Understanding Sternoclavicular Dislocation
Hello everyone, about two months back, I experienced a significant popping sensation in my right clavicle while attempting a bench press. Despite my effort to push through the workout, I soon encountered considerable discomfort in that same area. Upon arriving home, I took a moment to examine myself in the mirror and noticed that my clavicle appeared to be elevated by about 1 to 2 cm and was protruding roughly 0.5 to 0.75 cm further on the right side in comparison to the left. The discomfort persisted, prompting me to seek help at the emergency room. The resident attending to me arranged for some X-rays, which revealed that I likely had a sternoclavicular dislocation. After some time, the attending physician reviewed the X-rays, examined the area with his hands, and concluded that I had likely sustained a prior injury to this region at some point. He advised that there was little they could do and mentioned that the injury might realign itself over the following months, but he provided no guarantees, essentially suggesting I adapt to living with it. Fast forward to now: I have made several visits to both my physiotherapist and chiropractor. Interestingly, my chiropractor discovered some old files indicating that he had treated me for a similar issue nearly ten years ago, a fact that I had completely forgotten. Nevertheless, my clavicle remains out of place. Currently, I'm experiencing limitations; I can't perform bench presses with weights exceeding 95 pounds without feeling a painful grinding sensation. Additionally, I suffer from daily pain surrounding the injury. I'm left wondering whether the physician was correct in stating that there’s nothing that can be done or if it would be wise for me to seek a second opinion elsewhere. Any insights would be appreciated!
Answers (1)
8/8/2025, 2:31:08 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you've been dealing with a challenging sternoclavicular dislocation and ongoing discomfort, which can certainly be frustrating. Let’s break down your situation and explore some options moving forward.
Key Points:
- You likely have a sternoclavicular dislocation that has not properly healed.
- Current symptoms include pain, limitations in weightlifting, and a grinding sensation.
- It's understandable to seek further clarification and treatment options.
Explanation:
A sternoclavicular dislocation occurs when the collarbone separates from the breastbone at the sternoclavicular joint. This kind of injury can lead to various symptoms, including pain and difficulty with movement, particularly if there’s underlying damage or instability. While some displacements can realign naturally over time, the presence of ongoing pain and dysfunction suggests that this might not be the case for you.
Seeking a second opinion could be very beneficial, especially in cases where pain persists and impacts daily activities. There are specialists who focus on shoulder and upper extremity injuries who may provide different treatment options. It's also worthwhile to explore whether there are interventions that could help with pain management and improve your functional capacity.
Next Steps:
-
Consider a Second Opinion: Seek out an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in shoulder injuries. This will provide you with more knowledge about potential surgical options or alternative treatments that might not have been discussed.
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Continue Physical Therapy: Regular sessions with your physiotherapist can help with mobility and strength, focusing on exercises that may stabilize the joint without exacerbating pain. Communicate your current limitations clearly to them.
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Pain Management: Talk to your healthcare providers about pain relief options. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help manage pain, but consult with a provider for guidance, especially regarding dosage and potential side effects.
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Modify Activities: While you’re in the recovery process, consider modifying your exercise routine to focus on low-impact activities that don’t provoke or exacerbate pain, like swimming or resistance bands.
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Monitoring Symptoms: Keep a record of your symptoms, noting when pain occurs, its intensity, and any activities that worsen it. This can be invaluable information for any healthcare provider you consult, helping to guide your care.
Taking these steps may provide clearer direction and improved management of your condition. Your dedication to recovering from this injury is important, and getting the appropriate care can set a solid foundation for your future activities. Don't hesitate to ask any more questions or seek further clarification on specific aspects!
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