Sternocleidomastoid Muscle Spasmaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Back and Neck Pain
Did you mean? Neck Pain
What is Sternocleidomastoid Muscle Spasm?
Sternocleidomastoid muscle spasm refers to the involuntary contraction of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, one of the key muscles in the neck. This condition can cause discomfort, restricted movement, and sometimes pain in the neck area.
The spasms might be temporary or persistent, and they often result in an unnatural head position or posture. These spasms can arise from various factors, including physical strain, stress, or underlying cervical spine conditions.
How Does TCM View Sternocleidomastoid Muscle Spasm?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches sternocleidomastoid muscle spasms as a symptom of imbalance within the body's Qi (vital energy) and Blood flow. TCM views these spasms as a result of disharmony in the Liver and Gallbladder meridians, often associated with emotional stress or external pathogenic factors like Wind or Cold.
Unlike Western medicine, which primarily focuses on the physical aspects, TCM emphasizes identifying and treating the underlying energetic causes to alleviate the spasms.
Causes of Sternocleidomastoid Muscle Spasm According to TCM
In TCM, sternocleidomastoid muscle spasms are often attributed to patterns like Liver Qi Stagnation or Wind-Cold invasion. Liver Qi Stagnation, possibly due to emotional stress, can lead to muscle tension and spasms.
Additionally, exposure to pathogenic Wind or Cold can obstruct the flow of Qi and Blood in the neck, causing spasms. TCM considers these energetic imbalances and seeks to address them through a holistic approach, focusing on restoring the smooth flow of Qi and Blood and removing external pathogenic factors.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Sternocleidomastoid Muscle Spasm
To address sternocleidomastoid muscle spasms, TCM recommends specific formulas and herbs based on the identified pattern of disharmony. One such formula is Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang, which contains Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu) as a key ingredient.
This formula is effective in harmonizing lesser Yang-warp disorders and is particularly used for conditions arising from imbalances in the Liver and Gallbladder meridians. By targeting the root cause of the spasms, these TCM treatments aim to alleviate symptoms and restore balance within the body's energy system.
See more details below about Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang, a herbal formula used to address sternocleidomastoid muscle spasm.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that harmonize lesser yang-warp disorders
Formulas that harmonize lesser Yang-warp disorders
Sternocleidomastoid muscle spasm can be treated by these formulas in cases of imbalances in the lesser Yang (Shao Yang) phase, which often involve alternating hot and cold sensations.
One such formula is Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Sternocleidomastoid Muscle Spasm
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address sternocleidomastoid muscle spasm, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Sternocleidomastoid muscle spasm can be treated by these herbs when the body needs to harmonize with external environmental changes, particularly when there's a need to expel pathogenic factors like wind or cold without overly cooling the body.
One such herb is Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for sternocleidomastoid muscle spasm, like Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang.
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Sternocleidomastoid muscle spasm can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness and heat within the body, aiming to restore balance by drying dampness and clearing heat.
One such herb is Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin), a key herb in some formulas recommended for sternocleidomastoid muscle spasm, like Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang.
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Sternocleidomastoid muscle spasm can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for sternocleidomastoid muscle spasm, like Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang.
Purgative herbs that drain downward
Sternocleidomastoid muscle spasm can be treated by these herbs in cases of severe constipation or internal heat, using strong downward movement to purge accumulation.
One such herb is Rhubarb (Da Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for sternocleidomastoid muscle spasm, like Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang.