The externalcleidomastoid It is a thick and easy-to-palpate muscle that can be found in the anterior and lateral part of the neck., which fulfills different functions depending on whether only one or both are activated at the same time.
The neck, just like the face, It is a region of our body that is made up of a large number of muscles., among which are the scalenes, esplenio, straight, hyoid muscles or sternocleidomastoid muscle. In the neck region it is possible to find a sternocleidomastoid muscle on each side.
Index
What is the sternocleidomastoid?
The sternocleidomastoid muscle is one of the longest muscles in the area, since it extends from its origin in the clavicle and sternum until it inserts into the temporal bone, more specifically in the mastoid process.
The sternocleidomastoid is a muscle that has different functions depending on whether only one or both are activated.. For this it is important to know how they work., and these are activated as follows:
- Unilateral contraction produces flexion in the head, tilt to the same side and rotation to the opposite side.
- Contraction of both sternocleidomastoid becomes a powerful flexor of the head.
- in addition, helps when carrying out the action of inspiring.
How to stretch sternocleidomastoid
If you feel weakness in your legs or suffer, it is important that we know stretch sternocleidomastoid to avoid problems and ailments in this area of the neck. To stretch this muscle in the cervical region, we must first proceed to perform a tilt of the neck to the opposite side, for next rotate head to side to be stretched, causing the position to be held for at least two minutes.
This is a self stretching, but if you want to carry out a more complete stretch, with the help of another person, what was previously described is done, but a little neck traction is added. During the stretch you should try to maintain a steady rhythm of breathing.
Usually it is an area that is more stretched than strengthened, but in those cases in which it is necessary to strengthen the muscle, smooth movements can be carried out where rotation is included, cervical tilt and flexion, as well as active shoulder mobilizations. It is a cervical muscle that flexes, rotate and tilt head.
Pain in the sternocleidomastoid muscle
in regards to pain, The neck area is a region of the body that is very susceptible to changes in muscle tissue due to overloads., as well as the adoption of harmful positions that are carried out in a constant and continuous way.
In this type of case, besides knowing how stretch sternocleidomastoid according to the indications made, gentle mobilizations should be carried out, all designed to eliminate muscle tension. Nevertheless, in those cases where there is severe pain, It is best to contact a physiotherapist, who will be the professional who has to evaluate and diagnose and then indicate the most appropriate treatment.
Most frequent causes of pain in the neck muscle
Many activities of our day to day can contribute to affect the sternocleidomastoid muscle, especially when keeping the neck in a certain position constantly or for long periods of time. Some common causes that generate pain and problems in this part of the body are the following::
- When bad positions are adopted, either at bedtime or when sitting or even when carrying out certain activities.
- When the neck area is tense due to stress.
- When contracting the neck by supporting the phone between the shoulder and the ear, something that is usual when using this communication device.
- When you keep your head tilted to one side for a constant amount of time. like when we climb, we paint or look at the mobile device.
- When the head is turned for a long period of time to focus attention on a specific point, like it happens in an auditorium, at the cinema, and so on.
Symptoms of problems in the sternocleidomastoid muscle
Among the main symptoms of problems that can occur in the sternocleidomastoid muscle, we can highlight the following::
- cheek pain, on the temple and in the eye.
- blurred or double vision.
- Tearing in the eye on the affected side.
- Pain in the upper part of the head or in the forehead.
- Pain on one side of the neck, similar to what can be felt the day after exercising.
- Vertigo and imbalance.
Treatment for problems in the sternocleidomastoid muscle
If you suffer from problems in the sternocleidomastoid muscle, you need to know the different options you have to be able to treat problems in it., being able to resort to the following solutions:
- Massages: With the help of the thumb and index finger, sensitive points should be sought and then make slight movements between 5 a 10 times a day, until the ailment is reduced. Recovery can take several weeks.
- Medical treatment: A health professional, How is a doctor or a physiotherapist?, may be able to offer you appropriate advice in this regard, since it can determine the origin of the problem as well as the possible solutions to deal with it, thus eliminating the ailments and other problems that affect this muscle.
- electrostimulation: In some cases it is recommended to resort to electrostimulation, that contributes to help relieve chronic pain in a natural way, resorting to electrical impulses that have minimal side effects. It is therefore one of the most used methods to deal with this type of problem in this neck muscle..
- Hot compresses: They help to reduce pain and inflammation. In the market you can find different compresses of this type that when they combine heat with humidity, they can have a profound effect on the affected area., helping to optimize blood circulation and reduce inflammation more quickly.