Experiencing Nerve Discomfort
Greetings, I'm a 21-year-old residing in Estonia. In the winter of 2021, I participated in a disc golf game under chilly conditions. Following my initial throw, which I executed without much warm-up and with a potent backhand technique, I noticed an odd sensation in my upper body after the match. Specifically, there was a tender spot beneath my right collarbone on the neck side, which brought about discomfort when I pressed on it. Unfortunately, this issue has persisted for quite some time. Despite undergoing various tests, including an MRI and engaging in physical therapy exercises, I've yet to find relief. While there are moments of respite from the pain, when it returns, it's quite bothersome. The discomfort travels from my collarbone to my shoulder and elbow, and occasionally, I experience a lingering cold sensation in my fingertips. This constant soreness has been particularly consistent for the past month. Currently, I am undergoing magnetic therapy; interestingly, the pain has now surfaced on the left side, mirroring the previous symptoms. Pressing on the area beneath the left collarbone also triggers pain similar to that on the right side. Recently, while using a massage roller, I discovered tenderness when applying pressure along the mid-back, around the T8-12 vertebrae, which also exacerbated my upper body discomfort. Overall, the pain results in a sensation of tension and anxiety throughout my upper body; it escalates significantly when I cough or sneeze. Presently, taking paracetamol alleviates the pain on the right side but does little for the left, which remains quite intense. Regarding my MRI results: A medium-field MRI scan of the sternoclavicular joints was conducted without contrast, examining various sequences (T2 fs axial, T1 axial, T2 axial, T2 fs sagittal, T2 fs coronal, and DWI axial). The examination revealed a signal change indicative of subchondral edema in the medial portion of the left clavicle along with some edema in that area. Minor signal changes were also noted in the cartilage beneath the joint's lower edge. Notably, there is no presence of fluid buildup in the sternoclavicular joints, and the ligaments appear normal with no significant findings. The surrounding soft tissues show no signs of swelling. The conclusion from the MRI indicates a signal change compatible with edema in the medial part of the clavicle as well as minimal cartilage signal alteration, suggestive of an osteochondral lesion. I appreciate your attention to my situation and would be grateful for any insights or shared experiences from others who might have faced similar challenges.
Answers (1)
2/17/2026, 9:10:50 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's clear you're experiencing persistent discomfort that affects your upper body and has been ongoing since your disc golf game in 2021. Given your MRI findings, which suggest some edema (swelling) and changes in the cartilage of your clavicle, it is important to manage both the pain and any underlying issues effectively.
Explanation
The discomfort you're experiencing could be due to multiple factors stemming from your initial injury, including nerve irritation or damage, inflammation around the joint, or muscle tension. The fact that you've noted pain traveling from your collarbone to your shoulder and elbow, along with sensations in your fingertips, could indicate involvement of a nearby nerve or muscle tension possibly related to a prior injury. The way you describe the tenderness along your mid-back suggests that some muscle groups may be compensating for the discomfort, leading to overall tension and increased pain.
Next Steps
Here’s a prioritized approach to help manage your discomfort:
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Continue Monitoring Symptoms: Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting the intensity, location, and any activities that exacerbate or relieve the pain. This will be useful for further assessments and management.
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Gentle Stretching and Strengthening: Incorporate gentle stretching and mobility exercises focusing on both the shoulder area and mid-back. Consider specific exercises that prevent strain and improve range of motion without causing pain. Stretching can help alleviate muscle tension.
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Heat and Ice Therapy: Alternate between heat and ice on the affected areas—apply heat to relax muscles and promote circulation, and ice to reduce any inflammation or swelling. This can be especially helpful post-activity.
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Modify Activity Levels: Given that certain movements exacerbate your symptoms, gradually modify your activities to avoid exacerbating pain. Ensuring a proper warm-up before sports can also help reduce the risk of further injury.
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Pain Management: Continue using paracetamol as needed to manage pain. Consider discussing with a healthcare professional the possibility of using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) if appropriate for you, as these can help reduce inflammation and pain.
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Explore Additional Therapies: If magnetic therapy is not providing the relief you need, you may reconnect with your physical therapist or seek a new practitioner who specializes in manual therapy or neuromuscular therapy, focusing on potential nerve involvement in your symptoms.
These steps can help improve your condition and enable you to engage in activities with greater comfort. If there are significant changes (such as increased pain, weakness, or new symptoms) or if your symptoms do not gradually improve, it may be important to revisit your healthcare provider for further evaluation.
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