Sternoclavicular hlump

[mom2four717]

Hello -
In March I was in an automobile crash. I was hit on the drivers side "tboned" at 40 mph. My emergency room visit showed no acute problems and I was released. I noticed some mild clavicle pain but I was very bruised up so it seemed irrelevant.
In the past two months I have developed a hard bump at my sternoclavicular joint, right side. Dicomfort occurs when laying on my right side. When pulling my shoulders back to adjust posture the muscular pain is intense but lower and midway between the sternum and shoulder. There is also a  pocket in that area which feels like I can squish fluid out of. The condition is not improving or becoming noticeably worse. I can do my regular activities easily but would be very painful to push myself up from any angle using the right side.

The chiropractor says he is unfamiliar with a bump such as mine. I think I should see an orthopedist, do you agree or should I visit a general practitioner?

Any Thoughts?

Kate

[mom2four717]

Hi Susan,
The orthopedist said I had a separation of my sternoclavicular joint which is basically a sprain and there was no need for treatment. He said the lump has probably been there since the auto accident and I just had not noticed it. I think he and I will not have a very long relationship : )
I advocated for myself and had a CT scan this morning. I will let you know what I learn. Should be later this afternoon.

How are you??

[susan047]

Hi Kate:  I have been in terrible pain with my clavicle on the left side, and a large bump is protruding.  I was not in a accident.  No idea what I did.  Saw my primary doctor, and went for clavicle x-rays with cervical spine x-rays.  The pain is horrible, and hope to get my test results back tomorrow or Tuesday.  My pain sounds very similar to yours.  I have had Arthritis for many years, and mostly in the left shoulder that I hurt.  I am thinking I just have some kind of weakness there, and I tore it.  All I can remember is getting up one morning, and swinging my legs out of bed and the pain hit me like a ton of bricks.  I kept thinking it would go away.  I waited for weeks before I went to talk to my Primary Doctor.
Everyone is telling me if it is a torn clavicle or joint separation that a sling is usually the remedy.
I will post on here when I get my results.  I know what you are going through.  I can get relief if I sit back in my recliner, and not move the left shoulder.  Thats what makes me think its a dislocation or tear.  Please post if you get any answers that might help me too.
Susan