Why Your Doctor Might Tell You to Rest a Sore Shoulder But Not a Sore Collarbone
What’s the difference between an injured shoulder and collarbone? If your doctor gives you the green light to rest one but tells you to keep using the other, it’s safe to say they aren’t necessarily made of the same stuff. In this article, we explain why your doctor might tell you to rest a sore shoulder but not a sore collarbone, which are the two most common bone injuries in people who play sports or participate in other high-impact activities.
The Difference Between a Shoulder and Collarbone
A shoulder and collarbone are not the same thing. The collarbone is just one bone that connects the head with the breast bone, while the shoulder is made up of seven bones including the clavicle. This means that the shoulder has more moving parts than the collarbone does, which makes it more prone to injury. It's also possible for a fracture in a collarbone to heal without any treatment, but if there's an injury in your shoulder it will need medical attention as soon as possible.
The Importance of Rest
If you have pain in your shoulder, it is important to rest your arm and allow the injury time to heal. When your collarbone hurts, on the other hand, it is best not to let it rest too much because that will limit your range of motion.
When to See a Doctor
When you experience pain in your collarbone, one of the first things to do is see your doctor. This will help you get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. If you're experiencing pain in your shoulder, it's important to rest the muscle as much as possible. However, if the pain gets worse or is accompanied by numbness or decreased range of motion, then it may be time to go in for an evaluation. There are several treatments that can provide relief including:
• Local analgesics (pain medication) such as ibuprofen
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Steroid injections
• Physical therapy
How to Treat a Sore Shoulder or Collarbone
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