Pain and discomfort in the neck can come from many different structures, including muscles, joints, nerves, and surrounding connective tissues. One muscle that is frequently involved in neck pain and related symptoms is the sternocleidomastoid, commonly called the SCM. The SCM is a large, rope-like muscle located on each side of the neck. It runs from behind the ear down to the breastbone and collarbone. This muscle plays an important role in turning and tilting the head, hel

Pain is not “all in your head,” but the way we think and respond to pain can influence how our nervous system experiences it. When pain persists, it is easy to fall into fearful or negative thoughts such as, “This will never get better”or “Something must be seriously wrong.” These thoughts can increase stress and tension, which may make pain feel even more overwhelming. Positive self-talk does not mean pretending the pain is not real. Instead, it involves responding to yourse

Headaches…Stomach aches…Nausea…Muscle pain…Tension in jaw. All of these can be signs and symptoms of anxiety. Your autonomic nervous...