Collarbone Pain

Experiencing collarbone pain can be unsettling, ranging from a dull, persistent ache to a sharp, intense pain that makes it difficult to move your arm. The collarbone, or clavicle, is the long, slender bone that connects your shoulder blade (scapula) to your breastbone (sternum). Because of its prominent position and its role in shoulder movement, it’s vulnerable to injury and other conditions.

Understanding the root of your discomfort is the first step toward finding relief. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the common causes of collarbone pain, the key symptoms to watch for, and the treatment options available.

What Is Collarbone Pain?

Collarbone pain is any discomfort, tenderness, or aching felt in or around the clavicle. This bone acts as a critical strut, holding the shoulder out and away from the body. It supports the shoulder and allows for a wide range of arm motion.

When you feel pain in this area, it’s often related to a direct injury. However, pain can also stem from joint problems, inflammation, or even issues in other parts of your body that radiate (or “refer”) pain to the collarbone area.

Common Causes of Collarbone Pain

Your discomfort can often be traced back to one of several common causes, ranging from sudden injuries to chronic conditions.

1. Clavicle Fracture (Broken Collarbone)

This is the most common and often most painful cause. A break in the clavicle usually results from a direct blow or a hard fall onto your shoulder or an outstretched arm. According to OrthoInfo, from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), clavicle fractures are very common and occur frequently in contact sports (like football or hockey) and accidents (like bike or car crashes).

2. AC Joint Sprain (Shoulder Separation)

The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is where your collarbone meets the highest point of your shoulder blade. A fall directly onto the point of your shoulder can sprain or tear the strong ligaments that hold this joint together, causing what is commonly known as a “shoulder separation.” This leads to pain near the collarbone and shoulder, specifically at the outer end of the clavicle.

3. Osteoarthritis

Like any joint, the joints at either end of your collarbone can wear down over time. Osteoarthritis can affect the AC joint (at the shoulder) or, less commonly, the sternoclavicular (SC) joint (at the breastbone). This degeneration of cartilage causes pain, stiffness, and sometimes a grinding sensation.

4. Poor Posture or Muscle Strain

Chronic slouching or “forward-rolled” shoulders can put excessive stress on the muscles and ligaments around your neck, shoulders, and collarbone. This can lead to a persistent, dull, aching pain in the region without any specific injury.

5. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS)

This is a less common condition where the nerves or blood vessels in the space between your collarbone and your first rib become compressed. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), this can cause pain in the collarbone and shoulder, as well as numbness or tingling in your arm and fingers.

6. Referred Pain

Sometimes, the pain you feel in your collarbone isn’t from the collarbone itself. It may be “referred” from another area, such as a pinched nerve in your neck (cervical radiculopathy) or, in rare and serious cases, a heart or lung issue.

Key Symptoms of Collarbone Pain

The symptoms you experience can provide important clues about the underlying cause.

Symptoms of a Broken Collarbone

If your pain is due to a fracture, you will likely experience:

• Intense, sharp pain that worsens significantly when you try to move your arm.
• Inability to lift the affected arm.
• A “sagging” appearance of the shoulder on the injured side.
• A visible bump or deformity over the break.
• Swelling, bruising, and tenderness directly over the bone.
• A grinding or crackling sound (crepitus) if you attempt to move your arm.

Symptoms of an AC Joint Sprain

If the AC joint is injured, symptoms often include:

• Pain concentrated at the very end of the collarbone, on top of the shoulder.
• Tenderness when the joint is touched.
• A visible bump above the shoulder, which may indicate a severe sprain or separation.
• Swelling and bruising.

Symptoms of Arthritis or Strain

For more chronic issues like arthritis or muscle strain, symptoms are typically:

• A dull, aching pain rather than a sharp one.
• Stiffness in the shoulder or neck.
• Pain that worsens after certain activities or long periods of poor posture.
• A clicking or grinding sound in the joint during movement.

Treatment Options for Collarbone Pain

The right treatment plan depends entirely on an accurate diagnosis. What causes pain in the collarbone will dictate the path to recovery.

1. Immobilization

For fractures and severe sprains, the first step is to keep the bone and joint still to allow them to heal.

• Sling: A simple arm sling is the most common treatment for a broken collarbone. It provides support and comfort while the bone mends.
• Figure-Eight Brace: This brace wraps around both shoulders and the back to help pull the shoulders back and align the bone, though its use is debated and often less comfortable than a sling.

2. Pain and Inflammation Management

For most causes, managing the initial pain and swelling is key for collarbone pain relief.

• Rest: Avoid activities that cause pain, especially lifting or overhead movements.
• Ice: Apply a cold pack to the injured area for 15-20 minutes every few hours for the first couple of days.
• Medication: Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) can help reduce pain and swelling.

3. Physical Therapy

Once the initial healing has begun, physical therapy is crucial. A therapist will guide you through gentle exercises to:

• Restore range of motion in your shoulder.
• Rebuild strength in the surrounding muscles.
• Improve posture to prevent future strain.

4. Surgery

While most collarbone injuries heal without it, surgery may be necessary in some cases. According to the Mayo Clinic, surgery to implant plates, screws, or pins may be recommended if:

• The bone fragments are severely displaced (far apart).
• The bone has broken through the skin (an open fracture).
• The fracture is affecting nearby nerves or blood vessels.
• The bone fails to heal properly (nonunion).

When to See a Doctor

While minor muscle aches may resolve on their own, it’s important to know when to worry about collarbone pain.

Seek immediate medical attention (go to an emergency room or urgent care) if:

• Your pain started with a significant trauma, such as a fall, sports injury, or car accident.
• You have a visible deformity, such as a large bump or an end of the bone protruding.
• You are unable to lift your arm at all.
• You experience numbness or weakness in your arm or hand.
• You have shortness of breath or pain when breathing deeply (this could indicate a related lung injury).

Schedule an appointment with your doctor if:

• The pain is moderate but does not improve after a few days of rest and ice.
• The pain is dull and persistent, even without an injury.
• You have swelling or bruising that doesn’t resolve.
• The pain interferes with your sleep or daily activities.

A healthcare provider can perform a physical exam and may order imaging tests, like an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI, to determine the exact cause of your collarbone pain and create the right treatment plan for you.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.

Published on January 17, 2025 and Last Updated on October 29, 2025 by: Priyank Pandey