ELIMINATE COLLARBONE PAIN WITH PHYSIOTHERAPY IN LONDON

Appendix: Key Terms and Concepts for collarbone pain

X-ray: Collarbone pain can be caused by various reasons such as a fall or other trauma. If you experience collarbone pain following an accident, it is recommended to visit an emergency room for a thorough examination and X-rays to determine if the collarbone is fractured. A doctor may also conduct a physical examination and MRI in some cases for diagnosis. Early treatment involves stopping the use of the affected shoulder, applying ice to the painful area, and taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to ease pain and inflammation. An X-ray is necessary to diagnose a broken or fractured collarbone, and the treatment plan will depend on the severity of the injury.

Swelling: Collarbone pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including swelling. Swelling in the area may be accompanied by intense pain and difficulty moving the arm. Collarbone fractures or breaks are often associated with tenderness, bruising, and stiffness in the arm. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat severe fractures. However, many collarbone injuries can be treated through physical therapy and gradually increasing range of motion and strength. If you experience collarbone pain or swelling, it is important to seek medical attention to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

Blood vessels: Collarbone pain can be caused by various factors including injuries, poor posture, and repetitive activities. In some cases, such as with thoracic outlet syndrome, the collarbone can shift from its normal position and apply pressure to the blood vessels and nerves located between the bone and the highest rib. This may cause weakness in the arm, a painful lump under the collarbone, pain and swelling or numbness in one arm, pain in the neck, collarbone or shoulder, and changes to the color of the hands or fingers. Treatment options include physical therapy and surgery in some cases; however, surgery for sternoclavicular joint arthritis is typically considered a last resort due to the risk involved with large blood vessels running just behind the clavicle.

Shoulder blade: Collarbone pain can be caused by various factors, including injuries to the joint connecting the collarbone to the shoulder blade. This injury is most commonly seen in the acromioclavicular (ac) joint located where the collarbone meets the top of the shoulder blade. Ligaments attach surrounding muscles to bones at each joint, holding it in place. The acromioclavicular joint is one of two collarbone joints and is located at the top of the shoulder where your clavicle meets your shoulder blade. If there is damage to the shoulder capsule, which holds the ball joint of the upper arm inside the socket of the shoulder blade, adhesions may form and cause tightness, pain, and inflexibility.

Osteomyelitis is a rare but serious bone infection that can cause collarbone pain. It occurs when bacteria or fungi infect a bone, which can happen if you have an open wound near your clavicle or an infection in your blood. Symptoms of osteomyelitis may include pain, joint warmth, and swelling. It’s important to seek medical attention if you suspect you have osteomyelitis, as it may require antibiotics or even surgery to treat. Other possible causes of collarbone pain include thoracic outlet syndrome, osteoarthritis, and distal clavicular osteolysis.

End of the collarbone: Collarbone pain can be caused by various conditions, including fractures and small fractures developing on the end of the collarbone closest to the shoulder, known as the distal end. This condition is sometimes called weightlifter’s shoulder and can lead to pain and swelling if left untreated. Pain in the spot where the top of the shoulder meets the end of the collarbone may also occur due to referred pain, which happens when you feel pain somewhere other than where it’s actually coming from. It’s essential to seek medical attention if you experience collarbone pain, especially if you notice a fracture or bone sticking out.

Broken collarbone: Collarbone pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including a broken collarbone. This type of injury is common in contact sports such as football, martial arts, or basketball, as well as car accidents. To identify a broken collarbone, you should look for shoulder injuries caused by accidents. Treatment for a broken collarbone may involve immobilizing the arm with a sling to prevent movement and allow the bone to heal on its own. In more complicated cases, surgery may be necessary to fix the broken bone. Pain medication can also be prescribed to manage symptoms.

Shoulder pain: can be a symptom of collarbone injuries, such as fractures or breaks. It is important to seek appropriate care and treatment from a doctor to avoid delayed healing or incorrect healing. In some cases, shoulder pain can also be a sign of other conditions such as lung cancer. To manage collarbone injuries, immobilization and pain medication are common treatments. Understanding the cause of shoulder pain is key in determining the best course of action for treatment.

Shoulder joint: Collarbone pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, inflammation, and degenerative conditions. Shoulder joint problems like rotator cuff tears, tendinitis, and impingement syndrome are common causes of collarbone pain. In addition, sleeping on your side can also lead to muscle tears and inflammation in the area around the shoulder joint. Proper diagnosis by a medical professional is important to determine the underlying cause of collarbone pain and appropriate treatment options.

Sports injuries: Collarbone pain is often caused by sports injuries and can be quite severe. The pain can be sudden and sharp, followed by swelling, bruising, and ongoing tenderness. It can also be caused by overuse or long periods of physical labor. If you experience sudden collarbone pain as the result of an accident or sports injury, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Other causes may include fractures, arthritis, bone infections, or other conditions related to the position of your clavicle.

Ultrasound: Collarbone pain can be diagnosed through physical examination and sometimes ultrasound. Ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging test that uses sound waves to create images of the affected area, allowing doctors to see the bones, muscles, tendons, and blood vessels. Treatment for collarbone pain typically involves rest followed by gradually increasing exercise to regain strength and prevent stiffness and weakness of the muscles and tendons. In some cases, additional imaging tests such as x-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans may be ordered to better evaluate the condition.

Healthcare provider: Collarbone pain can be caused by various factors, including injury or infection. If you are experiencing collarbone pain, it is essential to seek medical advice from a healthcare provider. The medical treatment chosen by the provider will depend on the severity of your injury or condition. It may include placing your arm in a sling, prescribing pain medication, and showing you exercises to do after several weeks of immobilization. Always consult with your healthcare provider if you have ongoing pain, swelling, lumps or problems moving.

Lymph nodes: Collarbone pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including lymph nodes that have developed cancer. If cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the collarbone area, it may cause pain in neighboring regions. Swollen supraclavicular lymph nodes can sometimes indicate the presence of lymphoma or a tumor in the lungs, breasts, neck, or abdomen. Therefore, it’s important to consult a doctor if you have persistent collarbone pain and other symptoms.

Ac joint: Collarbone pain can be caused by injuries to the ac joint, which connects the collarbone to the shoulder blade. Symptoms include swelling, tenderness, and pain. Depending on the severity of the injury, rest and applying ice or using a brace may be recommended. Surgery may also be an option in some cases. Pain medications and wearing a shoulder sling are common non-surgical treatments for ac joint injuries. If collarbone pain sets in quickly from direct injuries, it is important to seek medical attention promptly.

Cartilage: Collarbone pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including cartilage damage. Cartilage is the tissue that cushions the joints and prevents bones from rubbing against each other. Collarbone osteoarthritis, for instance, is a common type of arthritis that occurs due to wear-and-tear on the joints. As cartilage wears away over time, it can lead to pain and stiffness in the collarbone area. Additionally, injuries such as acromioclavicular joint separation can directly impact the collarbone and its associated cartilage disc, causing pain and discomfort.

Symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome: Collarbone pain can sometimes be a symptom of thoracic outlet syndrome. Symptoms of this condition can vary, depending on which nerves or blood vessels are affected by the displaced collarbone. Swelling in the region and pain with restricted shoulder movement because of weak shoulder muscles could be a sign of collarbone pain. Causes of thoracic outlet syndrome include injury to the shoulder, poor posture, repetitive stress, obesity, and congenital defects such as an extra rib. If you experience symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome, it is best to avoid carrying heavy bags over your shoulder as this depresses the collarbone and increases pressure on important structures in the thoracic outlet.

Common causes of collarbone pain include fractures or breaks, dislocations, joint inflammation, muscle strains or sprains, nerve compression, and shoulder impingement syndrome. It’s important to consult a physiotherapist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan based on the underlying cause.