What Causes Pain Around Clavicle?

Posted on Wed, 19 Nov 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 19 Nov 2014 Answered on

Mon, 15 Dec 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a very painful area around my clavicle. When you press down on it, it is very painful. Almost like a "shingle" type pain. What could this be? It is such a strange area and it hurts without me having to move it or use it?

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please tell me about the exact site of pain

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for posting
I have gone through your query and understand your concern. This well could be due to arthritis at either end of clavicle, most commonly at outer side of clavicle (Acromioclavicular arthritis).
To confirm this please tell me-
1. The exact site of pain and what makes the pain worse?
2. Any chronic disease like diabetes?
3. Range of motion at shoulder joint?
Looking forward to your reply.
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Mukesh Chugh (15 hours later)

It is a difficult area to describe, all I can say is: it is on the bone that connects the neck to the top of the shoulder. It is not the clavicle. It is sore, and tender to touch, no range of motion issues. No diabetes or chronic illness. Actually pretty healthy with exception to some spinal stenosis that come and go,

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Muscular problem could be the reason

Detailed Answer:
Hello
It's good to see you
I have gone through your reply carefully and the pain could be-
1. Muscular origin
2. Acromioclavicular joint arthritis/sprain-This joint lies at the outer end on a bone which connects neck with shoulder.
My suggestion for you would be-Hot water fomentation, local pain killer gel application with Ibuprofen and muscle relaxant drug (thiocolchicoside) beside physiotherapy helps.
If problem persists, X-ray of clavicle is recommended.
Hope this helps.
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Mukesh Chugh (15 minutes later)

Thank you. I will continue what I am currently doing then

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (26 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Wishing you early recovery

Detailed Answer:
Hello
You are welcome,I am hopeful of early recovery.
Get well soon.
Regards

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj