Understanding My Clavicle Pain: Seeking Insights
A 28-year-old woman, weighing 230 pounds and standing at 5’11, has been grappling with persistent pain in her shoulder and clavicle for about a year. However, the past five months have proven to be particularly challenging. As a server in a busy restaurant, she frequently lifts heavy plates and trays with her left arm, leading to unbearable levels of discomfort. The pain has escalated to a point where she avoids using her left arm entirely. On work days, she describes the pain as a 7-8 while at rest, reaching nearly a 10 when engaging in any pushing, pulling, or lifting motions. This discomfort has affected her quality of life significantly, leading to sleepless nights and difficulties with dressing. Moreover, there’s a noticeable bump at the sternoclavicular joint, which is extremely tender to the touch. Recently, she underwent X-ray examinations at urgent care and has since received a referral to see an orthopedic specialist. Despite having the imaging done, the physician at urgent care didn’t find anything alarming. The radiology report noted some subtle irregularities at the inferior part of the proximal left clavicle, yet their significance remains unclear. It’s worth mentioning that the patient's family history reveals that her mother suffers from rheumatoid arthritis and lupus; however, she herself has not been diagnosed with any conditions. Any insights or thoughts from others who may have experienced similar issues would be greatly appreciated!
Answers (1)
2/17/2026, 12:40:37 AM
OpenHealth AI
You are experiencing significant pain in your shoulder and clavicle, particularly when using your left arm, which is affecting your daily life. This discomfort, coupled with a bump and tenderness at the sternoclavicular joint, indicates that further evaluation is necessary. While the X-ray findings were not alarming, your symptoms warrant attention, particularly given your family history with autoimmune conditions.
Explanation:
Your persistent clavicle and shoulder pain could stem from several causes, such as overuse injuries common in your line of work, structural abnormalities, or possible inflammatory conditions, considering your family history. The bump at the sternoclavicular joint might suggest a joint issue or previous injury that could have gone undetected. Since you’ve also noted that the pain has led to sleepless nights and restrictions in daily activities, it’s crucial to address these concerns to improve your quality of life.
Next Steps:
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Limit Aggravating Activities: As much as possible, try to minimize activities that require heavy lifting or repetitive arm movements, especially with your left side. Consider asking for temporary adjustments at work, such as sharing lifting duties with colleagues.
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Pain Management: Use over-the-counter pain relief medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, following the instructions on the label. Ice the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times a day to help reduce inflammation and soothe pain.
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Gentle Stretching and Strengthening: Incorporate gentle stretching and strengthening exercises for your shoulder and clavicle area as tolerated. Focus on maintaining mobility without overextending yourself. You might consider shoulder stretches and rotator cuff exercises.
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Keep a Symptom Journal: Document your pain levels, triggers, and any alleviating factors. This record can be helpful for your upcoming orthopedic appointment to provide a clearer picture of your experiences.
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Follow-Up with Orthopedic Specialist: Since you have a referral, it’s important to follow up with the orthopedic specialist to further investigate the irregularities noted in your X-ray report. They may recommend additional imaging (like an MRI) or other tests to clarify the underlying issue.
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Discuss Family History with Specialist: Be sure to mention your family history of rheumatoid arthritis and lupus to the orthopedic specialist, as this may influence their evaluation and treatment approach.
By prioritizing these steps, you can manage your pain more effectively and work towards improving your shoulder function. Remember, the goal is to alleviate discomfort while you await further evaluation from specialists. If you notice any new symptoms like swelling or increased redness, be sure to reach out for further assessment.
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