Shoulder or Clavicle Pain

You probably already know what the shoulder region is, but you may not know that the clavicle region is interconnected with the function and location of the shoulder. The clavicle consists of a slender, long bone that runs horizontally between the tops of your two shoulders. Interestingly, the clavicle is the only bone that runs horizontally of its length. The other long bones run vertically, in your legs and arms. The clavicle is commonly referred to as the collarbone because it runs directly beneath where your shirt collar would be.

It’s quite common to experience shoulder and or clavicle pain. Even though the clavicle isn’t a “moving” bone, exterior pressure and weight can bear on this bone and cause discomfort. In addition, pain from one or both shoulders can radiate to the clavicle. Shoulder pain is even more common. Because the shoulder joint is so complex as well as so often used, pain in this area usually occurs to almost everyone at least once.

Some of the most common causes of shoulder and or clavicle pain include:

• Stress fracture, from too much weight or pressure on the clavicle. Even the tiniest stress fracture can cause immense pain.
• Osteoarthritis, where the protective cartilage around the clavicle or shoulder has worn down.
• Bruising, where force trauma has occurred and bruised the bone, possibly from an accident such as a vehicle accident.
• Poor sleep posture, in which case your chiropractor can recommend a sleep posture that won’t negatively affect the shoulder or clavicle region.
• Osteomyelitis, which is a bone infection commonly spread through the blood.