Thank you for creating these videos. I’ve been dealing with dizziness, balance and left side back of neck verticals pain for a few years. It’s gotten progressively worse to the point where watching tv makes me dizzy and every time I stop at a red light, everything is still moving forward. Can I pinch the back of neck muscle to find the pinch point too?
@@brettclendanielsr8437 You can certainly try and find tender spots in those muscles as well...please see your primary health care provider for an appropriate diagnosis...good luck.
How do you work the trigger points up where it meets the head (mastoid process?) and at the very bottom by clavicle and sternum? Do you pinch there also? Thank you!
When I found out about this I nearly cried with happiness because I've tried everything and never realised I had pain deep in my collar bone and since then I've been on a healing journey
Dr. Jon, you are a God Send to sufferors like us. I've come to learn the amount of Muscle Tension in the SCM , the Occipitals, and other associated Muscles (Traps, Rhomboids, etc.), is a poignant component to my Misery Index and I'm sure to the many others viewing your Videos. I have spinal arthritis , facet joints arthritis, some stenosis at variuos cervical and Lumbar sites, and Dextroscoliosis of 25 degrees with leg length discrepancy of a 1" shorter right leg resulting form a fractured Femur in 1966 at age 15 (I'm 70, now). Your recommended stretches help to live with these Muscular-Skeletal issues. I would volunteer that Physical Traumas have a tremendous Bearing on your Well being , espcially anything that directly impacts your SPINE. Spine Rules your Body via the Central Nervous System. I would also suggest to all to Hydrate , drink Water... I never really did: Coffee, tea, juices, beer, and so on, but little water. Yopur Spinal Discs are 80% Water. When they dry out and Degenerative disc disease sets in, like me, there is no product on eartyh to help regenerate Spinal Discs. THX again for sharing this Info.
Numerous doctors,Ent's, dentist,tmj specialist ,mri ,ct,teeth xray,noclue .. and finally over hectic work and worst posture seem to have caused exactly this ..! Thank u doctor..your video is so very assuring.. I also had sharp pokes in ear on both sides now and then .. Both the times the ear and jaw pain came in...a week before i have the neck and back pain .. GOD BLESS U .
I want to thank you for posting your amazing videos. I have been walking with so much difficulty, I didn’t know what was wrong with me. I did what you said to do in the video and I got my life back. May God Bless you . Thank you so much for helping me ❤️
Thank you sir ! this helped my heachache from neck pain due to poor posture alot ! I had a massive headached from the muscles being imflammatet and was about to call it a day but this helped. Thanks !
I did yoga and a shoulder stand exercise about a month ago, and since then, I've had neck pain headaches and double vision. I was hospitalized twice last month for these headaches. The doctors performed two blood patches, one on my lower back and another on my upper back, suspecting I had pressure headaches and cerebrospinal fluid (CFS) issues due to my medical history of having disk surgery on my lower back four years ago. After doing some research since I'm sitting home and trying to find out what happened to me, I believe I might have an issue with my SCM (sternocleidomastoid) muscle, not a hole in my spine. I have a follow-up appointment, and I plan to discuss this possibility with the specialist since I have all the symptoms. Thank you for your useful, helpful good explanation and video.
This turned out to be the cause of all of my concerning symptoms following recovery from a bulged disc (and leaning my head forwards and off to the side for several months straight to avoid the pain). I could feel the tension where it connects to my jaw joint (exacerbated by anxiety and jaw clenching) and when I began treating the SCM, my dizziness finally went away. What a stressful problem to have when you don't understand it. Thankfully, we have resources like your channel to sleuth these issues, as traditional medical appointments, in my experience, end up being expensive and rarely provide the expertise needed to identify these specific issues.
Seizures came for me deemed epilepsy after years of neck pain ignored by all regular doctors… Then again ignored after seizures started by specialists. Happy I got some help with steroids my symptoms were horrible I even had hydrocephalus.
Outstanding video; there are a few helpful videos out there on this topic but you really covered all of the bases from a thorough list of symptoms to the well-explained methods of massage and stretching of the muscle.
The diziness spells gave me panic attacks and had me thinking I was dying. Trigger points and stretching was the only thing that releived my headaches and other symptoms. I figured this out before I saw this video, this is just my confirmation. So anyone else reading - yes this is what you need.
Thank you this has helped me so much, it’s amazing how much pain this causes and it’s literally from bad posture at a computer for me. At last someone who knows exactly how this feels!
A tight, trigger muscle is generally weak and afraid, not over active and strong. Trigger point and stretching the SCM might provide some temporary relief, but it would also probably make it worse. You need to strengthen it so it is comfortable to release on its own.
I had a sore throat for weeks and the doctors kept telling me it was just a stubborn cold. I thought I was dying of throat cancer! In the end I found a comment on a cycling forum about the symptom being caused by SCM tension associated with stooping over the handlebars. That was it.
Those muscles are making my life a living hell. I'm dizzy 24/7 for over 5 weeks now. I have eyepain, temple pressure and headaches. I have brain fog and tmd pain. And eye twitching. I'm scared it's some sort of scary disease. Hopefully these excersises work. It's been hell. I can't work because I'm dizzy constantly.
I literally just came across your channel and it seems as though everything you’re speaking about in your videos regarding neck pain, dizziness, bad posture, headaches, etc. are ALL applicable to me. As you correctly stated, these types of aches and pains in and around the neck, shoulder, and head are really debilitating and seriously affect our productivity! The only question I have is: Where do I start? With all of your informative videos, it’s a bit overwhelming to intake all the different exercises, stretches, and diet changes. Can you perhaps recommend a “starting” point for a person like me who has been chronically suffering from practically all of the pains you describe in your videos? Thank you so much for all of your amazing content. I have already subscribed, and I hope that your channel grows leaps and bounds!
Thanks for your nice feedback - watch a few videos and start with the one(s) that closely resemble what you are experiencing...and always check with your doctor to get an accurate diagnosis. Best wishes.
I had to go do some physio therapy and acupuncture after I went to the Dr to do a neck xray..my physio told me the exact same thing my posture was bad..an now I am here doing the streetches...it's more ur posture this Dr is right..my neck was sticking out like a vulture now is going back in..
Interesting. I have been suffering from very excessive lacrimation the past year and I hope doing these exercises will help with this. Ophthalmologists haven't been able to pinpoint a cause otherwise.
Many times .. The neck pain has been misdiagnosed as cervical spondylitis, trapezitis etc... but cause the weakening or shortening of the scm .. which gives the skull pain and neck pain
I been back and forth to the doctor and dentist with neck pain, headaches, even behind the eye, also been getting eye twitching. No dizziness. I thought my corodid artery was clogged, then I thought I had a tumor in my neck cause I ii felt like something was pressing against my windpipe. I pretty certain now its the scm muscle. The side in question is clearly more pronounced than the other side. Thank you.
My SCM’s are *never* free of trigger points, pain & stiffness. This reminded me (once again) to spend some time on them. Thanks! (I’ve never seen temples on glasses like yours anywhere! They are out-there. )
God bless you 👍🙏. You are describing my symptoms..l have classical miagrain ..3years ago suffered from BPPV severe attack. But now a days I have vertigo due to neck... there is pain at the base of left side of brain...n my jaws muscles are also feel stiff...
I’m not loving how every source on this says poor posture is the main culprit 😔 . Lots of people have poor posture and don’t get this very painful thing. Please note that likely triggers (combined with not perfect posture) are asthma / allergies (or other respiratory illnesses), tight shoulders or chest (especially if recent activity aggravated those areas), stress, and TMJ, all of which can be concurrent and related. Not to mention possible nerve compression in the cervical region. But, this is a helpful video for practice 😅
Thanks, dr.Jon....I'm going to try this the second I'm flat on my back tonight...I'm having this sleeping apneu since 2009 and sleeping with a mask since than.When falling asleep my neck and face relax, causing a gap between my face and mask. So what I do, without knowing, is push my face in the mask ...and I have to keep my head tillted to one side...Its not possible to keep my head in one line with my spine, because something deep inside my nose shuts the minute I relax...And all this is causing damige to my jaws and teeth, neckpain, a backhump...headache and musclecramps in that big muscle...I hope this will help me! 🙏
Another very helpful and informative demo thanks Dr. Jon! I just tried this out and didn’t realize how tender that muscle is on both sides. Question: the trigger points should be massaged out before doing stretching. Does that mean a few days of massage or until the tenderness stops before introducing the stretch techniques. Or massage for a few minutes and stretch? Thanks in advance! Love your videos!
I have SCM, Numbess, confusion, facial pain.. blurred vision.. burning.. I've been in hospital for 5 days.. its been the worst pain I have ever been through. by a country mile.
@@drjonsaunders Your stretches have begun helping already.. thank you soo much.. i've been doing them every time I feel the pain to relieve the pain.. I just need to go through a bit more pain to relieve it.
Hello Doctor, I've been suffering from on and off dizziness for 3 years.. whenever I feel dizzy my neck feels tight, and I feel pressure in and above eyes, and sometimes in the sinus region too...it aggravates when I walk especially in a crowded place, it's not vertigo but a kind of disequilibrium and lightheadedness....and when I sleep I could clearly see my head moving in sync with my heartbeat....could this be an issue with neck ? I been to all specialist doctors and got all tests done but nothing has come out positive.. thanks
It's hard for me to give you any specific information without a complete consult and exam...please find a chiropractor or physio who has experience in cervicogenic dizziness to assess you properly...all the best!
I have the same problem dude, I started to treat neck muscles and I got much better! and the fact that these are problems with vertebral hernia - a complete delusion, my friend had surgery and he began to feel even worse!
Hi! Having this exact issue but my main symptom being blurred vision in my right eye and dizziness with ear popping and jaw pain. I have been icing my neck and changed my pillow for sleeping on my back. I definitely think the posture and phone is contributing to this, however this has been on going for 6months. Going to be trying these stretches you showed! Wondering if I need to see a specialist, although I did already see a chiropractor and he said another area at the base of my skull on right side of neck was pulsing and super tired too.
I have a lump on my SCM for over a year, not growing in size but came after PT messed with scalenes. I have all the crazy weird symptoms. Also I am trying to find a chiro to help the hump on neck. Any ideas of the lump on SCM or what I can do for the hump on neck?
Hi Dr Jon. Thank you for your video! When my neck is tight something tends to give me ectopic hearts beats. I have had numerous tests to clear me of any heart issues but as much as the doctors dont accept it, I know it is coming from something tight in my neck. Sometimes I also get them when I lift my right arm. Feels like a muscle between my shoulder blade and neck are irritating a nerve or something. Have you ever heard of this sort of thing? I have regular visits with a chiro but nothing seems to get rid of this. Too much sitting in front of the computer at work doesnt help 😞 Thank you in advance for any info you may help with. 🙏 Best wishes from Adelaide Australia.
@drjonsaunders Thank you so very much for that video link. 🙏 Wow....finally....I so very much appreciate you being able to give me some acknowledgement that these issues can be stemming from my spine misfunction and tightness. I'm going crazy over here with nobody being able to help give me some direction. I know my body and I know these symptoms are related to this issue. Thank you SO much again and I'll get stuck into these exercises and pray things will improve! These exercises are different to everything else I have been given and definately seem more directed to what's going on. Thank you 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Hi Dr, can the SCM become inflamed? I have daily pain/problems on left side mainly, but recently moved to right side as well, been ongoing for over 3 months. Can there also be a link to the trap muscle that cause pain across to the shoulder? Thanks.
I have balance issues when I walk, stand in one place for a long time, doing Neck Strengthening exercises, I was diagnosed with CV Spondylolysis, does it because of SCM Muscle? how much time it can take to go away with balance issues after stretching and strengthening the muscles?
My rubbery nodular lymph nodes constantly trigger migraine like headaches and cervicogenic pain and dizziness and I massage these areas routinely like trigger points. Is this normal to have to therapeutically do this daily? I find that this condition worsened after my second covid infection.
I'm from Brazil and I only think about killing myself because of cervicogenic dizziness... Thank you for relieving us with your knowledge you don't know how valuable what you do is.
I'm sorry to hear you are suffering from cervicogenic dizziness...I really hope my videos help you...please see your doctor for more advice...best wishes!
For the first time yesterday i nearly fell over due to dizziness, i hve a throat problem undiagnosed since 2020, no one seem to knw whats going on, can you help? I live in Trinidad in the West Indies, thanks in advance 🙏
When I look down to my right my neck feels thick. Its almost as if a small fist is under my neck. Just under my right jaw. What do you have for that please? Thank you
good day doc. i injured my SCM carrying a heavy backpack way back in 2013. it took about 2 months to go heal on its own. those 2 months were a nightmare. it comes back about every 2 years if i sleep wrong. what can i do if to make it easier for me when it comes back?
@@drjonsaunders I have shifting pressure in the neck with shortness of breath. Sometimes it is on the right side and sometimes it shifts to the left side. I feel like it is a heavy liquid and I do not know what the reason is
@@drjonsaunders I have shifting pressure in the neck with shortness of breath. Sometimes it is on the right side and sometimes it shifts to the left side. I feel like it is a heavy liquid and I do not know what the reason is.
This may help with your imbalance: th-cam.com/video/gk4qY2sXFOg/w-d-xo.htmlsi=kB3DzolZ_kP9DzpJ AND th-cam.com/video/1cYeBogHm7o/w-d-xo.htmlsi=8PdOAn_vnmKhF-GO
After my chiropractor adjustment my atlas and neck I asked what can I do to help keep steady my neck he told me not much but I'm sure they are some exercises that help get neck muscles get strong
hello Dr. i have a tender part in the area behind the ear at the origin in my left side thats causing me some dizziness, my question is in the 2nd and 3rd stretch should i do it in the same direction to the left side or the opposite one? or both? thank you.
Hello Dr. Could scm tightness be a cause for muscle tension dysphagia? I noticed ever since I developed poor posture, my SCM feels tight and looks bulkier too, and I have dysphagia sensation whenever my muscles are tensed up.
Are some of the symptoms fealing out of whack? I haven't had headaches as much but eye twitching, tension on that side of my head, "pain" in my jaw, slight dizziness, etc. I have a super tight right side of my body. Could something in my upper back be causing the tightness in other muscles that could lead to tightness in the scm?
My left SCM always has been tight and made my neck tilt to left side for 20 yrs which causes pain,dizziness and etc...I went all Dr's but no one knows well about this problem. Do you know which Dr or specialist I shall look for this ?
Hello Doc, thanks for the video. These are helping me quite a bit. What type of doctor addresses cervicogenic dizziness? How do I find a good doctor, or chiropractor, in the Seattle area that understands cervicogenic dizziness? Do you know of any? Thanks!
You are a God sent. My Clavicle goes out a lot and have to have it put back in. And all the things you was talking about is a Lot of what's been going on with me. This did help me. But my left side is just so tight and sore. I did hear a little pop. I Pray it will feel better soon. Wish I could put my own clavicle back in. I was setting up when it popped. And if it doesn't feel better later I am going to try something like this when I lay tonight before bed ...along with the breathing you showed in another video. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
hi thank you very much for information before 7 days i felt very dizziness and headache and and all my body feel pain and i went to doctor and he told me i have middle ear inflammation and my ear doesnt hurt me at all and i can hear very well and i except it is this Sternocleidomastoid so what should i do ? thank you
Hey doc can this muscle cause pain when wearing cloths that rest on it like scarfs and jackets that sit on this muscle?Whenever i wear something like this i suffer a lot with neckpain in those areas and if i take them off the pain lasts for a bit after.Whats your advice? Thanks!
Thank you for the video. Been having off and on problems with the right side of my neck. It feels like there is constant pressure, that side also feels thicker and more bulgy then the left. Is it typical for some people to have a bulgier side?? I have also been having tingling sensations on my face. But no numbing. I have had 2 ultrasounds done to rule out thyroid and jugular vein issues those both are fine. So i assume its the scm muscle. Its is extremely uncomfortable and i feel best when I am lying down... :( hopefully these exercises help, any additional excercises that would be helpful?
@@drjonsaunders thank you. Thats what im doing. Seeing a nuerologist next. Im still very curious though, since you see tons of people, Is it common for a person to have a thicker side, maybe even more solid muscle one one side of the neck than the other?
I have front neck muscle strain it started 3 weeks ago and still no sign of healing. Went clinic 3 times just advising to take Tylenol. Pain started from front left neck and now it’s travelling through the head. Causing internal ear pain.
It is advised to avoid a tens unit on the front of the neck due to sensitive tissues like nerves and blood vessels, however it may help on the upper part by the mastoid process...best of luck.
Thanks doc.. I have my anxiety beacuse of my headaches ..and I think I have stroke and later I think I have brain tumor but I don't have any symptoms like vomiting nausea or weakness or side of my body even my vision.. but I have poor posture head forward so when I extended my neck and flexed and lateral side I have pain and tightness of muscles.. now regular exercise and stretch for my neck muscles.. my kilo doc is 116kg🥲
Thank you so much for all your videos! I do get cervicogenic dizziness quite often. I do have problems finding the right pillow, any chance you can post a correct sleeping position that might help with neck pain. Thank you!
I have pain in that area, but the more you explain it I don’t think it’s that exact muscle, it’s right behind my collarbone and it feels like it’s even behind this STM muscle, like little bands, laying over my first rib.. I hurts so bad bro,. HELP!!!!
Yes, I have many patients that I can reproduce their dizziness by doing trigger point therapy on their upper traps...try some self trigger point therapy on your upper traps (like I show in the video on the SCM) and see if it helps...good luck!
@@MR-qq6ec Yes dizziness is a very unpleasant symptom when chronic...always consult with your primary health care provider however to rule out any other potential cause to your dizziness.
@@drjonsaunders I have on and off over the years very much neck/shoulder pain and back pain, Before my hearing got muffled 2 weeks before that I was in a lot of pain because some muscle was going wrong out of nowhere
Sir what is the reason of swelling in muscles again and again when I start exercising my neck ,shoulder muscles swollen badly and I can't do more exercises
@@drjonsaunders sir I dont use pillow from last so many years and sleep on flat soft surface so should I using pillow and what type pillow I use please help me sir
My left SCM is nearly completely non existent. my whole life i have a misplacement of shoulder and a bunch of other muscles and bones now i am 32 yo and my whole life i didn't use many muscles in that area. i will visit a doc soon again since when i was a child nothing was able to be diagnosed. i doubt at this point it can be fixed cause that muscle isnt even triggering when i do exercises which should trigger it. lets see how it goes
I have really bad neck pain when lying down and climbing the stairs, grinding and cracking sound's in neck, having really bad pain in shoulder and stiffness, pain in back of head, constant dizziness, facial pain, blurry vision, vertigo, tinnitus and also having sore throat with throat pain. I've had an head injury 3 year's ago, could it be the reason for the neck pain?
The crazy thing is I always feel it on the left and massage it and its better. But I dont remember if it was one of the few times I massaged the right and I had like insane rotation but numbness.
Do you have a question about neck pain, headaches, or cervical vertigo? How about the 2 at home treatments in the video? ASK HERE.
Thank you for creating these videos. I’ve been dealing with dizziness, balance and left side back of neck verticals pain for a few years. It’s gotten progressively worse to the point where watching tv makes me dizzy and every time I stop at a red light, everything is still moving forward. Can I pinch the back of neck muscle to find the pinch point too?
@@brettclendanielsr8437 You can certainly try and find tender spots in those muscles as well...please see your primary health care provider for an appropriate diagnosis...good luck.
@@drjonsaunders Sure thing Doc. Hope you are well
How do you work the trigger points up where it meets the head (mastoid process?) and at the very bottom by clavicle and sternum? Do you pinch there also? Thank you!
@@NeelSea Use you index finger or thumb for the mastoid area and a "pincher" grasp at the sternum/clavicle...good luck!
When I found out about this I nearly cried with happiness because I've tried everything and never realised I had pain deep in my collar bone and since then I've been on a healing journey
I hope you feel better soon.
For me I had weak neck flexors and used the video he posted where you lay down and simply lift your head up 1 inch lol. God bless this man
Great job!
It worked also for me!🙏💪
Dr. Jon, you are a God Send to sufferors like us. I've come to learn the amount of Muscle Tension in the SCM , the Occipitals, and other associated Muscles (Traps, Rhomboids, etc.), is a poignant component to my Misery Index and I'm sure to the many others viewing your Videos. I have spinal arthritis , facet joints arthritis, some stenosis at variuos cervical and Lumbar sites, and Dextroscoliosis of 25 degrees with leg length discrepancy of a 1" shorter right leg resulting form a fractured Femur in 1966 at age 15 (I'm 70, now). Your recommended stretches help to live with these Muscular-Skeletal issues. I would volunteer that Physical Traumas have a tremendous Bearing on your Well being , espcially anything that directly impacts your SPINE. Spine Rules your Body via the Central Nervous System. I would also suggest to all to Hydrate , drink Water... I never really did: Coffee, tea, juices, beer, and so on, but little water. Yopur Spinal Discs are 80% Water. When they dry out and Degenerative disc disease sets in, like me, there is no product on eartyh to help regenerate Spinal Discs. THX again for sharing this Info.
My pleasure...all the best!
Thanks for the water recommendation. I find as I get older I often don't think to drink enough. Just had spinal surgery and feeling miserable.
Numerous doctors,Ent's, dentist,tmj specialist ,mri ,ct,teeth xray,noclue .. and finally over hectic work and worst posture seem to have caused exactly this ..! Thank u doctor..your video is so very assuring..
I also had sharp pokes in ear on both sides now and then ..
Both the times the ear and jaw pain came in...a week before i have the neck and back pain ..
GOD BLESS U .
Thanks for watching!
Thanks!
No problem! Thanks for you generous support!
I want to thank you for posting your amazing videos. I have been walking with so much difficulty, I didn’t know what was wrong with me. I did what you said to do in the video and I got my life back. May God Bless you . Thank you so much for helping me ❤️
You are so welcome! Thanks for your support! :)
Thank you sir ! this helped my heachache from neck pain due to poor posture alot ! I had a massive headached from the muscles being imflammatet and was about to call it a day but this helped. Thanks !
Great to hear!
I did yoga and a shoulder stand exercise about a month ago, and since then, I've had neck pain headaches and double vision. I was hospitalized twice last month for these headaches. The doctors performed two blood patches, one on my lower back and another on my upper back, suspecting I had pressure headaches and cerebrospinal fluid (CFS) issues due to my medical history of having disk surgery on my lower back four years ago.
After doing some research since I'm sitting home and trying to find out what happened to me, I believe I might have an issue with my SCM (sternocleidomastoid) muscle, not a hole in my spine. I have a follow-up appointment, and I plan to discuss this possibility with the specialist since I have all the symptoms.
Thank you for your useful, helpful good explanation and video.
Best wishes and I hope you feel better soon!
This turned out to be the cause of all of my concerning symptoms following recovery from a bulged disc (and leaning my head forwards and off to the side for several months straight to avoid the pain). I could feel the tension where it connects to my jaw joint (exacerbated by anxiety and jaw clenching) and when I began treating the SCM, my dizziness finally went away. What a stressful problem to have when you don't understand it. Thankfully, we have resources like your channel to sleuth these issues, as traditional medical appointments, in my experience, end up being expensive and rarely provide the expertise needed to identify these specific issues.
Glad to hear you are better now. :)
Seizures came for me deemed epilepsy after years of neck pain ignored by all regular doctors… Then again ignored after seizures started by specialists. Happy I got some help with steroids my symptoms were horrible I even had hydrocephalus.
I'm glad you are feeling better. Take care.
Outstanding video; there are a few helpful videos out there on this topic but you really covered all of the bases from a thorough list of symptoms to the well-explained methods of massage and stretching of the muscle.
Thank you!
The diziness spells gave me panic attacks and had me thinking I was dying. Trigger points and stretching was the only thing that releived my headaches and other symptoms. I figured this out before I saw this video, this is just my confirmation. So anyone else reading - yes this is what you need.
Thanks for sharing!
How are you doing now
This is the answer for discomfort I developed a week ago. Thank you!
Happy to help!
Your videos are blessings in disguise..whenever next I am traveling to your part of the world..I will certainly pay you a visit..regards Vincent
I appreciate your feedback...all the best!
Oh this is me every day! Thank you!!! My phone must be watching me because I’ve been rubbing my neck in the front and then this video came up ! 😳
You are so welcome!
I've had it now for 12 years..
Very painful but have managed to get on top of it.
:(
Thank you this has helped me so much, it’s amazing how much pain this causes and it’s literally from bad posture at a computer for me. At last someone who knows exactly how this feels!
You're so welcome!
Great videos, good information with out all the filler.
Glad you think so!
Dr Jon, found your last few videos, designing my own plan as in Alberta, after x-rays and MRI, specialist ENT has me on the two year waiting list!!
Sorry to hear that...I wish you all the best!
A tight, trigger muscle is generally weak and afraid, not over active and strong. Trigger point and stretching the SCM might provide some temporary relief, but it would also probably make it worse. You need to strengthen it so it is comfortable to release on its own.
Agreed, we tend to over stretch and under exercise. Best wishes.
Amen.
great educational points. so practical. thanks jon
Glad you liked it!
I had a sore throat for weeks and the doctors kept telling me it was just a stubborn cold. I thought I was dying of throat cancer! In the end I found a comment on a cycling forum about the symptom being caused by SCM tension associated with stooping over the handlebars. That was it.
Great!
Those muscles are making my life a living hell. I'm dizzy 24/7 for over 5 weeks now. I have eyepain, temple pressure and headaches. I have brain fog and tmd pain. And eye twitching. I'm scared it's some sort of scary disease. Hopefully these excersises work. It's been hell. I can't work because I'm dizzy constantly.
Sorry to hear this...take good care!
@@drjonsaunders your vid is helpful. Thnx!
Hey how’s you now ? Im having the same symptoms
Same here dude
This is me too I’ve been looking for answers for so long
These videos give hope!
Great!
I literally just came across your channel and it seems as though everything you’re speaking about in your videos regarding neck pain, dizziness, bad posture, headaches, etc. are ALL applicable to me. As you correctly stated, these types of aches and pains in and around the neck, shoulder, and head are really debilitating and seriously affect our productivity!
The only question I have is: Where do I start? With all of your informative videos, it’s a bit overwhelming to intake all the different exercises, stretches, and diet changes. Can you perhaps recommend a “starting” point for a person like me who has been chronically suffering from practically all of the pains you describe in your videos?
Thank you so much for all of your amazing content. I have already subscribed, and I hope that your channel grows leaps and bounds!
Thanks for your nice feedback - watch a few videos and start with the one(s) that closely resemble what you are experiencing...and always check with your doctor to get an accurate diagnosis. Best wishes.
@@drjonsaunders ❤
I had to go do some physio therapy and acupuncture after I went to the Dr to do a neck xray..my physio told me the exact same thing my posture was bad..an now I am here doing the streetches...it's more ur posture this Dr is right..my neck was sticking out like a vulture now is going back in..
Interesting. I have been suffering from very excessive lacrimation the past year and I hope doing these exercises will help with this. Ophthalmologists haven't been able to pinpoint a cause otherwise.
I hope this video is helpful for you.
Many times .. The neck pain has been misdiagnosed as cervical spondylitis, trapezitis etc... but cause the weakening or shortening of the scm .. which gives the skull pain and neck pain
Yep!
I been back and forth to the doctor and dentist with neck pain, headaches, even behind the eye, also been getting eye twitching. No dizziness. I thought my corodid artery was clogged, then I thought I had a tumor in my neck cause I ii felt like something was pressing against my windpipe. I pretty certain now its the scm muscle. The side in question is clearly more pronounced than the other side. Thank you.
I'm glad you found my video helpful. Take care.
I did these exercises and my sinuses opened. :)
Excellent!
My SCM’s are *never* free of trigger points, pain & stiffness. This reminded me (once again) to spend some time on them. Thanks! (I’ve never seen temples on glasses like yours anywhere! They are out-there. )
You are so welcome! Yes they are very comfortable 👓!
Very useful, thank you very much for sharing!!!
Glad it was helpful!
God bless you 👍🙏.
You are describing my symptoms..l have classical miagrain ..3years ago suffered from BPPV severe attack.
But now a days I have vertigo due to neck... there is pain at the base of left side of brain...n my jaws muscles are also feel stiff...
Thanks for watching!
that hit the spot. thanks doc
👍
Very helpful video Doc..🙏👍
Glad it was helpful!
THANK YOU SO MUCH I FINALLY FOUND.
Glad I could help!
Great video!!! Thank you!!❤️
My pleasure 🙏
I’m not loving how every source on this says poor posture is the main culprit 😔 . Lots of people have poor posture and don’t get this very painful thing. Please note that likely triggers (combined with not perfect posture) are asthma / allergies (or other respiratory illnesses), tight shoulders or chest (especially if recent activity aggravated those areas), stress, and TMJ, all of which can be concurrent and related. Not to mention possible nerve compression in the cervical region. But, this is a helpful video for practice 😅
Definitely lots of contributing factors...thanks for watching!
@@drjonsaunders thanks for responding to my snarky comment 😃
Very helpful video again Doc. Will massaging it work?
Yes it should...good luck.
Thank you
You're welcome!
Very helpful!
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks, dr.Jon....I'm going to try this the second I'm flat on my back tonight...I'm having this sleeping apneu since 2009 and sleeping with a mask since than.When falling asleep my neck and face relax, causing a gap between my face and mask. So what I do, without knowing, is push my face in the mask ...and I have to keep my head tillted to one side...Its not possible to keep my head in one line with my spine, because something deep inside my nose shuts the minute I relax...And all this is causing damige to my jaws and teeth, neckpain, a backhump...headache and musclecramps in that big muscle...I hope this will help me! 🙏
I hope you find my videos helpful. Take care.
Another very helpful and informative demo thanks Dr. Jon! I just tried this out and didn’t realize how tender that muscle is on both sides. Question: the trigger points should be massaged out before doing stretching. Does that mean a few days of massage or until the tenderness stops before introducing the stretch techniques. Or massage for a few minutes and stretch? Thanks in advance! Love your videos!
Thank you! Yes, work out the trigger points and then immediately do the stretches...repeat daily. Stay well! :)
I have SCM, Numbess, confusion, facial pain.. blurred vision.. burning.. I've been in hospital for 5 days.. its been the worst pain I have ever been through. by a country mile.
I'm sorry to hear this, but glad to hear you are seeking care. Best wishes.
@@drjonsaunders Your stretches have begun helping already.. thank you soo much.. i've been doing them every time I feel the pain to relieve the pain.. I just need to go through a bit more pain to relieve it.
Hello Doctor, I've been suffering from on and off dizziness for 3 years.. whenever I feel dizzy my neck feels tight, and I feel pressure in and above eyes, and sometimes in the sinus region too...it aggravates when I walk especially in a crowded place, it's not vertigo but a kind of disequilibrium and lightheadedness....and when I sleep I could clearly see my head moving in sync with my heartbeat....could this be an issue with neck ? I been to all specialist doctors and got all tests done but nothing has come out positive.. thanks
It's hard for me to give you any specific information without a complete consult and exam...please find a chiropractor or physio who has experience in cervicogenic dizziness to assess you properly...all the best!
I have a same problem.
I have this same issue for years. It's getting worse and I am really hoping for some sort of remedy.
Sir how can i contact you
I have the same problem dude, I started to treat neck muscles and I got much better!
and the fact that these are problems with vertebral hernia - a complete delusion, my friend had surgery and he began to feel even worse!
Thank you!!!!!! 👍🎉😂❤
No problem 😊
Sir i am 16 year old and suffering from this pain for about 1 year, can i apply a vaccum cup therapy on them?
Cupping can help in some cases. Best wishes.
Hi! Having this exact issue but my main symptom being blurred vision in my right eye and dizziness with ear popping and jaw pain. I have been icing my neck and changed my pillow for sleeping on my back. I definitely think the posture and phone is contributing to this, however this has been on going for 6months. Going to be trying these stretches you showed! Wondering if I need to see a specialist, although I did already see a chiropractor and he said another area at the base of my skull on right side of neck was pulsing and super tired too.
I would definitely continue to see your chiropractor to see if they can provide specific advice for your case...best of luck.
I have a lump on my SCM for over a year, not growing in size but came after PT messed with scalenes. I have all the crazy weird symptoms. Also I am trying to find a chiro to help the hump on neck. Any ideas of the lump on SCM or what I can do for the hump on neck?
I would see your doctor re: lump on SCM just to make sure it's nothing...as for hump, this may help: th-cam.com/video/3yP2xgIkEL4/w-d-xo.html
I have this and all the symptoms😢 do you have a pillow recommendation?
th-cam.com/video/W084_TFiP4g/w-d-xo.html
Wow! The eyelids twitching! Red eyes!! Yes!
Yes, weird stuff!
Does occipital neuralgia could be confused whit dysfunctional scm?
Sure could, but occipital neuralgia is definitely a different issue - best wishes.
Wow. This is something
Yes it is...all the best!
How often can you do this ?
2 times per day is a good place to start.
Hi Dr Jon. Thank you for your video! When my neck is tight something tends to give me ectopic hearts beats. I have had numerous tests to clear me of any heart issues but as much as the doctors dont accept it, I know it is coming from something tight in my neck. Sometimes I also get them when I lift my right arm. Feels like a muscle between my shoulder blade and neck are irritating a nerve or something. Have you ever heard of this sort of thing? I have regular visits with a chiro but nothing seems to get rid of this. Too much sitting in front of the computer at work doesnt help 😞 Thank you in advance for any info you may help with. 🙏 Best wishes from Adelaide Australia.
th-cam.com/video/j-sCCjtEfTg/w-d-xo.htmlsi=2I0wPhXpMmXhsdTB
@drjonsaunders Thank you so very much for that video link. 🙏 Wow....finally....I so very much appreciate you being able to give me some acknowledgement that these issues can be stemming from my spine misfunction and tightness. I'm going crazy over here with nobody being able to help give me some direction. I know my body and I know these symptoms are related to this issue.
Thank you SO much again and I'll get stuck into these exercises and pray things will improve! These exercises are different to everything else I have been given and definately seem more directed to what's going on. Thank you 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Hi Dr, can the SCM become inflamed? I have daily pain/problems on left side mainly, but recently moved to right side as well, been ongoing for over 3 months. Can there also be a link to the trap muscle that cause pain across to the shoulder?
Thanks.
Yes indeed...I hope you have found this video helpful.
I have balance issues when I walk, stand in one place for a long time, doing Neck Strengthening exercises, I was diagnosed with CV Spondylolysis, does it because of SCM Muscle? how much time it can take to go away with balance issues after stretching and strengthening the muscles?
It's hard to answer those questions with so little information and not examining you. Sorry!
My rubbery nodular lymph nodes constantly trigger migraine like headaches and cervicogenic pain and dizziness and I massage these areas routinely like trigger points. Is this normal to have to therapeutically do this daily? I find that this condition worsened after my second covid infection.
:( Sorry to hear. It may be that your lymph node, please see your doctor.
I'm from Brazil and I only think about killing myself because of cervicogenic dizziness... Thank you for relieving us with your knowledge you don't know how valuable what you do is.
I'm sorry to hear you are suffering from cervicogenic dizziness...I really hope my videos help you...please see your doctor for more advice...best wishes!
For the first time yesterday i nearly fell over due to dizziness, i hve a throat problem undiagnosed since 2020, no one seem to knw whats going on, can you help? I live in Trinidad in the West Indies, thanks in advance 🙏
I wish you a full recovery!
Hi, do you know why one of the scm muscles is very enlarged on one side of the neck compared to the other?
Hard to say without examining you, but it could be compensating for something. Best wishes.
@@drjonsaunders thanks. I have tmj
When I look down to my right my neck feels thick. Its almost as if a small fist is under my neck. Just under my right jaw. What do you have for that please? Thank you
Without examining you unfortunately I cannot say. Best to see your doctor.
good day doc. i injured my SCM carrying a heavy backpack way back in 2013. it took about 2 months to go heal on its own. those 2 months were a nightmare. it comes back about every 2 years if i sleep wrong. what can i do if to make it easier for me when it comes back?
It may be there may be more issues deeper in your neck/spine that needs to be addressed...please see your doctor for further testing.
Doctor i have a question
Please ask in another comment. Thank you.
@@drjonsaunders I have shifting pressure in the neck with shortness of breath. Sometimes it is on the right side and sometimes it shifts to the left side. I feel like it is a heavy liquid and I do not know what the reason is
@@drjonsaunders I have shifting pressure in the neck with shortness of breath. Sometimes it is on the right side and sometimes it shifts to the left side. I feel like it is a heavy liquid and I do not know what the reason is.
I have unbalance please guide .problem inc45and c56 and straightning .and desicated c456
This may help with your imbalance: th-cam.com/video/gk4qY2sXFOg/w-d-xo.htmlsi=kB3DzolZ_kP9DzpJ AND th-cam.com/video/1cYeBogHm7o/w-d-xo.htmlsi=8PdOAn_vnmKhF-GO
After my chiropractor adjustment my atlas and neck I asked what can I do to help keep steady my neck he told me not much but I'm sure they are some exercises that help get neck muscles get strong
You should be doing some neck strengthening exercises to help hold your adjustments.
hello Dr. i have a tender part in the area behind the ear at the origin in my left side thats causing me some dizziness, my question is in the 2nd and 3rd stretch should i do it in the same direction to the left side or the opposite one? or both? thank you.
Likely best to do both sides to try and keep everything in balance...all the best!
@@drjonsaunders thank you so much for replying back.
😊
Can this be causing TMJ problem - or TMJ causing this pain and temporalis pain - headaches , have issues with C2/5&6
It's hard to say without examining you. I hope my video was helpful. Best wishes.
Hello Doctor Jon. Is massaging SCM muscle a temporary relief or a permanent cure in the long run?
It can help in some cases, but best to find a health provider so they can find the cause of your tight SCM. All the best.
@@drjonsaunders Thanks a lot for your reply, Dr.
I think the underlying cause is my radiculopathy or pinched nerve.
Hello Dr. Could scm tightness be a cause for muscle tension dysphagia? I noticed ever since I developed poor posture, my SCM feels tight and looks bulkier too, and I have dysphagia sensation whenever my muscles are tensed up.
In some cases, yes it can.
Are some of the symptoms fealing out of whack? I haven't had headaches as much but eye twitching, tension on that side of my head, "pain" in my jaw, slight dizziness, etc. I have a super tight right side of my body. Could something in my upper back be causing the tightness in other muscles that could lead to tightness in the scm?
It could be your SCM, but there are many other things as well that can cause those symptoms...please see your doctor.
Can relate! Eye twitching! The tighter the muscle the more symptoms.
@@drjonsaunders I have been having a lot of sounds in my ears especially at night..seen to Drs nothing helped.
My left SCM always has been tight and made my neck tilt to left side for 20 yrs which causes pain,dizziness and etc...I went all Dr's but no one knows well about this problem. Do you know which Dr or specialist I shall look for this ?
Chiropractor.
Hello Doc, thanks for the video. These are helping me quite a bit. What type of doctor addresses cervicogenic dizziness? How do I find a good doctor, or chiropractor, in the Seattle area that understands cervicogenic dizziness? Do you know of any? Thanks!
Just do a search in your area for a chiro or PT who has experience with it...I wish I knew someone personally for you...all the best!
You are a God sent. My Clavicle goes out a lot and have to have it put back in. And all the things you was talking about is a Lot of what's been going on with me. This did help me. But my left side is just so tight and sore. I did hear a little pop. I Pray it will feel better soon. Wish I could put my own clavicle back in. I was setting up when it popped. And if it doesn't feel better later I am going to try something like this when I lay tonight before bed ...along with the breathing you showed in another video. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Best wishes.
How are you bro tell us please
❤ thanks
My pleasure!
My SCM causing dizziness HEART PALPATATIONS tight throat etc.
:(
hi thank you very much for information before 7 days i felt very dizziness and headache and and all my body feel pain and i went to doctor and he told me i have middle ear inflammation and my ear doesnt hurt me at all and i can hear very well and i except it is this Sternocleidomastoid so what should i do ? thank you
It sounds like your doctor has diagnosed you, so please follow their advice. Hope you feel better soon.
Hey doc can this muscle cause pain when wearing cloths that rest on it like scarfs and jackets that sit on this muscle?Whenever i wear something like this i suffer a lot with neckpain in those areas and if i take them off the pain lasts for a bit after.Whats your advice?
Thanks!
It may, best to work through the routine in the video.
These muscles are incredibly sore to the touch. Hoping this will help.
Good luck!
I did face pulls tomorrow evening and got pinched nerve in that area of lower neck after how many days can i exercise again can it fully recovered?
Hard to say without knowing your medical history. I hope you feel better soon.
There is an opposite view that says the scm is weak and should be strenghtned and not stretched, what should i do?
It depends on what the problem is...for some it can be weak, and others it may be tight. Need to know to make best recommendation.
Thank you for the video. Been having off and on problems with the right side of my neck. It feels like there is constant pressure, that side also feels thicker and more bulgy then the left. Is it typical for some people to have a bulgier side?? I have also been having tingling sensations on my face. But no numbing. I have had 2 ultrasounds done to rule out thyroid and jugular vein issues those both are fine. So i assume its the scm muscle. Its is extremely uncomfortable and i feel best when I am lying down... :( hopefully these exercises help, any additional excercises that would be helpful?
This video should help if you have an SCM issue...but please continue to speak to your doctor until you are certain you know the cause...all the best.
@@drjonsaunders thank you. Thats what im doing. Seeing a nuerologist next. Im still very curious though, since you see tons of people, Is it common for a person to have a thicker side, maybe even more solid muscle one one side of the neck than the other?
Hi, I have a thicker feeling on my right side. Did you ever find out the cause?
@@alliefrasier9303 I have the same thing! I have had CT scans & ultrasounds with nothing showing. I'm assuming it is the SCM
Any update?
I have front neck muscle strain it started 3 weeks ago and still no sign of healing. Went clinic 3 times just advising to take Tylenol. Pain started from front left neck and now it’s travelling through the head. Causing internal ear pain.
I'd say you need more testing to determine the cause...best wishes.
Can this problem make you extremely tired or cause head pressure as well?
It can cause pressure in head, like a headache yes.
Can a TENS help relieve headaches when placed on the SCM..
It is advised to avoid a tens unit on the front of the neck due to sensitive tissues like nerves and blood vessels, however it may help on the upper part by the mastoid process...best of luck.
Can you feel tightness and dull pain in the back of your neck with SCM as well?
You could, yes.
@@drjonsaunders thank you for reply. Seeing a PT on the 13th and I’m excited as all can be.
When I picnh may muscle I feel the pain in my temple doc.. also that spot where my pain goes like pressure pain..
Sounds like you have found a trigger point - I hope this video helps you.
Thanks doc.. I have my anxiety beacuse of my headaches ..and I think I have stroke and later I think I have brain tumor but I don't have any symptoms like vomiting nausea or weakness or side of my body even my vision.. but I have poor posture head forward so when I extended my neck and flexed and lateral side I have pain and tightness of muscles.. now regular exercise and stretch for my neck muscles.. my kilo doc is 116kg🥲
Thank you so much for all your videos! I do get cervicogenic dizziness quite often. I do have problems finding the right pillow, any chance you can post a correct sleeping position that might help with neck pain. Thank you!
Thanks for your comment...look at these 2 videos: th-cam.com/video/MtJvl60fEg8/w-d-xo.html AND th-cam.com/video/-V37-K48Nr8/w-d-xo.html Best wishes.
I have pain in that area, but the more you explain it I don’t think it’s that exact muscle, it’s right behind my collarbone and it feels like it’s even behind this STM muscle, like little bands, laying over my first rib.. I hurts so bad bro,. HELP!!!!
Can weakness in the upper traps also cause dizziness?
Yes, I have many patients that I can reproduce their dizziness by doing trigger point therapy on their upper traps...try some self trigger point therapy on your upper traps (like I show in the video on the SCM) and see if it helps...good luck!
@@drjonsaunders Wow okay. I been dealing with a dizziness that makes me feel as if I'm on a boat . Thanks for the reply
@@MR-qq6ec Yes dizziness is a very unpleasant symptom when chronic...always consult with your primary health care provider however to rule out any other potential cause to your dizziness.
@@MR-qq6ec How are you doing so far?
Doctor today morning my sternocleidomastoid is very pain while pressing there is a vein is very painful is it any disease..?😢
It's hard to say without examining you. Definitely have to ask your doctor. Best wishes.
Can it also cause a muffled hearing ? My hearing test was good but I am in a lot of pain
It could, I hope my video helps you.
@@drjonsaunders I have on and off over the years very much neck/shoulder pain and back pain, Before my hearing got muffled 2 weeks before that I was in a lot of pain because some muscle was going wrong out of nowhere
Do you type SCM’s affect the ribs at all?
Yes they can as they act as an accessory muscle to respiration.
how should you sleep with the pillow if you have this?
Support neck with a cervical pillow. Best wishes.
@@drjonsaunders ty for the answer, do
you have a link to how this would look like? :)
Sir what is the reason of swelling in muscles again and again when I start exercising my neck ,shoulder muscles swollen badly and I can't do more exercises
Hard to say without examining you.
@@drjonsaunders sir I dont use pillow from last so many years and sleep on flat soft surface so should I using pillow and what type pillow I use please help me sir
i have pain in scm muscle everytime i work out, pulling motion. or when i stretch my neck really far. it bothers me a lot
I'm sure this video will help you. Take care.
Same problem I am facing After couping therapy
Thanks for watching.
My left SCM is nearly completely non existent. my whole life i have a misplacement of shoulder and a bunch of other muscles and bones now i am 32 yo and my whole life i didn't use many muscles in that area. i will visit a doc soon again since when i was a child nothing was able to be diagnosed. i doubt at this point it can be fixed cause that muscle isnt even triggering when i do exercises which should trigger it. lets see how it goes
I hope you improve...all the best!
I have really bad neck pain when lying down and climbing the stairs, grinding and cracking sound's in neck, having really bad pain in shoulder and stiffness, pain in back of head, constant dizziness, facial pain, blurry vision, vertigo, tinnitus and also having sore throat with throat pain.
I've had an head injury 3 year's ago, could it be the reason for the neck pain?
It could be - watch this video: th-cam.com/video/HFxZk0r4SVs/w-d-xo.html
Any update? Your case is the exact same as mine.
The crazy thing is I always feel it on the left and massage it and its better. But I dont remember if it was one of the few times I massaged the right and I had like insane rotation but numbness.
I hope you found my video helpful!