two divisions, each with distinct referred pain patterns. The sternal division refers pain over the eye, into the cheek, around the ear, and to the top of the head. The clavicular division refers pain deep into the forehead and behind the ear. SCM trigger points also commonly cause dizziness, visual disturbances, and perceived sinus pressure.

Common Causes

Forward head posture, prolonged screen use, sleeping face-down, whiplash injury, and chronic stress-related neck guarding are primary activators. The SCM is almost always co-active with upper trapezius and scalene trigger points.

How to Use the Pressure Pointer

The SCM is best treated with gentle finger pinch technique rather than the Pressure Pointer due to the delicate structures in the anterior neck. Grasp the muscle belly between thumb and fingers and apply gentle sustained compression for 30 seconds. For the clavicular division closer to the collarbone, the Pressure Pointer can be used with very light pressure.