Chiropractic Care for Collarbones

If you’re experiencing collarbone problems or shoulder pain, chiropractic care for collarbones can help.

How a Chiropractor Can Help With Collarbones

Many people don't realize how important the collarbone is for overall health. The collarbone, or clavicle, connects the breastbone to the shoulder blade and plays a vital role in keeping the shoulders stable. It also helps protect the major blood vessels and nerves that run from the neck to the arms.

Because of its location and importance, the collarbone is susceptible to injury. A broken collarbone is a common injury, especially in young children and athletes. And even a minor injury to the area can cause pain and discomfort.

That's where a chiropractor can help. Chiropractors are trained to identify and treat problems with the musculoskeletal system, including the collarbone. They use many techniques, including manual adjustments, to help relieve shoulder and clavicle pain and improve function.

Collarbones and Shoulder Pain

There are a few reasons why problems with the collarbone might cause shoulder pain. One possibility is that the collarbone is not properly aligned with the rest of the bones in the shoulder, which can lead to pain and discomfort. Additionally, the muscles and tendons around the collarbone area may be weaker than they should be, which can also cause pain. Finally, the ligaments that connect the collarbone to the shoulder joint may be damaged or torn, which can lead to instability in the shoulder and pain.

What Are the Symptoms of a Broken Collarbone?

The most common symptom of a broken collarbone is a sharp pain in the affected area. You may also feel a grating sensation when moving your arm or shoulder, or you may notice that your arm hangs lower than usual. In some cases, the bone may protrude through the skin.

Other symptoms of a broken collarbone include:

• Swelling
• Bruising
• Tenderness
• Difficulty moving your arm or shoulder
• Weakness in your arm

What Are the Causes of Shoulder Pain?

In addition to the shoulder pain caused by broken or fractured collarbones, shoulder pain might also be caused by:

Rotator Cuff Injuries

A rotator cuff injury is a common cause of shoulder pain. The rotator cuff is the tendons and muscles that attach the shoulder to the upper arm bone and helps you lift your arm. A rotator cuff injury can occur due to overuse, repetitive motions, or a sudden injury. Symptoms of a rotator cuff injury include pain when lifting the arm, pain when reaching overhead, and weakness in the arm.

Impingement Syndrome

Impingement syndrome is another common cause of shoulder pain. It occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles become irritated and inflamed. This can happen due to overuse or repetitive motions of the arm. Symptoms of impingement syndrome include pain when lifting the arm, pain when reaching overhead, and weakness in the arm.

Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder is a condition that causes the shoulder joint to become stiff and painful. It can happen due to an injury, overuse, or aging. Symptoms of frozen shoulder include pain when moving the arm, stiffness in the shoulder, and weakness in the arm.

Bursitis

Bursitis is another common cause of shoulder pain. It occurs when the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the shoulder joint become irritated and inflamed. It can happen due to overuse, repetitive motions, or a sudden injury. Symptoms of bursitis include pain when moving the arm, swelling in the shoulder, and warmth in the shoulder.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation in the joints. There are many different types of arthritis, but osteoarthritis is the most common one that affects the shoulder. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that occurs due to the wear and tear of the joint cartilage. Symptoms of osteoarthritis include pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints.

Tendonitis

Tendonitis is another common cause of shoulder pain. It occurs when the tendons become irritated and inflamed, which can happen due to overuse, repetitive motions, or a sudden injury. Symptoms of tendonitis include pain when moving the arm, swelling in the shoulder, and warmth in the shoulder.

Dislocation

A dislocation is another possible cause of shoulder pain. It occurs when the bone of the upper arm pops out of the socket. It can happen due to a fall, car accident, or another type of trauma. Symptoms of dislocation include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Bruising in the affected area

What Does a Healthcare Provider Do to Treat a Broken Collarbone?

If you think you or your child has a broken collarbone, it's important to seek medical care right away. A healthcare provider will first confirm the diagnosis with a physical examination and possibly X-rays. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the next step is to begin treatment.

There are a few different options for treating a broken collarbone. The most common is to wear a sling to immobilize the arm and allow the bone to heal. This usually takes about six weeks. In some cases, shoulder surgery may be necessary to realign the bones or stabilize them with metal hardware. Recovery from surgery takes longer, typically several months.

Conclusion

If you’re experiencing shoulder pain or you’re concerned about your collarbones, contact a chiropractor to learn more about how chiropractic care can help.

Dr. Eric Neumann D.C.

Dr. Eric Neumann grew up in Alberta, Canada where he majored in Chemistry at the University of Calgary. During his time at University, he obtained licensure as a Massage Therapist. It was clear that hands-on healing would be his calling. After suffering multiple sport-related injuries he became interested in Chiropractic. Dr. Neumann graduated from Western States Chiropractic College in 2009. He has since specialized in the treatment and management of acute spinal injuries.