The clavicle bone, commonly referred to as the collarbone, connects your sternum, or breastplate, to your shoulder. Pain or injury in this area can interfere with your workout routine by impairing your ability to move your arms and shoulders. Although most cases of mild clavicle pain are not serious, see your doctor if you experience severe pain, or any signs of infection like redness or swelling.
Clavicle Fracture
A direct blow to the clavicle during your workout session, or falling on an outstretched arm, can cause a clavicle fracture. You can fracture your clavicle in the middle; on the distal end where your clavicle connects to your shoulder; or one the end of the clavicle that connects to your sternum, known as the medial. A clavicle fracture often results in extreme pain, which can render you unable to lift your arms. Your shoulders might also sag forward and you might experience pain and swelling at the site of the fracture.
Osteolysis of the Distal Clavicle
This condition, which occurs most commonly among weightlifters, happens when you experience softening or bone loss in the acromioclavicular joint at the end of the clavicle. Certain diseases and conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and hyperparathyroidism can cause osteolysis of the distal clavicle, as can injury to the clavicle or repetitive weightlifting. See your doctor promptly if you suspect this condition so he can prescribe appropriate treatments, usually anti-inflammatory medications and ice, to reduce your pain while you wait for the clavicle to "remineralize," a process that can take four to six months.
Shoulder Sprains and Strains
The shoulder area consists of three large bones surrounded by muscles, tendons and ligaments. Sprains and strains happen when you stretch or tear these ligaments, muscles and tendons during your exercise session. Symptoms of a sprain or strain include pain, swelling, bruising, muscle spasms and impaired movement of the affected area. You can usually treat mild sprains and strains at home with rest and ice. Visit your doctor if you can't move your shoulder or if you experience numbness in your shoulder.
Prevention/Solution
Include regular stretching or strengthening exercises in your workout routine to help prevent strains and sprains. Safeguard your clavicle area when you participate in contact sports by wearing appropriate padding. Eat a diet rich in calcium and Vitamin D to help protect your bones from bone loss and fractures. Your doctor can usually recommend appropriate exercises that can help you avoid reinjury by strengthening and conditioning the area around your shoulders and collarbone.
