Sternocleido-what? Part 3 of 4

By Sharon Truelove

In parts 1 and 2 of our Sternocleidomastoid series of 4, we discussed referred pain and balance problems.

The Sternocleidomastoid is palpated easily.  It attaches at the sternum, the clavicle and the mastoid process which is behind the ear. It allows the head to turn and also helps to maintain stability of the head when the body is in movement.  Trigger points in SCM, can cause a wide variety of symptoms that are often misdiagnosed.

When trigger points are found in the sternal  branch of SCM; blurred, dimmed or double vision may result.  Trigger points in SCM can also cause droopy eyelids from referred spams in orbicularis oculi as well as eye twitching. When you are reading, the text may seem to jump around on the page. Red eyes, tearing of eyes, even a runny nose can be culprits of referred trigger points.

 

 

 

 

 

Technique:  To see if you have any tender spots, feel along the attachment site at the sternal end. If you find any tenders spots, apply compression and as you feel the tissue soften begin to apply cross fiber friction.

Challenge:

1. Do any of you suffer from the above trigger point symptoms that affect vision/eyes?

2. Locate your own SCM and see if there are any tender spots in the sternal branch.  If so, massage them out and report your findings.

3. Find someone with tender or trigger points in their SCM and help them feel better via massage and report you findings.