Collarbone pain and added discomfort are common for many in this day and age because of many reasons that range from a minor infection to incorrect sleeping positions. Let’s discuss 10 potential triggers of collarbone and neck pain.
Sleeping Position
Usually, people do not pay any heed to this. However, it is one of the most common causes of the trouble. Sleeping in the correct position helps prevent specific issues, one of which is clavicle – collarbone pain. What you should do is sleep on both sides and shift periodically. However, if the pain does not go away, do have OTC painkillers for relief.
Bone Dislocation
In certain instances, the sudden jolt does not entirely break away the clavicle bone but dislocates it instead. Moving the bone back surgically into the initial position is one of the treatments opted for this problem.
Bone Fracture
Your collarbone is delicate and susceptible to break or fracture of any kind, which is why a blunt force may even break it apart in pieces. Usually, people who meet an accident during sports injure their collarbone. The trauma sends a sharp zapping pain in the collarbone radiating towards the neck and that is a marker of a fracture.
Osteoarthritis
It is a relatively common inflammatory disorder because of bone wear and tear with the passage of time. This issue can hit any bone of the body, therefore, may affect the collarbone as well. The 2 most common signs are stiffness and swelling, along with pain in the collarbone and neck.
Initially, the treatment is done through medicines like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs, e.g., corticosteroids or ibuprofen. However, lifestyle changes are equally important for maximum benefit.
Pain in the Nerve
The nerves are in the form of meshwork throughout our bodies, so they are naturally found near the clavicle and beneath it too. If the ones present under the collarbone are compressed for any specific reason, they send sharp zaps of pain to it and around the neck area.
The Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
The thoracic cavity is present in between the 2 collarbones and the topmost rib. The space in them is not empty or hollow; it does contain nerves, muscles, and blood vessels. In such a case scenario– the issue of thoracic outlet syndrome, the weak muscular shoulders let the collarbone slide down.
Frozen Shoulders
Frozen shoulder or shoulder adhesive capsulitis both mean the same thing. This capsule has a bunch of tissues and vessels that hold the upper arm ball joint towards its socket. In this condition, the shoulders go stiff and do not move in case of adhesion formation.
Strained Shoulders
If the shoulder muscle undergoes stretching extensively, it results in damage causing pain around the neck and in the collarbone area.
Osteomyelitis
It is an infectious condition, and the reason behind this is bacteria going inside the bone. Few of the leading factors of this condition include open wounds or fractures.
Joint Injuries
This collarbone joint mostly suffers from the injuries that results in stiffness, discomfort, and of course, pain. Surgery in case of severe injury is often the course of action. But, if the issue is not major, then icing and adequate rest is enough to deal with it.
When Should You Contact Your Doctor?
Contact the doctor nearest to you or us at San Ramon Urgent Care for the best prompt treatment in all areas. We have our competent team waiting to serve you. In case of emergency, call at Call now at San Ramon 925 361 5959, Manteca 209 825 5155, or Lathrop 209 983 9000.
The collarbone is a slightly S-shaped bone that connects the breastbone to the shoulder.
Cartilage connects one side of the collarbone to the acromion, which is a part of the shoulder bone. This connection is called the acromioclavicular joint. The other end of the collarbone is connected to the sternum at the sternoclavicular joint.
4 Common Causes of Collarbone Pain
Collarbone or shoulder pain may be caused by:
1. Collarbone Fracture
A fracture may be caused by a sports injury, a vehicle accident or a birth accident. The collarbone is one of the most commonly broken bones in the
human body because of its position in the body. Signs of a broken collarbone include swelling, bruising, tenderness and stiffness in the injured arm.
2. Osteoarthritis
This condition may be caused by an old injury or everyday use over many years. Symptoms of this condition may include pain and stiffness in the affected joint.
3. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Weak shoulder muscles may cause the clavicle to slide down, placing pressure on the nerves and blood vessels in the thoracic outlet, which is the space between the clavicle and the highest rib. This may cause pain in the collarbone, even though the bone is not injured. Symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome include:
- Pain in the hand, neck, shoulder or collarbone
- Muscle wasting in the fleshy part of the thumb
- Weakened grip
- Tingling or numbness in the arm or fingers
- Change in color in the hands or fingers
- Swelling or pain in the arm
- Weakness in the arm or neck
- Painful lump at the collarbone
4. Joint Injury
Shoulder injury may involve a separation of the acromioclavicular joint (ACJ). This type of joint injury means the ligaments responsible for stabilizing the joint and keeping the bones in place are torn. Symptoms of this condition may include pain and tenderness around the collarbone and a bulge above the shoulder.
What to Expect During a Acromioclavicular Joint Injection Procedure
The ACJ may be treated with a corticosteroid injection. The injection may be performed anteriorly, posteriorly or superiorly.
The procedure will begin with the physician cleaning the injection site with an antiseptic. The physician will use an x-ray to find and visualize the ACJ. Next, the physician will insert a small needle into the joint
and inject the anesthetic and cortisone derivative. The entire procedure will take about 15 minutes.
Side Effects and Risks of an Acromioclavicular Joint Injection
Side effects may include:
- Hyperglycemia
- Sweats
- Hot/cold flashes
- Flushing of the face
- Hypertension
- Osteoporosis
- Insomnia
- Mood swings
- Cushing’s Syndrome
Risks may include:
- Pain at the injection site
- Bleeding, infection and/or bruising at the injection site
- Increased pain at the injection site
Patients should speak to their physician to determine if an acromioclavicular joint injection is the best option for them.
How to Prepare for the Procedure
Patients should stop taking aspirin or products containing aspirin (greater than 324 mg/day) seven days before the procedure.