A CASE REPORT ON STERNOCLEIDOMASTOID SYNDROME - A TRUE PAIN IN THE NECK

Abstract

The Sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle may develop myofascial trigger points and the physical manifestation of pain and signs and symptoms due to these trigger points is commonly referred to as SCM syndrome. The diagnosis of SCM syndrome can be onerous as non-specific signs and symptoms associated with SCM syndrome may vary in presentation. The subject in this case report had post-acceleration-deceleration induced injury to SCM with hypertrophy of sternocleidomastoid muscle on the left side. The patient reported pain over the left SCM muscle, forehead, around the ipsilateral eye, over the cheek, the tip of the chin, sternoclavicular joint and deep in the throat upon. The patient was ascribed various diagnosis before a definitive diagnosis was made. The patient underwent three trigger point injections under ultrasound guidance, last one with BOTOX, and reported long-lasting pain relief. Overall with intensive physical therapy and trigger point injections the acute symptoms resolved. Key words: Sternocleidomastoid syndrome, myofascial pain syndromes, trigger points, ultrasound, Botox