What movement does the SCM do?

Function. Rotation of the head to the opposite side or obliquely rotate the head. It also flexes the neck.

Where are SCM trigger points?

The clavicular division of SCM trigger points can produce pain over the forehead and around the ipsilateral eye, over the cheek, the tip of the chin, sternoclavicular joint and deep in the throat upon swallowing.

How long does it take to correct upper crossed syndrome?

In most cases, this condition can be fully resolved in as few as 3 visits (based on patient-reported outcomes).

How do I stretch left SCM?

To stretch your left SCM muscle to start, rotate your head away from that side, towards the right side, then gently tilt your head back, to engage and stretch your sternocleidomastoid muscle fibers. Watch the video to see in detail how this backward head tilt is done.

How do you turn your head with a single SCM?

One SCM can also turn, or rotate, your head to the opposite side. For example, when you rotate or turn your head to the right, your left SCM is contracting. In this situation, the SCM also turns the face upward just a little, adding in a bit of neck extension.

Where is the SCM muscle on the head?

To locate the SCM just turn your head to one side and then bring your head forward. The SCM muscle should pop out. This muscle runs from the Clavicle to the Mastoid process (just behind your ear). Put the other hand on the opposite side of your head and bring your ear down to the shoulder.

What happens when the SCM muscles contract?

When both SCM muscles contract, the result is a neck extension movement that takes place at your first intervertebral joint. The first intervertebral joint is the topmost spinal joint; it is the place where your head sits on your neck. This extension movement brings the head backward.

How do I stretch my SCM muscle?

The SCM muscle should pop out. This muscle runs from the Clavicle to the Mastoid process (just behind your ear). Put the other hand on the opposite side of your head and bring your ear down to the shoulder. Make sure you keep holding your SCM on the clavicle with your other hand (with 2 fingers), to increase the stretch.