Pain in collarbone and neck: 7 possible causes

Dealing with pain in your collarbone and neck can be a distressing experience. It can have an impact on your daily activities as well as your overall well-being. This area of the body is made up of an intricate network of bones, muscles and connective tissue and can be susceptible to various issues. The good news is physical therapy is an option and can help you determine the underlying cause of your pain, as well as help alleviate the symptoms you’re dealing with.

Possible causes of collarbone and neck pain

Collarbone and neck pain can be due to a variety of underlying issues. It’s essential to identify the root cause of the pain to manage and treat the pain effectively. Potential causes can include:

• Muscle strain — Muscle strain in the collarbone and neck can be caused by overuse, poor posture or sudden movements. The pain caused by muscle strain can be dull or sharp and also come with stiffness and tenderness.

• Joint issues — Conditions like arthritis or joint inflammation can impact the neck and collarbone joints. These issues can lead to symptoms of pain, swelling and a reduced range of motion.

• Nerve compression — Nerve compression in the cervical spine (neck) or shoulder region can happen when the nerves become compressed or pinched. This can lead to radiating pain, tingling or numbness.

• Trauma or injury — Accidents, falls or direct impact to the collarbone or neck can cause immediate pain, swelling and bruising.

• Poor posture — Sitting for prolonged periods of time with poor posture, especially with desk work or device usage, can lead to an onset of pain and stiffness.

• Herniated disc — Discs in the cervical spine may become herniated. This places pressure on the nerves, resulting in symptoms like collarbone and neck pain.

• Muscle tension and stress — Chronic stress can lead to muscle tension in the neck and shoulders. This can lead to tension in the neck and collarbone, headaches, and discomfort. 

Treatments for collarbone and neck pain

Treatments for collarbone and neck pain can involve various techniques to help alleviate discomfort and promote healing. These may include:

• Rest and cold therapy — It’s important for healing to ensure that you allow your collarbone and neck adequate time to rest. Combining rest with cold therapy by applying an ice pack on the affected area can help reduce inflammation and help alleviate pain. Cold therapy can be particularly beneficial in the case of injury.

• Medications — Over-the-counter pain medications like NSAIDs or prescribed analgesics can relieve temporary pain. Medications can also help reduce inflammation, which can also contribute to pain.

• Physical therapy — Physical therapy can play a crucial role in helping to treat collarbone and neck pain. Your physical therapist can design a personalized plan to address specific issues. This plan can incorporate a variety of techniques chosen based on your specific issue and severity of pain.

• Heat therapy — Applying heat, like a warm compress or heating pad, can help relax muscles and alleviate tension. This can be a beneficial treatment for muscle strain or tension-related pain.

• Posture correction — Improving your posture through mindfulness or practicing posture-improving exercises can help prevent or alleviate chronic collarbone and neck pain.

• Stretches — Specific stretching exercises can help target tight muscles and improve your collarbone and neck area flexibility. 

Physical therapy for collarbone and neck pain

Physical therapy for collarbone and neck pain can involve a variety of modalities designed to address specific issues and promote healing. Techniques can include:

• Manual therapy — Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques used by physical therapists to manipulate joints and soft tissue. Soft tissue mobilization targets issues in the muscles, tendons and other connective tissue in the affected area. It can help alleviate muscle tightness, increase flexibility and reduce tension in soft tissue. Joint mobilization is the controlled movements of specific joints guided by a physical therapist. It can help improve joint flexibility, reduce stiffness and promote a better range of motion.

• Therapeutic exercises — Therapeutic exercises can include strengthening and stretching exercises intended to strengthen muscles, improve joint stability, and boost overall functionality. These exercises can help address any limitations that are associated with collarbone and neck pain and can provide you with better mobility.

• Electrical stimulation — Electrical stimulation uses low-level electrical currents to stimulate the muscles around the collarbone and neck area. These electrical currents can help reduce pain, decrease muscle spasms and improve muscle function. Electrical stimulation is often used in conjunction with therapeutic exercises to boost their effectiveness.

• Dry needling — Dry needling is a technique performed by certified physical therapists. This technique involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles into trigger points within muscles. Dry needling can help stimulate the release of tension, increase blood circulation and promote the body’s natural healing processes. This can be effective in helping with muscle tightness. 

Physical therapy can work together with other treatment approaches to help provide a comprehensive approach to collarbone and neck pain management. A physical therapist can tailor your treatment plan to your needs, considering the specific condition causing your pain and the severity of your symptoms. 

SSOR can help you reclaim control over your well-being from collarbone and neck pain 

At SSOR, we understand that collarbone and neck pain can significantly impact your daily life. Our dedicated team of physical therapists is committed to providing you with personalized, compassionate and effective treatments to help alleviate your discomfort and promote lasting relief. Through a combination of treatments, we strive to address the root cause of your pain and empower you on your journey toward improved mobility, reduced pain and improved quality of life. 

Call us or request an appointment today to find relief from collarbone and neck pain.