What Causes Sharp Pain In Right Clavicle?

Posted on Sat, 12 Apr 2014

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

Sat, 12 Apr 2014 Answered on

Wed, 30 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, I am experiencing sharp intermittent pain in right clavicle (midpoint). Analgesia & anti-inflammatories ineffective. Have not injured site. Pain occurring more often than not at rest with no other symptoms.

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer: It may be of muscular/neurogenic origin Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for writing After going through your brief description, the pain may have a muscular or neurogenic (nerve) origin. This needs a physical examination along with X ray of shoulder. In the follow up query, please tell me about- 1. Range of movement present at shoulder and neck. 2. Do you have numbness and tingling sensation in right hand? For better understanding of your suffering. Meanwhile to reduce pain you may have muscle relaxant (Thiospas A8) and pregablin. Since, these are prescription only drugs you may have to contact your local doctor. I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query. Take care. Regards Dr.chugh

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Mukesh Chugh (18 hours later)

Hi, Thank you so far - arm has full range of motion and is neurovascularly intact.

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (6 hours later)

Brief Answer: Musculoskeletal pathology may be a cause Detailed Answer: Hi It’s good to see you. After going through the whole discussion we had your pain of may be because of common causes, all musculoskeletal. The first would be stress-related muscle spasms, which can be quite painful. Another option is a torn muscle, tendon or ligament. If you can, try to feel the muscles around the painful area and compare them to the muscles on the non-painful side. If you can find a hard lump, the first option above is probably what is going on. If you can find a squishy area that is warmer than the surrounding areas, the second option above is probably what happened. Tightness in the muscles above neck (scalene group of muscles) could cause soreness and would restrict the movement of your ribs, changing your ability to breathe efficiently. The other causes could be- 1. Cervical rib – that is extra rib in the neck region x - ray is required to rule out. 2.Lymph node pathology above the clavicle . To rule out or confirm above possibilities you need X ray and physical examination. Mean while you may have medicine as discussed earlier along with massage therapist to sooth the sore neck muscles. Hope this information helps you. Take care and I shall be glad to answer any further query. Regards Dr XXXXXXX chugh (http://bit.ly/drmchugh)

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D