The sternocleidomastoid muscle is located in the front of the neck. There are two of these muscles, one on each side, running from the breastbone and collarbones to the side of the skull behind the ear. The starting and ending points explain the muscle's complex name, because the muscle begins at the sternum and clavicle and ends at the mastoid process on the skull, creating a strong band of muscle that lies at an angle across the side of the neck. The muscle itself is also complex, performing a variety of neck and head movements.
These muscles are used to moves the head, as well as helping with inhalation by lifting the sternum, or breastbone. Rotating and flexing the neck are other functions that it performs. It also keeps the head from falling backward too far by limiting the neck's movement in that direction. In shape, the muscle is wider in the central area and narrow at each end, though its exact shape can vary widely between individuals.
Injury to the sternocleidomastoid muscle is not uncommon, and many people also suffer from stiffness and strain in this area. An injury often does not result in pain in the immediate area of the muscle, however. Instead, it often occurs in other areas of the neck as well as causing headaches or pain in the throat and even in the eyes and ears. In some cases, pains that have been diagnosed as headaches can be traced to a spasm or strain in this muscle. Dizziness, sometimes misidentified as a sinus problem, also can result from problems with it.
Treatment for a strain can greatly reduce these symptoms. Many people find relief with standard treatment for inflammation, such as non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), hot or cold compresses, and massage. Physical therapy also might be recommended for pain, strain or injury. Chiropractic care also can be helpful in restoring the neck to proper alignment and easing muscle spasms, reducing the strain on the muscle and helping it relax into its normal position.
Causes for pain in the sternocleidomastoid muscle include repetitive stress and sports injuries. Carrying large weights, such as a small child, over a long period of time can also result in strain to the muscle that could lead to a variety of symptoms. Medical professionals sometimes have difficulty diagnosing this kind of pain, known as referral pain, because it occurs in areas away from the muscle itself.
