The sternocleidomastoid muscle is one of the superficially located parts of the musculature of the human body. It received such a complex and unusual name due to the structural features and attachment points. In anatomy, this muscle belongs to the biceps, that is, it has two so-called heads. The first junction is the sternum, more precisely, its upper region, the second is the clavicle in the place of convergence with the latter. The two starting points of the muscle, merging higher into one abdomen, pass to the upper attachment point to the mastoid process of the temporal bone of the skull.
The neck is a very important part of the body. Even if we exclude the fact that the aesthetic appearance of a person depends on this area of muscle, especially with increasing age, then it accounts for a huge responsibility for many physiological processes in the body. For example, the sternocleidomastoid muscle along with other groups in this area is involved in maintaining the balance of the head. In addition, it is this part of the musculature that is responsible for the stable state of the brain during large overloads that can occur during a fall, sudden movement, emergency during movement in transport, etc.
Muscles also perform many other, no less vital functions.
These are, first of all, processes such as swallowing, pronouncing sounds, etc. The sternocleidomastoid muscle, whose functions are to rotate the head, is on the surface, and it is very easy to find it for anyone. To do this, just turn the neck, for example, to the left, and put your fingers on the right side of the neck. With this position of the head, the sternocleidomastoid muscle will be in the most extended state and have sufficient tension. In addition to all the above functions, this part of the musculature of the body is involved in the breathing process: in a fixed position, it helps to lift the chest during inspiration.
It should be noted that anyone can get into a situation when the sternocleidomastoid muscle hurts. Its inflammation, as a rule, is the result of severe hypothermia of the body as a whole or of the neck separately, as well as with its overtraining. Naturally, for any
pain it is best to seek help from a competent medical professional. Indeed, during self-treatment, inflammation processes can go on strengthening rather than weakening.
Sometimes the sternocleidomastoid muscle refuses to perform its functions due to great physical overload. Most often, this manifests itself in those people who suffer from various stresses, malnutrition or malnutrition and lack of relaxing activities. Hypertonicity of muscle tissue on the one hand leads to a syndrome known as torticollis. For its treatment, the patient is prescribed medication and complete rest. Naturally, in order to prevent the development of such an ailment, it is recommended to regularly engage in fitness, including both strength exercises and muscle stretching movements. In addition, it is necessary to adhere to the basics of proper nutrition, on which a full supply of the body with all useful substances depends.