What causes swelling of the sternocleidomastoid muscle?

Unilateral diffuse or localized enlargement of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) is an event commonly seen in infancy, and is popularly known as ‘sternocleidomastoid tumor’. The condition, which usually spontaneously resolves with or without physiotherapy, is due to a hematoma following a difficult labor.

What does the sternohyoid muscle do?

This group of muscles contains four main muscles: the omohyoid muscle, the sternohyoid muscle, the sternothyroid muscle, and the thyrohyoid muscle. The primary function of this group of muscles is to depress the hyoid bone during speech and swallowing.

What is sternocleidomastoid syndrome?

An acute or chronic condition of neck stiffness with decreased mobility (especially rotation), sometimes followed by aches and pains in neck and/or pains in body areas distant from the neck (eyes, temples, throat, ears, nose, shoulders…), nausea, tinnitus, vertigo, torticollis.

Why do the muscles at the base of my skull hurt?

So you’ve Googled ‘Pain at the base of my skull’ and you’re wondering what’s causing it… In a nutshell, the cause of the pain is usually down to a tension headache. Tension headaches are caused as a result of muscle tension and trigger points which build up in the surrounding muscles of the neck and head.

How do you treat a swollen sternocleidomastoid muscle?

Small adjustments to relieve sternocleidomastoid pain

1. Posture and ergonomics. Treatment may be as simple as making changes to your posture, especially if you work or do certain activities in a position that causes pain.
2. Clothing and sleep comfort.
3. Massage.
4. Heat or cold packs.

How do you release the sternocleidomastoid muscle?

c- With the opposite hand, find the SCM. Gently but firmly grasp any part of it between thumb and fingers. d- Squeeze while gently pulling outward. e- Work your way up and down the muscle, trying to feel the “fork” as it braches near your clavicle and sternum.

How do I stretch my Sternohyoid?

Slowly move the ear toward the shoulder while the hands stay behind the back. Keep the shoulders down and the hands behind the back. Do not lift the shoulders up when tilting the head to the side. Hold the stretch for at least 20 seconds.

What causes tight SCM muscles?

Causes of SCM pain can include chronic health conditions, such as asthma, and acute respiratory infections, such as sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, and the flu. Other causes of SCM pain include: injuries such as whiplash or falls.

What does Sternocleidomastoid pain feel like?

Sternocleidomastoid pain symptoms You may experience pain in your sinuses, forehead, or near your eyebrows. Dull, aching pain may be accompanied by feelings of tightness or pressure. Turning or tilting your head may cause sharp pain. More serious injuries may involve swelling, redness, and bruising.

How should I sleep with Sternocleidomastoid pain?

Avoid using too high or stiff a pillow, which keeps the neck flexed overnight and can result in morning pain and stiffness. If you sleep on your side, keep your spine straight by using a pillow that is higher under your neck than your head.

How do I relieve tension at the base of my skull?

Apply gentle pressure from your fingertips at the base of your skull. This massage can help calm tight muscles and release tension. You can also place a rolled towel under your head and neck as you lie down on your back. The pressure from the towel can provide a gentle massage.

What happens if occipital neuralgia goes untreated?

Left untreated, complications of untreated occipital neuralgia can be serious or even life threatening. You can help minimize your risk of serious complications by following the treatment plan you and your health care professional design specifically for you.

Is there such a thing as sternohyoid muscle syndrome?

Sternohyoid syndrome has not been reported before, but it is very similar to omohyoid syndrome. In this report, the sternohyoid muscle extended and protruded during swallowing, noted as a neck mass. When the neck is extended or turned to one side, the sternohyoid muscle may be noted as a neck mass.

What is the action of the sternohyoid muscle?

The action of the sternohyoid muscle is to depress the hyoid bone after it has been elevated by the suprahyoid muscles. The elevation of the hyoid bone and thus the larynx, happens during swallowing.

What causes swelling in the sternocleidomastoid muscle?

This could represent inflammatory process or traumatic process involving the sternocleidomastoid muscle with surrounding subcutaneous edema. No loculated fluid collections, abscesses, or soft tissue masses are identified. Normal flow void in the carotid and jugular vessels. Swelling continues to decrease in size.

What to do if the sternohyoid muscle goes into spasm?

If the sternohyoid muscle is hooked on the greater horn of the thyroid cartilage and goes into spasm, any maneuver which relaxes the sternohyoid muscle is a treatment option. This could include neck flexion and turning the chin towards the affected side, thus preventing too much extension and spasm of the muscle.