Pain above the collar bone during or after exercise is a symptom associated with a variety of medical conditions. Most of these conditions are not serious and resolve without medical intervention. In rare cases medical intervention is required to alleviate the condition and prevent it from progressing in severity.
Collar Bone Damage
Fracturing or bruising of the collar bone are possible causes of pain on and around the collar bone when working out. This type of injury usually occurs as a result of blunt force trauma directly to the bone or to the area surrounding it. If you are suffering from a damaged collar bone you will most likely experience pain during or after physical activity and swelling of the damaged area. In most cases damage of the collar bone is treated by immobilization but in some cases surgical intervention is required.
Peripheral Neuropathy
The area surrounding your collar bone contains a multitude of nerves. Damage to these nerves can result in pain during or after exercises. This condition is characterized by a tingling, shooting or burning pain in the area of the effected nerve. In some cases you might feel a weakening or tightening of the muscles in the effected side. Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by infection, poor nutrition, trauma or the compression of the nerve by neighboring structures. Your doctor will diagnose this condition using a physical examination, CT scans, blood tests and MRI. This condition is treated using pain killing medications such as lidocaine, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications -- and in rare cases surgical intervention is required.
Muscle Cramps
Involuntary spasming of the muscles in your neck or shoulder can cause pain in the area above your collar bone. This type of pain can occur following exercise. Muscle spasms can be caused by a tear in a muscle, over active nerve fibers or overexertion of a muscle. This ailment usually manifests itself through pain. Pain can occur during or after physical activity. Difficulty moving the affected area and swelling of the damaged area are also symptoms of muscle cramps. This type of ailment is treated using anti-inflammatory medication, rest and surgery in cases of severe injury.
Ligament Damage
Ligament damage in your shoulder or neck can also be a reason for pain above your collar bone during a workout. These types of injures usually manifest by producing pain in the damaged area, inability to move the damaged joint, and disfiguration of the joint. This type of injury can be caused by an awkward movement or trauma. If not severe treatment consists of immobilization of the damaged joint, and pain medication. In instances of severe damage to ligaments, such as tears, corrective surgery is required.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Peripheral Neuropathy
- Mayo Clinic: Muscle Cramps
- "Exercise and Health"; Prof. T. A. Asmangulyan; 1997
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine (16th edition)"; Lawrence Madoff et al.; 2005
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