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What Causes Pain In Clavicular Region?
I have been struggling with pain in my clavicle region. It radiates up my neck/throat area, down my chest, out into my shoulder and is moving toward the back of my neck. This evening I discovered that the source of the pain seems to be at the very tip of my left clavicle in the suprasternal notch. Any ideas on what could be causing this? Could it be from just an awkward sleep position? I woke up with this about 4 days ago.
Sat, 29 Mar 2025
Hi,
In the absence of trauma to the area, the most common reasons for pain would be abnormal sleep position as you mentioned or inflammation in the area caused by indirect trauma (eg: heavy lifting or increased or atypical movements of the limb). Arthritis of the joints can also cause pain but normally there would be previous history of pain.
Rare causes of pain would be infection but this would be associated with fever, redness of the area, increased warmth and tenderness. The use of a cold compress to the area, 2 to 3 times a day for 10 to 20 mins along with rest and anti inflammatory medication, would help. Anti inflammatory medications would include- Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, and Naproxen. There are topical pain medications as well that may also provide relief.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Michelle Gibson, General & Family Physician
In the absence of trauma to the area, the most common reasons for pain would be abnormal sleep position as you mentioned or inflammation in the area caused by indirect trauma (eg: heavy lifting or increased or atypical movements of the limb). Arthritis of the joints can also cause pain but normally there would be previous history of pain.
Rare causes of pain would be infection but this would be associated with fever, redness of the area, increased warmth and tenderness. The use of a cold compress to the area, 2 to 3 times a day for 10 to 20 mins along with rest and anti inflammatory medication, would help. Anti inflammatory medications would include- Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, and Naproxen. There are topical pain medications as well that may also provide relief.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Michelle Gibson, General & Family Physician
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