Written by Yasmin · 3 min read
The sternocleidomastoid (SCM) is the long muscle at the front of your neck that runs from your breastbone and collarbone to the bone behind your ear. It helps you turn and tilt your head. When it stays tense for long periods, for example from a forward head posture, that can affect your neck, your jaw and how heavy your face feels.
You might think your tight jaw is just... a tight jaw. But what if part of the story starts below it?
What is the sternocleidomastoid?
Meet your sternocleidomastoid. A long name for a muscle you can probably find yourself. Turn your head to the left and feel the right side of your neck. That firm band that pops out? That's the one.
The name tells you exactly where it sits. Sterno: breastbone. Cleido: collarbone. Mastoid: the little bone behind your ear. There's one on each side of your neck.
It helps you turn your head, bend it forward and keep it stable. When your breathing is fast and shallow, it pitches in as an accessory breathing muscle too. A hard worker, in other words.
How can the SCM affect your face?
So what happens when this muscle is constantly switched on? Your head moves forward. Your neck tightens. Your jaw starts to compensate. Your face feels heavier. And tension can build all the way up to your temples and head.
It happens more easily than you'd think. Hours looking at a screen. Your phone at lap height. Driving. Stress that keeps your breath high in your chest. All moments when this muscle works overtime.
Through the web of fascia, your neck is connected to your jaw and the lower part of your face. When the front of your neck is tight, it can feel as if your face is being pulled down. Many people notice their jawline and neck look calmer once there's more space here.
How do you release the sternocleidomastoid?
That's why I don't only work on your jaw. I work on the connections around it too.
During a treatment I include your neck. Gently and slowly, because this is a sensitive area with important structures. You never work here hard or fast, only with care. Many people find their head feels lighter on their shoulders afterwards, and their jaw lets go more easily.
There's also something you can do yourself:
- Raise your screen to eye level so your head isn't always hanging forward.
- A few times a day, drop your shoulders and breathe slowly into your belly.
- Turn your head slowly from left to right, without forcing it.
If you have ongoing neck pain, headaches or dizziness, please have it checked by your GP or physiotherapist.
Because sometimes you don't need to work harder on your jaw. You need to create space somewhere else first.
Fascia. Neck. Jaw. Face. Breath. Nervous system. Everything talks to everything. And once you understand the connection... you'll never look at your face the same way again.
Want to feel what happens when your neck and jaw get attention together? Boek je behandeling.
Let go. Make space. Come home.