OpenHealth Q&A

Bumps and Indentations on My SCM Muscle—Seeking Insight

Greetings! I’m a 31-year-old female experiencing long-standing health complications throughout my life. Here’s a brief summary of my medical history: **Current Medical Conditions:** - Diagnosed with Idiopathic Gastroparesis at 14 - Diagnosed with Crohn's Disease at 15 - Diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis at 18 - Diagnosed with POTS and Dysautonomia at 22 - Experienced migraines starting at 19 - Diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (Brighton score of 10) at 26 - Encountered Cyclical Vomiting (not CHS) also at 26 - Diagnosed with Cervical Spine Instability at 28 - Diagnosed with Endometriosis at 29 - Diagnosed with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome at 29 **Mental Health Diagnoses Include:** - Level 2 Autism - ADHD - Treatment-Resistant Depression - Anxiety Disorder - Panic Disorder **Daily Medications:** I take Skyrizi, Propranolol, Wellbutrin, Pyridostigmine, Domperidone, Lo-Loestrin FE, and Adderall. **Unexplained Symptoms:** (These may or may not be connected—I’m uncertain.) - I'm experiencing increasing issues with double vision without any known cause. I can’t secure an appointment with a neurologist for several months, and my optometrist is dismissing my concerns, suggesting I may have been born with the condition, despite my perfect 20/20 vision just a year ago. After raising my concerns, I underwent a brain MRI which revealed elongation of the optic nerves and extra fat behind my eyes, along with "white matter abnormalities ranging from 2 to 5 mm." Nevertheless, my optometrist insists it’s likely benign. My primary care physician has referred me to a neurologist regardless. - I occasionally experience random numbness in my hands and feet. My doctor surmises that it may be due to awkward positioning of my limbs, suggesting they fall asleep. However, sometimes my foot goes numb while I’m simply walking. - Over the past three years, I’ve had severe mucus and phlegm accumulation that seems to be worsening. I find myself coughing every single day and it feels like I’m constantly attempting to expel thick mucus. It’s so intense that I’m unable to swallow properly and spend the majority of my day spitting into a cup. I worry that my breathing will inevitably deteriorate with age and I'll struggle to clear my lungs. An ENT specialist initially diagnosed me with post-nasal drip and non-allergic rhinitis after we tried numerous nasal sprays with no success. We conducted two lip biopsies to investigate for conditions like Sjögren's syndrome, but they did not retrieve sufficient tissue, merely noting inflammatory cells but leaving the diagnosis uncertain. I later consulted a pulmonary specialist who deemed it not serious and ordered a methacholine lung reactivity test which indicated mild reactivity, leading to a prescription for an inhaler—however, this has made no difference for my phlegm issues. The thickness of the mucus is quite baffling since I stay well-hydrated. - Lastly, the reason I’m posting—two weeks ago, while examining my neck in the mirror from an unusual angle, I discovered some unusual lumpiness or rippling extending down my SCM muscle region—running from the area behind my ear and along my neck. While it isn’t something I notice regularly, there are peculiar indentations behind my ear as well. Initially, I suspected lymph nodes might be involved, but the indentations throw me off. They feel firm yet not immovable as far as I can tell. Additionally, my MRI report mentioned "mild tortuosity of the vertebrobasilar system and bilateral carotid arteries." I’m aware that the carotid artery lies in that region, although I am unsure if this finding is correlated. I am seeking opinions—has anyone else encountered anything similar regarding neck issues? I’ve searched extensively online for images and haven’t found any comparisons. One individual suggested it resembled a condition called fibromuscular dysplasia, but that’s the extent of feedback I’ve received. Thank you all for your assistance!

Answers (1)

8/13/2025, 5:02:54 PM

OpenHealth AI

It's understandable to feel concerned about the bumps and indentations you’re noticing on your SCM muscle, especially given your complex medical history. It's important to approach this systematically since many factors may contribute to the various symptoms you're experiencing. Let's break down your situation and explore what steps you might take.

Main Points

1. The current lumps and indentations around your SCM muscle might be related to muscle tension, structural issues, or vascular concerns.
2. Your health conditions, including Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, may predispose you to soft tissue changes.
3. Monitoring symptoms and considering certain self-care strategies can be valuable in managing discomfort.

Explanation

The sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle runs along the side of your neck and can sometimes present with lumps or indentations due to various reasons:

• Muscle Tension or Strain: Given your diagnosis of cervical spine instability and muscular conditions, tension could lead to changes in the appearance of muscles.
• Vascular Considerations: Your MRI findings about the tortuosity of the vertebrobasilar system and carotid arteries may suggest vascular involvement. This could require professional evaluation.
• Lymphatic Involvement: While lymph nodes are often firm and mobile, any changes in cultural appearance can lead to concern. Indentations in the skin may not directly indicate serious pathologies but should be monitored closely.

Given your symptoms of double vision, numbness, and significant mucus production, these may or may not be directly related to the changes noted in your neck. Persistent issues warrant careful observation.

Next Steps

1. Monitor Changes: Keep an eye on the size, shape, or consistency of the lumps and any related symptoms, like pain or discomfort. Note any patterns or triggers (e.g., certain positions that worsen symptoms).

2. Self-Care Strategies:

   • Gentle Stretches: Engage in gentle neck stretches or physical therapy exercises to reduce tension in the neck area. Focus on relaxation techniques.
   • Heat Therapy: Applying a warm compress to your neck may relieve tightness and improve blood flow.
   • Posture Awareness: Be mindful of your posture, especially when sitting for long periods, to reduce strain on the neck.

3. Documentation: Record your symptoms, particularly any changes in the new bumps or your other concerns. This can provide useful information for your healthcare providers when you can secure an appointment with specialists.

4. Follow-Up with Care Providers: Since you’re already in the process of being evaluated by a neurologist, ensure you discuss all your symptoms in a single appointment, emphasizing the new developments with your SCM muscle.

5. Urgent Symptoms: If you experience sudden worsening (such as severe pain, new neurological symptoms, or noticeable swelling), seek immediate medical attention.

You’re managing a lot, and it’s important to approach this step by step. Please feel free to ask further questions or provide updates on your condition.