Managing Clavicle Fracture Pain: Duration and Best Pain Relief Methods

Managing Clavicle Fracture Pain: Duration and Best Pain Relief Methods

Clavicle Fractures – Pain Management

The clavicle (collarbone) is between the sternum and scapula. This bone connects the arm to the body, and provides some shoulder support. About half of all shoulder fractures involve the clavicle and, nationally, about 5 percent of all adult bone breaks are clavicle fractures. The big majority come from accidents such as falling onto an outstretched arm or being hit on the shoulder. Clavicle fractures are painful. Most cases don’t require surgery, but patients do need varying methods of pain management.

Don’t ignore the signs

A bruised shoulder is a long way different than a clavicle fracture. Usually, someone with a broken collarbone would have been hit, or involved in a collision. After the incident, the shoulder that suffered the injury immediately droops or shortens compared with the opposite healthy shoulder. For some, they have to use the opposite arm to support the arm with the damage. Other signs of a fracture include swelling, bruising, instability and crepitus of the shoulder.

How long does the pain last?

There are 3 places on clavicle where fracture can occur, most in the middle third of the collar bone. Close to the shoulder and coracoclavicular ligament, other lateral breaks occur. Less still happen in the vicinity of the sternum. Treatment will depend on the shoulder being assessed with a physical exam and x rays done by an orthopedic surgeon. If the bone isn't 100 per cent displaced, doctors usually recommend a sling or special brace to hold the shoulder in place. The more things are hurt, the poorer the pain. The least painful clavicle fractures occur near the sternum. They are the most painful: midshaft breaks last several weeks. Pain can be kept to a minimum by certain methods.

1. Stay still

It isn't rocket science but the advice sounds simple and the best way to stop the pain comes from reducing the mobilization of the arm. And the arm will be in a sling, and you should move around as little as possible. Some other sliags that can also stabilize the shoulder and arm are figure 8 sling. Figure 8 sling : doubles over the shoulders and under the armpit. The shoulder goes through less pain because the harness keeps it in place.

2. Trust in ice

In the days after the collarbone injury, patients will notice increased pain and tenderness. The symptoms are common and a sign of inflammation. Cold therapy reduces inflammation and helps relieve pain only temporarily. Put the ice pack on every hour for 10-20 minutes, or as the doctor says.

3. Use pain medication

The best way to manage pain is with pain medicine. Once the shoulder heals, after the injury there will be pain, tenderness and swelling. Patients can often get a good amount of relief with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). At times a doctor might prescribe a stronger painkiller such as an opioid for a short time. But do follow the doctor’s advice to not become dependent.

Manage pain the right way

It can take at least 2 weeks, whatever that period happens to be, for pain from clavicle fracture to decrease gradually. For most cases you can expect 6-8 weeks of non-surgical treatment to have a full recovery. You will lose some shoulder and arm strength but your injury will usually heal without surgery. Stabilization of arm during recovery, along with cold therapy and pain medication can relieve pain during daily living. Physical therapy helps over time to regain movement. The key to quick recovery: take things slow.