What type of injury can cause damage to the SCM?

Other causes of SCM pain include:

• injuries such as whiplash or falls.
• overhead work such as painting, carpentry, or hanging curtains.
• poor posture, especially when your head is forward or turned to the side.
• shallow chest breathing.
• sleeping on your stomach with your head turned to one side.
• sudden movements.

What happens if you tear your sternocleidomastoid?

Generally, people with an injured sternocleidomastoid do not feel pain at the site of the injury. Instead, the pain tends to radiate to other areas of the body. The most common symptoms include: unexplained ear pain, which may present as soreness, aching, or a sense of fullness in the ear.

What happens when the lateral pterygoid contracts?

The primary function of the lateral pterygoid muscle is to pull the head of the condyle out of the mandibular fossa along the articular eminence to protrude the mandible. A concerted effort of the lateral pterygoid muscles helps in lowering the mandible and opening the jaw.

Can you tear your sternocleidomastoid muscle?

Rupture of the sternocleidomastoid muscle is relatively uncommon but has been reported following significant trauma such as in a motor vehicle collision.

Can you strain your sternocleidomastoid?

The Sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) is a bit complex. It can cause neck pain and frequently results in headaches. The sternocliedomastoid muscle can become strained with turning the head to one side when reading in bed, usually towards the light, from looking up or working orverhead a lot.

How do you massage Pterygoids?

Gently squeeze the muscle between the index finger and the thumb. Start with a gentle pressure, and gradually increase the muscle squeeze as tolerated. Teach the patient to self-squeeze the lateral pterygoid muscle for 1 minute several times per day. Relief of the headache, jaw or facial pain is sometimes immediate.