The sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) is a large muscle on either side of the neck. It attaches to the sternum, the clavicle (collar bone), and the mastoid process of the temporal bone of the skull, right behind the ear. This very important muscle often develops trigger points (with or without a TMJ problem) and frequently causes forehead headaches, which are often misdiagnosed as frontal sinus headaches. Also, trigger points in the SCM may cause pain in the ear, over and around the eye, the chin, and below the eye. It (SCM) involves tight muscles in and around the jaw (the Temporo-Mandibular Joint), the mouth, neck, the temples and some areas on the back of the head. So why does it hurt in the ears, teeth, and around the eyes? Sometimes the problem area is not where the pain is. That pain is called referred pain--it is referring from the muscles that control the actions of the jaw. I have felt eye pain to the point, it felt like my eye was going to pop out. When it gets that bad it is to the point of nausea.
Elayne