Does the head ache in the back of the head and in the forehead? What to do? Check the sternocleidomastoid muscle (musculus sternocleidomastoideus), it may have trigger points that cause myofascial pain.

Sternoclavicular mastoid: anatomy

The sternocleidomastoid muscle (musculus sternocleidomastoideus) consists of two parts: the sternum and clavicular. At the top, both parts of the muscle are combined into one tendonmuscle cord and are attached to the mastoid process of the temporal bone and to the lateral portion of the superior nuchal line of the occipital bone. At the bottom, the sternum part of the muscle is attached to the anterior surface of the sternum handle, and the clavicular part is attached to the upper part of the anterior surface of the clavicle.

Sternoclavicular mastoid: functions

Working in both parts, the sternocleidomastoid muscles flex the neck and tilt the head forward, facilitating the contact of the chin with the front surface of the chest, and also counteracts the forced movement of the head back.
The sternocleidomastoid muscle helps to straighten the head in the region of the 1st and 2nd cervical vertebrae (atlantooccipital and atlantoaxial joints), and also controls the excessive extension of the neck.
Together with the trapezius muscle, both sternocleidomastoid muscles stabilize the head in space, and are also activated when the lower jaw moves during a conversation or chewing.
The sternocleidomastoid muscle, with a vertical or straightened position of the head and neck, participates in lifting the chest and is an important additional respiratory muscle, especially during inspiration, it also participates in the act of swallowing and assists in spatial orientation, weight sensation and motor coordination.
With a unilateral reduction, the sternocleidomastoid muscle turns the face in the opposite direction and turns it up.
In collaboration with the upper part of the trapezius muscle, the sternocleidomastoid muscle contributes to the lateral tilt of the head.