Sharp Clavicle Pain? Why Your Collarbone Aches & Medical Next Steps

Sharp clavicle pain can be alarming. The clavicle — commonly called the collarbone — connects your breastbone (sternum) to your shoulder blade. It helps stabilize your shoulder and allows a wide range of arm movement. Because the clavicle sits just under the skin and plays a key structural role, it's vulnerable to injury and inflammation.

If your clavicle aches, feels sharp with movement, or is tender to the touch, there are several possible causes. Some are minor and improve with rest. Others require medical evaluation. Here's what you need to know.

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Common Causes of Clavicle Pain

1. Clavicle Fracture (Broken Collarbone)

A fractured clavicle is one of the most common shoulder injuries. It often happens due to:

• Falls onto the shoulder
• Sports injuries
• Car accidents
• Direct trauma to the collarbone

Symptoms may include:

• Sharp, intense pain at the clavicle
• Swelling and bruising
• A visible bump or deformity
• Difficulty lifting the arm
• A grinding sensation with movement

Clavicle fractures need medical evaluation. Many heal with a sling and rest, but some require surgery, especially if the bone is displaced.

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2. Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Injury

The AC joint sits where the clavicle meets the shoulder blade. Injury here is sometimes called a "separated shoulder."

Common signs:

• Pain at the outer end of the clavicle
• Swelling at the top of the shoulder
• Pain when lifting the arm
• Tenderness directly over the joint

AC joint injuries often occur during contact sports or falls. Mild cases improve with rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications. Severe separations may require orthopedic care.

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3. Sternoclavicular (SC) Joint Problems

The sternoclavicular joint connects the clavicle to the breastbone. Though less common, injuries or inflammation here can cause sharp pain near the center of the chest.

You may notice:

• Pain where the clavicle meets the sternum
• Swelling or redness
• Pain with deep breathing or arm movement

SC joint injuries should be evaluated because important blood vessels and structures lie behind this joint.

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4. Costochondritis

Costochondritis is inflammation of the cartilage where ribs attach to the breastbone. While it doesn't directly involve the clavicle bone, the pain can radiate upward toward the collarbone area and feel like clavicle pain.

Typical features include:

• Sharp or aching chest wall pain
• Tenderness when pressing on the chest
• Pain that worsens with deep breaths
• Pain that increases with movement

Costochondritis is usually not dangerous but can feel intense. If your clavicle pain seems connected to chest wall tenderness, you can use a free AI-powered symptom checker for Costochondritis to help identify whether this condition might be causing your discomfort.

However, chest pain should always be taken seriously — especially if you have risk factors for heart disease.

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5. Muscle Strain

Muscles that attach near the clavicle include the sternocleidomastoid, pectoral muscles, and deltoid. Overuse, poor posture, or heavy lifting can strain these muscles.

You may feel:

• Dull or sharp pain near the collarbone
• Tightness in the neck or chest
• Pain that worsens with certain movements
• Improvement with rest

Muscle strains typically improve within days to weeks with:

• Rest
• Ice or heat
• Gentle stretching
• Anti-inflammatory medications (if safe for you)

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6. Arthritis

Arthritis can affect both the AC joint and the sternoclavicular joint.

Over time, cartilage wears down, leading to:

• Gradual onset of clavicle pain
• Stiffness
• Clicking or grinding
• Worsening discomfort with activity

Osteoarthritis is more common with aging or after prior injury. Rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory conditions can also affect the clavicle joints.

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7. Infection (Rare but Serious)

Infections of the clavicle bone (osteomyelitis) or nearby joints are uncommon but serious.

Warning signs include:

• Fever
• Redness and warmth over the clavicle
• Severe pain
• Swelling
• Feeling generally unwell

This requires urgent medical care.

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8. Referred Pain

Sometimes pain felt near the clavicle actually originates elsewhere, such as:

• Neck problems (cervical spine issues)
• Nerve compression
• Lung conditions
• Gallbladder problems (typically right-sided pain)

If clavicle pain is unexplained or persistent, your doctor may evaluate nearby structures.

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When Is Clavicle Pain an Emergency?

Most clavicle pain is not life-threatening. However, seek urgent medical care if you experience:

• Chest pressure or tightness
• Shortness of breath
• Pain spreading to the jaw or arm
• Sudden severe pain after trauma
• Visible deformity of the collarbone
• Numbness or tingling in the arm
• Fever with swelling and redness

These symptoms could signal a fracture, infection, or a heart-related issue.

Never ignore chest-related symptoms — it's always safer to get checked.

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How Doctors Diagnose Clavicle Pain

Your doctor will typically:

• Ask about recent injuries
• Review your medical history
• Perform a physical exam
• Check range of motion
• Press along the clavicle and joints

Imaging tests may include:

• X-rays to look for fractures or arthritis
• CT scans for detailed bone imaging
• MRI if soft tissue injury is suspected
• Blood tests if infection or inflammatory disease is possible

Clear diagnosis guides proper treatment.

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Treatment Options for Clavicle Pain

Treatment depends on the cause. Options may include:

Conservative Care

• Rest and activity modification
• Ice for swelling
• Heat for muscle tension
• Anti-inflammatory medications (if appropriate)
• Physical therapy
• Supportive sling for fractures

Injections

• Corticosteroid injections for joint inflammation
• Used selectively for persistent arthritis or joint pain

Surgery

Surgery may be recommended for:

• Severely displaced clavicle fractures
• Chronic AC joint instability
• Certain sternoclavicular joint injuries
• Severe arthritis not responding to conservative treatment

Most people recover well with proper management.

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Can You Prevent Clavicle Pain?

While not all causes are preventable, you can reduce risk by:

• Wearing protective gear during sports
• Strengthening shoulder and upper back muscles
• Practicing good posture
• Avoiding repetitive overuse
• Addressing minor injuries early

Healthy bones also depend on:

• Adequate calcium and vitamin D
• Weight-bearing exercise
• Avoiding smoking

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The Bottom Line

Sharp clavicle pain can stem from many causes — from simple muscle strain to fractures or joint inflammation. The clavicle plays a crucial role in shoulder stability, so pain in this area deserves attention.

Most cases improve with conservative treatment. However, sudden injury, deformity, fever, or chest symptoms require immediate evaluation.

If your symptoms suggest chest wall inflammation radiating toward your collarbone, consider checking your symptoms with this free Costochondritis symptom checker to gain clearer insight into what you might be experiencing.

Most importantly, if your clavicle pain is severe, persistent, worsening, or associated with concerning symptoms, speak to a doctor promptly. Early evaluation can rule out serious conditions and help you recover safely and effectively.

Your health is too important to guess — when in doubt, get checked.