Guidance for Addressing Clavicle and Shoulder Discomfort
About six weeks ago, I (34, female) was casually adjusting a pillow on my couch using my left arm. Some items on the cushion interfered, leading me to exert more force. As I leaned slightly forward, reaching out with my arm extended horizontally and my palm facing right, I suddenly felt a constriction around my left clavicle. This was accompanied by immediate pain, prompting me to apply ice and limit my arm movements for relief. The pain eventually lessened, but just then, I encountered a series of other physical issues. I had inadvertently twisted my knee, and shortly thereafter, I severely strained my lower back. But it seems that putting weight on my arms to alleviate the back pain reignited the discomfort in my left shoulder. While the most intense pain subsided within a week, various symptoms continue to linger. 1. I notice some mild swelling at the base of my neck, possibly in the supraclavicular region. While there are no hard lumps or chronic pain, there's a slight tenderness that becomes apparent when I pay attention to it. 2. Occasionally, I experience a subtle "tugging" sensation or tenderness at the top part of my shoulder. This sensation sometimes extends closer to my shoulder blade, though it is less frequent there. 3. I get periodic pain, ranging from a 1 to a 3 on a scale of 10. This discomfort runs from the left side of my neck down to just below my shoulder, particularly in the front and top areas, and occasionally near the shoulder blade. The pain's location tends to vary without any clear pattern. At this point, the pain is quite mild, but the duration of these symptoms has led me to consider seeking medical advice. However, I am unsure about which tests might be appropriate. Currently, I am residing in Japan and lack a general practitioner, so I would prefer to choose a local clinic based on the potential tests needed. Additional context: - My work entails around 8 to 9 hours at home daily, yet I do not have a dedicated office space. Working from an adjustable lap table on the couch has negatively impacted my posture. - I am significantly overweight, likely around 350 pounds. My diet has significantly improved over the past year, but due to ongoing health issues following a COVID infection last year, my exercise routine has been inconsistent. Despite this, I do make an effort to perform simple stretches before bed and sometimes in the morning. Importantly, I haven’t experienced any substantial limitations in the mobility of my left shoulder or arm. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance.
Answers (1)
4/4/2025, 2:10:41 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you've been dealing with some challenging discomfort around your shoulder and neck area following an incident with your arm. To address your concerns, let's break this down into manageable parts and focus on what you can do to alleviate your symptoms.
Main Points
- Your symptoms of mild swelling, tenderness, and occasional pain suggest a possible strain or strain-related issue in your shoulder and neck region.
- Your working conditions may contribute to posture-related discomfort, which is not uncommon, especially given your work setup.
Explanation
The way you described the initial incident suggests a possible soft tissue injury to the shoulder area. Given that you've noted some mild swelling and tenderness, this could be a result of muscle strain or overuse rather than a severe injury. The tugging sensation and varying pain might indicate that your muscles are recovering but still sensitive to certain movements or positions.
Your posture while working could also be exacerbating your symptoms. It's common for prolonged sitting or awkward positioning to create additional strain on the neck and shoulders.
Next Steps
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Rest and Modify Activities: Continue to limit activities that cause discomfort. Adjust your workspace to ensure a more ergonomic setup; try using a chair that supports your back, or consider working at a height that allows your arms to rest comfortably.
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Ice Therapy: Apply ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes, a few times a day, especially after activities that exacerbate the pain.
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Gentle Stretching and Strengthening: Incorporate gentle neck and shoulder stretches that do not cause pain. Simple shoulder rolls and neck stretches (tilting from side to side) can be helpful. Also, consider wrist and arm strengthening exercises as these can indirectly help with shoulder stability.
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Improve Posture: Focus on maintaining a good posture while sitting. Keep your feet flat on the ground, back straight, and shoulders relaxed. You can also try to use supporting cushions that help maintain a neutral position of your spine.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a record of your pain levels, what activities may trigger discomfort, and any other associated symptoms. This can help identify patterns and inform any medical evaluation if needed.
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Local Clinic Consultation: If your symptoms persist beyond a few more weeks or worsen, it would be wise to consider visiting a local clinic. Share your symptoms and history; depending on their assessment, they might consider imaging tests like an X-ray or MRI if they suspect a more serious underlying issue.
Remember, it's always good to prioritize your health and well-being, so adapting your environment and being proactive can go a long way in managing your discomfort. If anything changes or you have further questions, feel free to reach out!
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