Dr. Kundlas
Most collarbone pain comes from the shoulder, the neck muscles, or the small joints at each end of the bone, and it often follows a strain, poor posture or a fall. Pain that settles with rest and changes when you move your arm is usually from muscles, joints or bone. Pain under the collarbone that comes with chest pressure, shortness of breath or sweating can come from the heart or lungs, so call 911.
For collarbone pain that lingers after a strain or a fall, you can walk in at either of our offices, but call 911 if the pain comes with chest pressure or trouble breathing.
Where the collarbone is
The collarbone (clavicle) is the long bone across the upper chest, just below the neck. Its inner end meets the breastbone at the sternoclavicular joint, and its outer end meets the shoulder blade at the AC (acromioclavicular) joint. Neck and shoulder muscles attach to it, and major nerves and blood vessels pass just underneath it on their way to the arm. Because so much passes through this area, pain here can start in the bone or travel from somewhere else.
Common causes of collarbone pain
After a fall: a broken collarbone or AC joint injury
When someone comes in with collarbone pain, the first thing I want to know is whether they fell. A fall onto the shoulder or an outstretched arm is the most common way to break the collarbone, usually in the middle of the bone. You may notice sharp pain, swelling, a bump or sag in the bone, and trouble lifting the arm. An AC joint sprain (shoulder separation) causes pain and sometimes a bump at the point of the shoulder. Both need an exam and usually an X-ray. In adults over 50, thinner bones (osteoporosis) make breaks more likely after a simple fall.
Muscle strain and posture
Carrying a heavy purse or bag on one shoulder, a tight bra strap, sleeping on one side, or long hours looking down at a phone can strain the muscles that attach to the collarbone. The pain is achy and often worse by evening.
Shoulder problems
Rotator cuff tendinitis or tears, bursitis and AC joint arthritis can cause pain at the outer end of the collarbone and over the shoulder. Reaching overhead or sleeping on that side often makes it worse.
Arthritis at either end
Wear and tear arthritis is common in the AC joint and the sternoclavicular joint as we age. It causes stiffness, aching, and sometimes a firm bump.
Pain that travels from the neck
A pinched nerve in the neck can cause pain above the collarbone that spreads into the shoulder and arm, sometimes with tingling in the hand.
Costochondritis
Inflammation where the ribs join the breastbone causes sharp chest wall pain near the inner end of the collarbone. It hurts when you press on the spot, take a deep breath, or twist. It is more common in women. Because it is chest pain, a doctor should rule out heart causes first.
Thoracic outlet syndrome
Nerves or blood vessels can get squeezed in the space between the collarbone and the first rib. This causes pain, numbness, tingling or a heavy feeling in the arm, often worse with the arm overhead.
A swollen lymph node
Lymph nodes sit just above the collarbone. A node there can swell with an infection, but any lump or swelling above the collarbone that does not go away in 2 weeks should be checked by a doctor.
Pain under the right collarbone (including in women)
Searches for “pain under right collarbone female” are common. In women, the usual causes are the same as in men: strain from a bag or bra strap, costochondritis, shoulder problems and neck problems. A few other causes are worth knowing:
- Gallbladder. Gallbladder pain starts in the upper right belly, often after a fatty meal, and can spread to the right shoulder or right shoulder blade. Nausea, bloating, fever or yellow skin are clues. It is more common in women and after 40.
- Lungs. Pneumonia or a collapsed lung can cause sharp pain on one side that is worse with breathing or coughing.
- Breast. Breast tissue extends toward the armpit and collarbone, so a breast problem can cause pain in this area. A new lump in the breast or armpit should be checked.
- Heart. Women having a heart attack are more likely than men to have mild or unusual symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, tiredness, or pain in the jaw, neck, back or upper chest instead of crushing chest pain.
Pain under the left collarbone
Left sided collarbone pain is most often a strain, shoulder problem or arthritis, just like the right side. Doctors take it seriously because heart pain often spreads to the left chest, shoulder and arm. Lung problems, including a blood clot in the lung, can cause pain on either side.
Collarbone pain without an injury
If you did not fall or strain anything, the most likely causes are posture, sleeping position, arthritis and pain spreading from the neck or shoulder. Pain that does not change at all with arm or neck movement, or that comes with other symptoms such as fever, weight loss, cough or shortness of breath, deserves a doctor visit.
Home care for mild collarbone pain
For a minor strain or ache with no fall and no warning signs:
- Rest the arm from lifting and reaching overhead for a few days, but keep it moving gently so the shoulder does not stiffen.
- Ice for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, a few times a day, for the first two to three days. After that, warmth can relax tight muscles.
- Over the counter pain relief can help. For adults over 50, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is usually the first choice; follow the dosing on the label. Avoid ibuprofen or naproxen, or ask your doctor first, if you have kidney disease, heart disease, stomach ulcers, or take a blood thinner.
- Switch your bag to the other shoulder or use a backpack, and try a bra with wider straps.
- Sleep on your back or on the other side with a pillow supporting the sore arm.
- Set up your chair and screen so you are not looking down for long periods.
If you fell and suspect a break, do not try to treat it at home. Support the arm against your body and get seen the same day.
When to see a doctor
Make an appointment if:
- Pain lasts more than one to two weeks or keeps coming back
- You fell and have swelling, a bump, or trouble lifting the arm (get it checked the same day)
- You feel a lump above or near the collarbone
- You have numbness, tingling or weakness in the arm or hand
- Pain comes with fever, night sweats, weight loss or a cough that will not go away
- Right sided pain comes with upper belly pain after meals, nausea or yellow skin
CALL 911 RIGHT AWAY IF:
- Pain in the chest, under the collarbone, or in the shoulder comes with pressure, squeezing or tightness
- The pain spreads to your arm, jaw, neck or back, or comes with shortness of breath, a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness
- You have sudden sharp chest pain and trouble breathing, or you cough up blood (possible blood clot in the lung or collapsed lung)
- After a fall or accident, the bone pokes through the skin, or your arm or hand turns cold, pale, numb or blue
- You are having trouble breathing after a hard hit to the chest or shoulder
Do not drive yourself to the hospital.
Frequently asked questions
What causes pain under the right collarbone in women?
The most common causes are muscle strain, costochondritis, shoulder problems and pain from the neck. Less often, gallbladder pain, lung problems or a heart attack can show up there. Pain with chest pressure or shortness of breath needs 911.
What does collarbone pain on the left side mean?
Most of the time it is a strain, a shoulder problem or arthritis. Because heart pain can spread to the left side, any left sided pain with chest pressure, shortness of breath or sweating is an emergency.
How do I know if I broke my collarbone?
Signs of a break are sharp pain after a fall, swelling, a bump or sag along the bone, a grinding feeling, and trouble lifting the arm. An X-ray confirms it. Many breaks heal with a sling, but some need surgery.
Is clavicle pain the same as collarbone pain?
Yes. Clavicle is the medical name for the collarbone.
Can stress or sleeping position cause collarbone pain?
Yes. Stress tightens the neck and shoulder muscles, and sleeping on one side can strain them. Stress should not be blamed for pain that comes with chest pressure, shortness of breath, fever, a lump, or weakness.
Getting checked in Sebring or Lake Wales
We see collarbone and shoulder pain often in primary care. We can examine the area, check your heart and lungs, order an X-ray or other tests if needed, and help you decide whether you need a specialist.
Shield Medical Group has two offices:
- Sebring: 4597 Casablanca Cir, Sebring FL 33870. Phone (863) 236-9550. Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Lake Wales: 23607 US Highway 27 N, Lake Wales FL 33859. Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
You can book an appointment, and walk-ins are welcome for new and established patients. We accept many Medicare Advantage plans, so call to ask about yours.
Medical disclaimer
This article is for general education only and is not medical advice. It does not replace an exam by your own doctor. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911.
