The sternocleidomastoid is a large muscle near the front of the neck. It extends from just under the ear and jaw down to the collarbone. Pain in the sternocleidomastoid can cause neck tenderness and headaches. It is also known as tight neck muscle causing ear problems. A person with sternocleidomastoid pain might notice trigger points along the side or front of the neck. Frequently, however, pain from this muscle radiates elsewhere, causing ear, eye, or sinus pain.
Keep reading to learn more about the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of sternocleidomastoid pain. An acute or chronic condition of neck stiffness with decreased mobility especially rotation, sometimes accompanied by neck pain or pain in body areas distant from the neck, eyes, temples, throat, ears, nose, shoulders, nausea, tinnitus, vertigo, and torticollis.
Here Are A Few Symptoms;
You can feel SCM pain in a few different ways. Your neck, shoulders, or upper back may be particularly sensitive to touch or pressure. You may feel pain in your sinuses, on your forehead, or near your eyebrows. A dull, aching pain may be accompanied by feelings of tension or pressure. Turning or tilting the head can cause sharp pain. More serious injuries can include swelling, redness, and bruising. Muscle cramps may also occur. You may have some of the following symptoms:
Difficulty holding up your head
Disorientation
Dizziness or imbalance
Muscle fatigue
Nausea
Ringing in your ears
Scalp irritation
Stiffness
Tension headache or migraine
Unexplained tears
How Tight Muscle Causes Ear Problems?
Contrary to popular belief, the position and movement of your spine and neck can have a profound effect on the function of the inner ear. This is because the upper cervical spine is indirectly responsible for controlling the tone of the muscles near the eustachian tubes. The twin eustachian tubes connect the middle ear with the upper throat and nose (the area known as the nasopharynx). When the lining of these canals is under pressure, the eustachian tube may close or fill with fluid.
Four Causes Of Ear Problems:
Here are some of the most common causes of a blocked ear, or tight neck muscle causing ear problems from most common to least common.
Wax Formation In The Ear Canal
A buildup of wax in the ear is the most common cause of a blocked or blocked feeling. The only accompanying symptom may be a slight deterioration of hearing. In most cases, it is easy for an ENT doctor to remove the accumulated earwax in the office.
Fluid Behind The Eardrum
An ear infection or a secondary problem from a nasal or sinus problem can cause fluid behind the eardrum. This fluid may appear clear or infected and may be accompanied by ear pain and/or fever. It can also be preceded by an upper respiratory tract disease. A doctor is able to diagnose this through a physical examination.
Muscle Tension Or Jaw Problems
Cervical arthritis, muscle tension, and clenching or grinding of the teeth can cause the ear to feel blocked. This is because the jaw joint lies directly in front of the ear and the base of the skull lies directly below the ear. If these areas become inflamed due to excess pressure, the sensory nerves that connect to the ear can also become inflamed and ear problems can occur.
In these cases, the pain may extend from the ear to the neck or jaw. If your dentist has warned the patient about teeth grinding, this should be taken into account. If warm compresses don't help the problem, your ENT doctor may refer you to physical therapy.
Hearing loss
Sometimes hearing loss can manifest as a "clogged ear" sensation in a perfectly clean ear. A patient with hearing loss may otherwise not notice hearing damage and may only feel a sensation of pressure or fullness. A comprehensive hearing test can help differentiate hearing loss from other conditions that can cause a blocked ear.
Some Preventions;
Here are some common preventions from tight neck muscle causing ear problems
Posture And Ergonomics
Treatment may be as simple as making changes in your posture, especially if you are working or doing certain activities in a painful area. You can change the position of your chair or desk and use the headset instead of holding the phone between your ear and shoulder.
Clothing And Sleep Comfort
Make sure you have enough space around the neck of your shirt and tie. Consider wearing a seat belt while sleeping to keep your neck in good condition. You can place a folded towel under your neck to support the curve under your skull.
Massage
Consider getting a massage several times a week. This can help to alleviate muscle tension and stress, although the effects may be temporary. You can even massage your head, neck, and shoulders for 10 minutes a day. You can also use other therapies such as chiropractic acupuncture.
Heat Or Cold Packs
Hot and cold treatments are an easy way to treat pain at home. This can help relieve inflammation, relax muscles, and reduce pain. Apply an ice pack or heat pad to the affected area for 20 minutes a few times throughout the day. If you switch between the two, keep a cold treatment.
How Can We Diagnose?
The doctor will begin the diagnosis of sternocleidomastoid injury by asking the person for his / her symptoms and his / her recent medical history and activities. It is important to tell the doctor all the symptoms, even if they do not seem to be related, as injuries to the body can cause a variety of symptoms that seem unrelated.
The doctor will then examine the body and ask the person to perform voluntary movements. This may reveal weakness or stiffness due to poor posture, chronic muscle weakness, or heavy lifting. An imaging scan may be necessary for the physician to obtain a detailed view of the muscles and surrounding structures. Ultrasound can help them diagnose sternocleidomastoid trauma, while X-rays can remove broken bones.