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Importance of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle in facial aesthetics.
The sternocleidomastoid muscle or SCM, is a muscle in the neck that connects the jaw and the overall head to the rest of the body, and supports its movement.
The developmental significance of the SCM is most clearly demonstrated in congenital muscular torticollis (a condition where one SCM is shortened). If left untreated during critical growth phases, the lack of symmetrical muscular traction causes hemifacial hypoplasia (underdevelopment of the jaw and cheekbones on one side), orbital dystopia (uneven eyes), and dental malocclusion – (R.A.C Chate 2005, Facial scoliosis from sternocleidomastoid torticollis: Long-term postoperative evaluation; Lim, Shim, Lee 2013, Is Sternocleidomastoid Muscle Release Effective in Adults With Neglected Congenital Muscular Torticollis?)
In the study by RAC Chate, as seen by the abstract: A 10-year-old girl with congenital torticollis was treated by biterminal tenotomy of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and division of cervical fascia. She was followed up regularly for 14 years and her facial asymmetry resolved almost completely.
This shows how the proper symmetrical development of the SCM can affect facial symmetry. So all the sleep on your side shit is not cope it genuinely affects your symmetry but it has to be over like decades. Sleeping on your side does not affect the underlying facial development directly but causes muscle imbalances overall, which can lead to indirectly causing facial scoliosis or asymmetry.
Effect of mechanotransduction:
Mechanotransduction is the process in which the bone tissue remodels, and shapes itself in direct response to the mechanical pull of the surroundings. When the SCM is balanced and functions properly, it facilitates symmetrical, forward growth of the skull and jaw bones. However, when there is weakness, imbalance or improper posture of the SCM, it can genuinely fuck with your facial development.
Asymmetrical craniofacial remodelling
When the SCM is imbalanced, the orbit on the affected side can become underdeveloped, causing it to sit higher, lower or be smaller in general compared to the other more developed side. This can kill your eye symmetry and harmony (eg EAR, PFL to bizygo, etc)
Deviation of Jaw
The SCM is directly connected to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and thus through a reflex called the cervicotrigeminal reflex, it can directly influence the masseter muscles.
Persistent SCM tension can cause horizontal neck lines and accelerate skin sagging around the jawline by restricting blood flow and lymphatic drainage, leading to reduced elasticity and early signs of ageing.
When the SCM forces the skull into a persistent tilt, it warps the entire face to tilt and shift causing this thing called facial scoliosis. Basically imagine a scoliosis dude but chuck that on the face like your whole face is warped using photoshop .
Tech Neck, downward growth recess chin and allat:
The phone is mankinds worst invention for facial aesthetics. This damn thing bilateral SCM tightness which pulls the head forward into a protracted posture. Forward head posture alters the resting position of the hyoid bone and tongue, leading to mouth breathing and looking like master oogway.
The SCM is also responsible for a lot of harmony and dimo, and its genuinely not stressed enough
O Pry with horrid neck genuine mtn, wait im trolling but u see the diff
The SCM also has other uses for example:
The sternocleidomastoid muscle or SCM, is a muscle in the neck that connects the jaw and the overall head to the rest of the body, and supports its movement.
The developmental significance of the SCM is most clearly demonstrated in congenital muscular torticollis (a condition where one SCM is shortened). If left untreated during critical growth phases, the lack of symmetrical muscular traction causes hemifacial hypoplasia (underdevelopment of the jaw and cheekbones on one side), orbital dystopia (uneven eyes), and dental malocclusion – (R.A.C Chate 2005, Facial scoliosis from sternocleidomastoid torticollis: Long-term postoperative evaluation; Lim, Shim, Lee 2013, Is Sternocleidomastoid Muscle Release Effective in Adults With Neglected Congenital Muscular Torticollis?)
In the study by RAC Chate, as seen by the abstract: A 10-year-old girl with congenital torticollis was treated by biterminal tenotomy of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and division of cervical fascia. She was followed up regularly for 14 years and her facial asymmetry resolved almost completely.
This shows how the proper symmetrical development of the SCM can affect facial symmetry. So all the sleep on your side shit is not cope it genuinely affects your symmetry but it has to be over like decades. Sleeping on your side does not affect the underlying facial development directly but causes muscle imbalances overall, which can lead to indirectly causing facial scoliosis or asymmetry.
Effect of mechanotransduction:
Mechanotransduction is the process in which the bone tissue remodels, and shapes itself in direct response to the mechanical pull of the surroundings. When the SCM is balanced and functions properly, it facilitates symmetrical, forward growth of the skull and jaw bones. However, when there is weakness, imbalance or improper posture of the SCM, it can genuinely fuck with your facial development.
Asymmetrical craniofacial remodelling
When the SCM is imbalanced, the orbit on the affected side can become underdeveloped, causing it to sit higher, lower or be smaller in general compared to the other more developed side. This can kill your eye symmetry and harmony (eg EAR, PFL to bizygo, etc)
Deviation of Jaw
The SCM is directly connected to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and thus through a reflex called the cervicotrigeminal reflex, it can directly influence the masseter muscles.
- A tight SCM can cause the chin and head to tilt to one side or twist in weird ways. During puberty, this shift or twist can cause the mandible joint to pull towards the tight side, making your jaw asymmetrical.
- Over time, this can cause your jaw to become deviated and cause malocclusion and a crooked chin and we dont want that
Persistent SCM tension can cause horizontal neck lines and accelerate skin sagging around the jawline by restricting blood flow and lymphatic drainage, leading to reduced elasticity and early signs of ageing.
When the SCM forces the skull into a persistent tilt, it warps the entire face to tilt and shift causing this thing called facial scoliosis. Basically imagine a scoliosis dude but chuck that on the face like your whole face is warped using photoshop .
Tech Neck, downward growth recess chin and allat:
The phone is mankinds worst invention for facial aesthetics. This damn thing bilateral SCM tightness which pulls the head forward into a protracted posture. Forward head posture alters the resting position of the hyoid bone and tongue, leading to mouth breathing and looking like master oogway.
The SCM is also responsible for a lot of harmony and dimo, and its genuinely not stressed enough
O Pry with horrid neck genuine mtn, wait im trolling but u see the diff
The SCM also has other uses for example:
- Defined Jawline and Neck Contours
Reducing a tension helps bring the neck into a neutral position, which can decrease jowl sagging and enhance jawline definition. A relaxed SCM promotes a lifted, leaner look in the lower face and neck. - Improved Skin Quality and Lymphatic Drainage
Relaxing the SCM boosts blood flow and lymphatic drainage, contributing to smoother, healthier skin. Increased circulation delivers nutrients to skin cells, aiding in repair and creating a fresh, revitalised appearance. - Balanced Facial Structure
Working on the SCM encourages proper posture, which positively impacts facial alignment. Balanced alignment ensures evenly toned facial muscles, minimising strain on specific areas and supporting a harmonious look. - Reduced Neck and Facial Tension
Releasing SCM tension can also alleviate tightness in nearby facial muscles, reducing jaw tension, headaches, and eye strain for a more relaxed and refreshed expression.
- (beautyseason.au, American Council on Exercise (ACE). “Anatomy and Function of the Sternocleidomastoid Muscle.” ACE Fitness. Accessed 2023. https://www.acefitness.org, Kendall, Florence Peterson, et al. Muscles: Testing and Function with Posture and Pain. 5th ed. Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2005. Goodman, Craig C., and Susan Boissonnault Pathology: Implications for the Physical Therapist. Elsevier, 2017. Alghadir, Ahmad H., “The Effect of SCM Muscle Fatigue on Head and Neck Posture.” Journal of Musculoskeletal Science and Practice 36 (2018))
