Sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle pain in the neck typically results from muscle tension or performing repeated motions. It can also occur with certain health conditions, such as asthma and pneumonia.

The sternocleidomastoid is a large muscle in the neck that can cause pain behind the ear, down the side of the neck, or referred pain.

Torticollis Causes. You have a long muscle on each side of your neck that runs from the back of your ear to your collarbone. It is called the sternocleidomastoid, or SCM.

Neurogenic muscle hypertrophy in association with spontaneous motor-unit discharges is rare but well documented.3 It has been described in patients with chronic radiculopathy and radiation injury.4 In ...

Neck flexion is the action of moving your chin down toward your chest. Even though this is a simple motion, it’s possible to develop pain, tightness, and decreased mobility in this area. Learn ...