Muscle/bone pain in the left shoulder, neck, and collarbone

[kcducttaper]

Ok, so this is weird. About 3-4 weeks ago, I started having an annoying ache in my left shoulder/back/chest area. I figured I slept on it wrong or tweaked it weird somehow and ignored it. Since then, it hasn't gotten any better. Currently, the joint where my collarbone attaches to my sternum gives me more of a sharp pain if I do something wrong like bending that arm around to scratch my back, or lifting my arm above my head. Wrenching under my car today freaking hurt! In addition to that, I've got what generally feels like a fairly dull muscle pain in the back of my shoulder near the spine, although it can be a bit sharp if I tweak it just right.

I don't remember smashing it on anything that would dislocate it or anything like that. I did play bike polo roughly the same time it started, but I didn't take a spill on it and it's not my swinging arm. My left collarbone does seem to stick out just a tiny bit more than the left one, but that may just be normal for me.

Anybody got any idea what's up with that?

[ericnyc]

kcducttaper,

Did you ever figure out what was causing this pain? I am experiencing the same thing and am looking for some relief.

eric

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi!
I am sorry to hear about your medical problems. The symptoms could be due to arthritis of the joint between clavicle and breast bone. Another possibility is costochondritis, which causes pain and tenderness at points where your ribs attach to your breastbone.  The inflammation around the joint area gives sharp pain on taking a breath. This can also cause tenderness on pressing the area which pains. An orthopedic doctor can diagnose this for you. Generally there is no cause. However it can be due to infection, blow, injury, or fibromyalgia. It usually goes away on its own. Otherwise it can be treated with muscle relaxants, and non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs. You can apply a local pain killer gel or cream and avoid pressing on the area. You can also use a heating pad.
It can also be muscle pull. Please consult your PCP for primary examination followed by proper referral. Take care!

The medical advice given should not be considered a substitute for medical care provided by a doctor who can examine you. The advice may not be completely correct for you as the doctor cannot examine you and does not know your complete medical history. Hence this reply to your post should only be considered as a guiding line and you must consult your doctor at the earliest for your medical problem.