If you are experiencing collarbone pain, ten there are several possible causes. Although most cases are mild, there is an instance that needs quick medical help. It is essential to know the leading cause of pain. Therefore, it will help you find out the best treatment for it. The collarbone is the part of the shoulder area up to the breastbone.
The following are possible causes why you are experiencing the pain.
1. Common Causes of Pain
The position of the bone makes it more prone to injuries. Hence, any strong force can break it. Also, it is one of the most commonly broken bones in the body. In case of fall with force applied on the arms or shoulder, you will surely damage your collarbone. These activities are possible causes of collarbone pain.
- Sports: Athletes have higher chances of having a broken shoulder, especially in contact sports like football, basketball, wrestling, and more.
- Accident: Any accident like a motorcycle and vehicle can do great damage to this part of the body.
- Birth accident: A baby may suffer from an accident while going through the birth canal.
Moreover, the most noticeable signs of injury in the collarbone is severe pain. Also, it may worsen as you try to move it. Besides, you may hear a cracking or grinding noise on the part of the shoulder as you move. Aside from that, other signs are:
- Shoulder tenderness
- Bruises
- Swelling
- Stiffness
With babies, they may be able to move the shoulder a few days or weeks after birth.
2. Proper Diagnosis
To know the actual condition of the collarbone, the doctor will carefully examine it. Hence, they will look for the signs mentioned above. They will also ask for an x-ray to know the seriousness of the damage and the exact location.
Furthermore, the minor break will cause you not to move your arm for weeks. Therefore, the doctor will ask you to wear a sling or brace to protect the damaged part. Also, it will help to position the bone in its proper place.
3. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
It can happen if the bone moves and apply pressure to the blood vessels and nerves in the middle of the bone and the ribs. Hence, the possible causes are:
- Obesity
- Poor posture
- Injuries
- Lifting of heavy objects
- Congenital disabilities
- Weak shoulders
In case you have it, then you may feel these signs:
- Weak arm
- Shoulder blade pain
- Swelling of the arms
- Numbness of the arm
- Neck pain
- The color change of the hands and fingers
If you want to stop shoulder blade pain, physical therapy is important. The treatment will try to straighten the muscles around the shoulder. However, severe cases may need surgery.
4. Damage Joints
One of the common reasons for pain between shoulder blades is the separation of joints. Mostly, it comes from a strong force that can damage the area. However, pain does not mean that there is a broken bone. Some of the signs to look out for are:
- Pain
- Tenderness
- Swelling
Doctors usually advise the patient to:
- Rest the shoulder
- Apply some ice pack
- Use of braces to avoid movement
- Surgery
5. Osteoarthritis
Furthermore, it is not an injury but a sign of aging. However, there are cases when it can start from an injury. Signs that you may have it are:
- Severe pain
- Stiffness of the joints
The best way to stop the pain is through lifestyle changes. Hence, one should stay away from activities that can give pressure on the joints. Additionally, a serious case may require surgery.
6. Bad Sleeping Position
There are times when a bad sleeping position can cause pain between the shoulder blades. Therefore, if you are sleeping on the same side for a long time, you may feel some discomfort. However, the pain may go away during the daytime. Also, some may take over-the-counter medicine to ease the pain. Additionally, it is helpful to change positions while you sleep.
7. Cancer
Although uncommon, the pain might be because of cancer. Hence, if it is the main cause, it is vital to seek medical attention. Unfortunately, it may spread in other parts of the body. Signs that you might have it are:
- High fever
- High blood pressure
- Sweating
- Fats heart rate
- Diarrhea
Any injury is an emergency case and needs quick medical help. Hence, after seeing the condition, a doctor will suggest the best treatment to cure the pain and other problems. Delaying it can make the condition worse.
