The collarbone, or clavicle, is a long, slender bone connecting the sternum (breastbone) to the shoulder blade (scapula). It supports shoulder movement and protects underlying nerves and blood vessels. Discomfort in this area is common and can stem from various sources. This article explores potential causes of collarbone pain.
Common Reasons for Collarbone Discomfort
A common cause of collarbone pain involves a fracture, which often occurs from a direct impact or a fall onto the shoulder. These injuries can result in severe pain, noticeable swelling, and sometimes a visible deformity in the affected area. Individuals typically experience significant difficulty moving their arm on the side of the injury.
The acromioclavicular (AC) joint connects the collarbone to the acromion, a part of the shoulder blade. A sprain or separation of this joint can happen if a person falls directly onto the shoulder. Pain at the top of the shoulder, tenderness to the touch, and sometimes a bump appearing where the joint is located are common symptoms.
Muscle strain or overuse in the surrounding neck, shoulder, or chest muscles can also lead to pain that radiates to the collarbone. Activities such as heavy lifting, repetitive arm movements, or maintaining poor posture for extended periods might contribute to these strains. The discomfort often feels like a dull ache or soreness in the area.
Degenerative changes, such as osteoarthritis, can affect the AC joint or the sternoclavicular joint, where the collarbone meets the breastbone. This condition can cause chronic pain, stiffness, and a reduced range of motion, particularly in older adults. The pain may worsen with activity and improve with rest.
Less Obvious Sources of Pain
Nerve compression in the neck or upper chest can lead to pain, tingling, or numbness in the collarbone region. Conditions like thoracic outlet syndrome, where blood vessels or nerves are compressed between the collarbone and the first rib, are one such cause. This compression can affect the brachial plexus, a network of nerves supplying the arm and hand.
Pain originating from other body areas, known as referred pain, can sometimes be felt in the collarbone. Though less common for isolated collarbone discomfort, pain from the neck, upper back, or even internal organs like the heart or lungs, can present in this area.
Infections, such as osteomyelitis, a bone infection, or septic arthritis, an infection within a joint, are rare but serious causes of collarbone pain. These conditions are typically accompanied by systemic symptoms like fever, along with localized redness and severe tenderness. Prompt medical attention is necessary if these symptoms are present.
In very rare cases, bone tumors (benign or malignant) or metastatic cancer spreading from another part of the body might cause collarbone pain. This is a possibility medical professionals consider when more common causes have been ruled out.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
Seek immediate medical attention if collarbone pain is severe, accompanied by a visible deformity, or if you cannot move your arm. Numbness or tingling in the arm or hand, fever, unexplained weight loss, or pain that consistently worsens or does not improve with rest are also red flag symptoms requiring prompt evaluation.
Even if the pain is not severe, seeking medical help is advisable if discomfort persists for more than a few days. Persistent pain could signal an underlying problem that requires professional assessment and intervention. Delaying evaluation might prolong discomfort or lead to complications.
Only a healthcare professional can accurately diagnose the cause of collarbone pain. This diagnosis typically involves a thorough physical examination and a review of the individual’s medical history. Diagnostic imaging tests, such as X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may be ordered to provide a clearer picture of the underlying condition.
Avoid self-diagnosing or attempting to self-treat serious conditions. Professional medical guidance ensures an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan. Relying on self-diagnosis can delay proper care and potentially worsen the condition.