Can a single muscle be the culprit for persistent dizziness?
When dizziness becomes a frequent companion, many people look to diet, hydration, and overall health for answers. A viral explanation from a head and neck specialist, Dr. Joe Damiani, has put a spotlight on the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle as a potential key player in disrupted balance. The SCM is a prominent neck muscle that helps move the head and neck, and it also provides critical information to our brain about head position. If this muscle is imbalanced or goes into spasm, the brain’s balance system can misinterpret signals, leading to dizziness.
How the balance system works
Experts describe balance as a three-way collaboration: the eyes provide visual input, the inner ear’s semicircular canals detect head motion, and body receptors sense muscle stretch and joint position. When the SCM isn’t aligned, those signals can conflict. The result can feel like the world is spinning or that you’re off balance, even if other health indicators are normal.
The two-part strategy to release and strengthen the SCM
In a recent explanation that captured online attention, Dr. Damiani outlined a practical, two-part approach aimed at restoring normal communication between the SCM and the brain’s balance center. The goal is to reduce dizziness by both releasing tension and retraining the muscle to work harmoniously with the rest of the balance system.
Part 1: Releasing the SCM
The release sequence is designed to gently disengage a tense SCM. The steps are described as follows: place a hand on the side of the head and guide the head to the side to encourage the muscle to relax and “pop” a bit. From there, reach toward the collarbone and work upward toward the area behind the ear, applying slow, controlled pressure. Another variation involves placing two fingers just below the ear along the bone and sweeping them downward while turning the head. This release is about reducing muscle tightness that may be contributing to an altered sense of head position.
Part 2: Strengthening the SCM
Strengthening routines aim to stabilize the muscle after release and reestablish its proper role in head positioning. Start with a chin tuck to activate the neck muscles. Then, while placing one hand on the head, rotate the head toward that hand, and then switch to the opposite hand to repeat the rotation in the other direction. A second progression involves tilting the head toward the side of the hand, lowering and raising to re-educate movement. The idea is to perform these movements in controlled sets, typically around five repetitions per direction, to normalize signals to the balance system.
What to expect and practical tips
This two-part approach emphasizes gentle, non-strenuous movements. For those experiencing dizziness, it’s important to perform exercises within comfort limits and to consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen. Not everyone’s dizziness stems from the SCM, and other causes—such as inner ear issues, vision changes, or cardiovascular concerns—may require evaluation.
Why this matters for daily life
Persistent dizziness can affect work, sleep, and overall quality of life. If a simple, targeted muscle strategy can restore balance cues, it offers a non-pharmacologic option to reduce symptoms and improve confidence in everyday activities. While the viral video highlights SCM as a potential contributor, readers should view this as one possible mechanism among many and pursue a personalized plan with a medical professional.
Bottom line
Imbalances or spasms in the SCM may disrupt the brain’s interpretation of head position, contributing to dizziness. A measured release-and-strengthening routine, performed correctly, can help realign balance signals and reduce symptoms. If you’re frequently dizzy, consider asking a neck and head specialist about an SCM-focused assessment and look for safe, guided exercises to support your balance system.
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