Do you suffer from regular headaches, migraines or neck pain? Pain from your neck in particular the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle is where tension headaches or migraines typically arise from.
Symptoms:
- Soreness in the neck area
- Sweating of one side of your forehead
- Reddening and/or tearing of the eye
- drooping of the upper eyelid
- Runny nose (irritation of mucous membrane inside the nose)
- Blurred or double vision sometimes reported
- Tiredness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Pain on temple
- Pain in head
Probable Causes:
- Excessive forward-head postures (shortens the muscle)
- Head turned to the side for long periods of time (flexes the neck and shortens the sternocleidomastoid muscle)
- Headaches from hangovers may be referred pain from the sternocleidomastoid muscles
- Chronic infection such as colds, virus
- Bad posture , such as in slouching
- Cold draught on neck
- Overwork
- Tiredness
- Food allergies
- Stress or worry
- Not enough sleep
- Not drinking enough water
Mechanical Stressors that can cause SCM tension:
- Neck extension for long periods (lifting overhead or painting ceilings)
- Overuse in sports
- Accidental injury such as whiplash
- Excessive weight bearing on one limb or severe changes to normal walking
- Chronic cough, emphysema or asthma can overload the sternocleidomastoid
Corrective Actions to improve and avoid SCM tension:
- Avoid postural strain (head in erect position, balanced and not projected forward during sitting and standing)
- Shift weight from heels towards balls of the feet when walking
- Lumbar pillow to restore normal lordosis
- Avoid prolonged turning of the neck
- When turning over during sleep- roll the head on the pillow instead of lifting it
- Avoid constriction around the neck (for example, finger gap within the short collar)
- Eliminate chronic infection
- Use correct pillow
- Drink enough water
- Exercise
- Sidebending (bring ear to the shoulder
- Head over edge of table and turn head to either side, with chin supported by the edge of the table.
Another muscles that neck pain and headaches can arise form is tension in the trapezius muscle. Corrective actions for the trapezius muscle include;
- Maintain and upright and erect posture to avoid unnecessary strain of muscles (in particular when seated at a work station for prolonged period of time)
- Can relieve trapezius muscle strain by walking with ‘hands in the pocket’ actions
- Relieve from constriction (avoid tight bra straps)
- Get enough sleep
- Manage stress and tension
- Exercises- Lifting arms so elbows are above forehead
- Lying On back with arms at head and elbows bent at 90 degrees, bring elbows down to hip height to stretch the middle of the trapezius
Our chiropractors here in joondalup, can quickly identify if your sternocleidomastoid or trapezius muscle is the primary causation of you neck pain or headaches. A thorough treatment and rehabilitation programme can be prescribed specifically for your needs. Some of the treatments Lakeside Chiropractic offers include; manual manipulation, mobilisation, stretching, massage, soft tissue therapy, dry needling, strapping, as well as postural and activity modification advice.
We are located in Joondalup central to the northern suburbs of Perth. We are located near Lakeside Shopping Centre, local to Currambine, Connolly, Edgewater, Iluka, Ocean Reef, Tapping, Kinross, Clarkson, Beldon, Woodvale and Heathridge. You can contact the clinic on 9300 0095, or book online at www.lakesidechiro.com.au
We are Medibank preferred providers and accept all other private health cards.
Surrounding Suburbs to Joondalup , Lakeside Chiropractic
Currambine
Connoly
Edgewater
Iluka
Ocean Reef
Wanneroo
Tapping
Banksia Grove
Carramar
Kinross
Clarkson
Woodvale
Kingsley
Whitfords
Mullaloo
Burns Beach
Padbury
Sorrento
Wangara
Our Address - 3/45 Central Walk , Joondalup
Perth, WA 6027
Australia
Telephone * 9300 0095
Website http://www.lakesidechiro.com.au/
Opening Hours *
Monday 9am-7pm
Tuesday 9am-7pm
Wednesday 9am-7pm
Thursday 9am-7pm
Friday 2pm-7pm
Saturday 9am-2pm
