Chronic Clavicle Pain: Seeking Solutions After 20 Years of Discomfort

After an untreated fracture at the anterior end of the clavicle, there is a sensation of pressure around the clavicle?

Over 20 years ago, I sustained an impact to the anterior part of my clavicle.
I felt very uncomfortable at the time but did not seek medical attention.
A few months later, I experienced severe discomfort and was taken to the hospital for an X-ray.
The doctor mentioned that I had a clavicular fracture with tissue proliferation.
For the past 20 years, I have been unable to wear turtlenecks or scarves, and I do not grow my hair long because any contact with my neck or clavicle causes significant sensitivity and discomfort.
I experience a strong sensation of foreign body pressure and a feeling of being stuck in the anterior and mid-segment of my clavicle.
I have seen orthopedic specialists twice over the years, but they said they had not encountered such a situation.
At the end of last year, I fell down the stairs and hit my head, which exacerbated the pain in my entire clavicle, particularly severe pain in my shoulder.
The posterior part of my clavicle causes a pulsing sensation when I am in certain positions (such as lying face down) or when I lie on my side.
I have undergone rehabilitation and physical therapy for a long time without significant improvement.
Eventually, I went to a large hospital's rehabilitation department, where an electromyogram (EMG) showed no issues.
The rehabilitation physician noted that the X-ray indicated that the anterior and posterior ends of my clavicle had become enlarged and were pressing down, and they recommended that I consult an orthopedic specialist again.
Since that fall, I have had trouble sleeping for over a year, often waking up several times due to pulsating sensations in my shoulder or discomfort in my clavicle.
Should I continue to see an orthopedic specialist for this situation? Thank you for your response.

Xiao Lu, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/01/06

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics

You should see an orthopedic specialist.

Reply Date: 2024/01/06

More Info

Chronic clavicle pain can be a debilitating condition, especially when it has persisted for over two decades. Your history of trauma to the clavicle, followed by years of discomfort and sensitivity, indicates that there may be underlying issues that have not been adequately addressed. The fact that you experienced a significant increase in pain after a fall, along with the sensation of pulsation and discomfort in the area, suggests that there may be additional complications that need to be evaluated.

First, it is essential to understand that the clavicle, or collarbone, plays a crucial role in shoulder function and stability. It connects the arm to the body and serves as a strut between the shoulder blade and the sternum. Trauma to this area can lead to various complications, including fractures, ligamentous injuries, and even nerve entrapment. The symptoms you describe—sensitivity, a feeling of pressure, and restricted movement—could be indicative of several conditions, including post-traumatic arthritis, myofascial pain syndrome, or even complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).

Given your extensive history of discomfort and the recent exacerbation of symptoms following your fall, it is advisable to continue seeking orthopedic evaluation. However, it may be beneficial to pursue a multidisciplinary approach to your treatment. Here are some recommendations:
1. Orthopedic Consultation: Return to an orthopedic specialist who has experience with chronic pain conditions. It may be helpful to seek out a physician who specializes in shoulder and clavicle injuries. They can perform a thorough physical examination and may recommend advanced imaging studies, such as MRI or CT scans, to assess the soft tissues, ligaments, and any potential nerve involvement.

2. Pain Management: Consider consulting a pain management specialist. They can provide a comprehensive evaluation of your pain and may suggest interventions such as nerve blocks, corticosteroid injections, or other modalities to help alleviate your discomfort.

3. Physical Therapy: While you have undergone physical therapy previously, it might be beneficial to revisit this option with a therapist who specializes in chronic pain management. They can tailor a rehabilitation program to address your specific symptoms, focusing on strengthening the surrounding muscles, improving range of motion, and reducing sensitivity in the clavicle area.

4. Alternative Therapies: Explore complementary therapies such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, or massage therapy. These modalities can sometimes provide relief for chronic pain conditions and may help improve your overall quality of life.

5. Psychological Support: Chronic pain can take a toll on mental health. Consider speaking with a psychologist or counselor who specializes in chronic pain management. They can help you develop coping strategies to deal with the emotional aspects of living with chronic discomfort.

6. Lifestyle Modifications: Pay attention to your posture and ergonomics, especially if you have a sedentary lifestyle or work at a desk. Simple changes in your workspace or daily activities can sometimes alleviate strain on the clavicle and shoulder area.

7. Follow-Up Care: Regular follow-up with your healthcare providers is crucial. Keeping an open line of communication about your symptoms and any changes you experience will help your medical team adjust your treatment plan as needed.

In summary, while it is essential to continue seeking orthopedic care, a multidisciplinary approach that includes pain management, physical therapy, and psychological support may provide the best chance for relief from your chronic clavicle pain. Your situation is complex, and it may take time to find the right combination of treatments that work for you. Stay persistent in your search for answers and relief, and don't hesitate to advocate for your health and well-being.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Persistent Pain: Insights from Family Medicine

Hello Doctor: I have occasionally experienced sharp, penetrating pain in my left clavicle since middle school, without any history of injury. I had an electrocardiogram in high school that was normal. Additionally, I experience lower back pain almost every night before sleep, whi...

Dr. Liu Jinyong reply Family Medicine
Left clavicular penetrating pain: If there is a sharp, penetrating pain in the left clavicle without any history of trauma or strain, the initial suspicion may be that the shoulder joint and clavicle are not in their normal anatomical position, potentially indicating clavicular d...

How to Treat Old Clavicle Fractures: Surgical Options and Recovery

Hello! I would like to ask, when I was 17 years old, I had a clavicle fracture due to a car accident, and it has been 13 years since then. Recently, over the past two years, I have been able to feel a protruding bone and it has started to become uncomfortable. If I seek treatment...

Dr. Shi Qiming reply Orthopedics
Hello: It is recommended that you visit the orthopedic outpatient clinic for further examination and treatment. A correct diagnosis can only be made based on the actual consultation. Thank you!

Understanding Pain Between the Clavicles: When to See an Orthopedic Specialist

Hello Dr. Chen: I often experience pain about 2 centimeters below the midpoint of my clavicles after changing positions. When I press on those two points during the pain, it hurts. This symptom has been persistent for a long time, with episodes of improvement and worsening. I hav...

Dr. Chen Yongxue reply Orthopedics
Hello, this may be related to your daily habits. Generally, jobs that require prolonged fixed positions (such as working at a computer or gaming) are more likely to lead to discomfort. When pain points occur, you can apply heat therapy or massage. If the condition worsens, you ma...

Minimally Invasive Fracture Fixation: Solutions for Shoulder Pain After Injury

Hello Dr. Yeh, About three years ago, I fractured my right clavicle while playing basketball. Initially, I was only fitted with a figure-of-eight brace for stabilization. Due to not consistently wearing the brace during the early stages of recovery, it seems that the fractured a...

Dr. Ye Qingnian reply Orthopedics
The clavicle fracture has a slight protrusion, which does not affect function or cause pain; it is merely an aesthetic concern. If there is pain or functional limitation, it is advisable to visit an orthopedic clinic for an X-ray to check if the bone has healed properly. If the b...