As per human anatomy, the collarbone, scientifically known as a clavicle, is an S-shaped, solid structure that connects the breastbone with your shoulder – i.e., sternum. Cartilage effectively joins the collarbone from both ends. Pain in the collarbone is felt around the neck as well; it radiates in the upper body causing overall discomfort.
13 Reasons Why You Suffer From Pain In Your Collarbone and Neck
Collar bone pain is common because of various reasons ranging from an infection to a sleeping position. Let us discover 13 minor and significant causes of pain in the collarbone and neck area.
1. Bone Fracture
Your clavicle is a fragile part of the body and is prone to breaks or fractures; even a blunt force such as pulling an arm while playing can cause it to break into pieces. Usually, people suffering from an accident or during sports injure their collarbone.
Sharp pain in the collarbone radiating towards the neck is most commonly the indicating factor for a fracture. However, there may be other factors associated, like tenderness, swelling, stiff arms, bruising, etc.
2. Dislocated Bone
Sometimes sudden impact does not break away the clavicle completely but manages to dislocate it. One of the treatment methods is moving the bone back into its initial position via a non-invasive technique – the procedure is called closed reduction.
3. Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a common inflammatory disorder caused because of constant wear and tear of the bone. This disorder can hit any bone, so it naturally has the ability of affecting the clavicle as well. Swelling and stiffness are the two most common signs seen when it involves the collarbone and pain in the neck.
Initial treatment is possible via drugs such as NSAIDs, e.g., ibuprofen or corticosteroids; however, lifestyle modification is a must too. Moreover, surgery is recommended in severe cases.
4. Cancer
It is unusual, but clavicle pain may be because the cancer spread either inside the bone or nearby lymph nodes. In such a scenario, pain, fever, diarrhea, sweating, and rapid heart rate are common.
5. Nerve Pain
The nerves are spread wide inside our bodies, therefore, are naturally found beneath and near the clavicle too. If the nerves present under the collarbone get compressed for any particular reason, they send sharp pain to it and the neck area.
6. Heart Problems
Our heart resides inside the chest cavity. Some heart conditions cause pain in the chest area, which flows to the shoulders, collarbone, and around the neck.
7. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
The thoracic cavity is present between the clavicles, the collarbone, and the topmost rib. The space between is not empty, has nerves, muscles, and blood vessels. In this condition, weak shoulder muscles let the collarbone slide down, increasing nerve pressure in the thoracic region and causing pain.
Physical therapy is the first line of treatment. However, surgical intervention takes lace in severe cases.
8. Frozen Shoulders
This condition is referred to as shoulder adhesive capsulitis. The capsule has a meshwork of connective vessels and tissues holding the upper arm ball joint to the socket. Your shoulders tighten up and become immovable in case of adhesion formation.
9. Shoulder Strain
The muscle in the shoulder stretches in this condition extensively, causing damage resulting in pain around and in the collarbone area.
10. Osteomyelitis
It is an infection caused because of bacterial manifestation inside the bone, some leading factors include fractures or open wound. If this infection moves towards the collarbone, it causes swelling, pain, and stiffness.
11. Condensing Osteitis
It is a rare condition that hits the collarbone, causing pain. Condensing osteitis inflames the inner portion of the collarbone attached with the sternum, i.e., your breast bone.
12. Joint Injury
The joint where the collar bone meets the shoulder blade is commonly faces injury, resulting in stiffness, pain, and overall discomfort. The doctor may recommend getting surgery if the injury is severe. However, if it is minor then icing and adequate rest works well.
13. Sleeping Posture
Many might not pay heed to this, but sleeping correctly helps prevent a lot of issues, including clavicle pain. Try sleeping on both sides; if the pain persists, resort to OTC painkillers.
When To See Your Doctor
Having a fracture is a state of emergency. If you live in either Magnolia or Houston, Texas, reach out to Internal Medicine and Diagnostic Center. Call 281 252 8600 for help.