Collar bone pain

Introduction to collarbone pain

The collarbone is called the clavicle and it is the bone that is located horizontally in the upper part of the chest. This bone links the upper limb and chest and it transfer the weight of the upper limp to the central part of the body. That is why an injury to this bone is very serious, because weakens the capacities of the hand seriously. The clavicle is connected to the breast bone and shoulder blade by immobile joints, which are covered by strong ligaments that give the joints support and stability. The collarbone keeps the shoulder blade in position and allows the arms to move freely.

Causes

Collarbone pain occurs when there is an injury to the bone, such as a fracture or a tear in one of the ligaments. This pain can be felt usually when the arm moves. There will also be a dull pain usually when the arm is not moving, since the weight of the arm is having a definite effect on the bone, which is injured and cannot hold the weight as well. A fracture of the bone or a ligament injury usually happens because of some kind of trauma, which is either a fall or a blow to the area, like in a car accident. The edges of the bone that has been broken can be felt and seen in the upper area of the chest, and in some cases, the jagged edges of the bone will cut through the skin, which is a compound injury, since there is both a fracture and an open wound of the flesh. When it is an injury of the ligaments, it usually means that it will take a long time to heal. Ligaments do not have a blood supply, so that is why the healing is often incomplete. That is why the treatment and repair must be full, because if the ligament does not heal properly, it can lead to lifelong problems with the collarbone.

Treatment

When it is a simple fracture, then it will be treated with an 8 bandage or a clavicle brace that is applied to the upper chest area. The bandage will pull the shoulders to that the entire length of the bone is stretched and the broken edges align themselves. If all goes well, the fracture should be able to heal in about four to six weeks.

When it is a compound fracture, then a very good orthopedic surgeon will be needed. This is because the open wound can become infected very easily. Antibiotics will also be needed because of this, for several weeks.

The fracture will not be treated until the wound closes up, that is why it is important to take antibiotics and make sure that there will be no infections occurring, which can slow down the healing process and make the person wait even longer to begin treating the fractured bone.