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What to Expect From a Broken Clavicle

The following is a funny story sent to me by a rider that broke her collar bone while cycling. She found my site when searching for more information on training and recovery from the break.

Along with the story she mentions “I know it would’ve helped me alot if this information had been available when I was lost in the land of one arm. I have attached my ridiculously long account”. She then adds that I may post the story if I wish.

Well, I think it’s well worth posting. So here it is.

Enjoy.

DISCLAIMER: The following content is for informational purposes only. The content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Diagnosis and treatment of all health conditions should only be performed by your doctor or other licensed health care professional. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this site.

What to Expect From a Broken Clavicle

By Laura Erker

On March 23rd I had the exciting experience of breaking my left clavicle while riding my bike. I thought I’d put together a synopsis of what to expect so that anyone else can read and see what’s in store. If you’re reading this and you have broken you clavicle then get someone to run out to the store and get you some really good calcium. You should take 2000mg of calcium with 6mg of Boron a day! While they’re at it, have them pick you about four books to read and ten movies to go through. Further, a really funny account of the first five days with a broken clavicle can be found on line http://www.kurlancheek.com/clavicle.htm. Also, relax, it’s gonna be a while.

So, what happened? Good question, everyone has their own version of who is to blame and how it all went down. From my vantage point I only know that I was cruising along in a group, riding into a crosswind. Someone had the bright idea to put it in the gutter and everyone started fighting for wheels. Then, I heard some tires hit and “…zzt zzzt zzt crack crack crack”. The bike in front of me came to a screeching halt and as I hit my brakes I went into a skid that had my back wheel hit the back tire in front of me. Next thing I knew I was picking myself up off the ground and getting back on my bike. But, as I rode away I realized that something was very wrong. Not only was my left shoulder ON FIRE with pain but I could feel/hear a clicking there that could only be a broken bone. Deciding that I was not stupid enough to try to ride the remaining 25 miles with a broken bone I attempted to bring myself to a stop and threw my bike in the dirt glad to be rid of that infernal pain machine. The pain was so intense now that fainting was the only possibility. But, I had to wait to lose all consciousness until I could hail down an ambulance, cab, person! I could see a group of cars a mile away down the road at the site of the crash, where I should have stayed. Well, hindsight is always 20/20. I hailed the ambulance like a cab and crawled in just in time to faint. I was then transferred to another ambulance and so began my new adventure into a one-armed existence.

The emergency room was exciting and the staff was very generous. All in all, a three hour affair in the door and out. It ends up I broke the distal third of my collar bone. However, getting a hold of someone to pick me up became a new challenge. I didn’t have my cell phone with me and not knowing any phone numbers I had to go on the internet to get the number of my team director, Chris Evertsen. Chris or an official was able to relate to my husband where I was located and he headed off to get me. After sitting in the emergency entrance for hours, seeing my husband come through the door of the emergency room was one of the happiest moments of my life!

Week 1 (This is movie week)

One quickly learns that it is a two-armed world out there and this will not make your broken clavicled life any easier. But, on with life.

Killing the pain. First, let’s discuss the power of alchohol. Through the ages this fine substance has been used to dull the pain of many a fallen soldier. Seeing myself as such, I broke into the whiskey with wild abandon. Choosing Jack Daniels’ as my personal “fav’ I set out to imbibe. If you dose this correctly you won’t have to pick up your prescription vicadin. Careful to drink a glass of water for each alcoholic drink so you avoid hangovers.

Dressing, this becomes a new adventure. You must keep your hurt shoulder extremely still. This means that the arm attached to it is completely useless. If you are a woman then forget the bra. If you must have a bra get someone you “trust’ to put your most comfortable one on and realize you will be wearing this item for at least two or three days. Unable to work out how to get a t-shirt on I tried my shirts that button up. You soon come to realize that buttons are not an option. Ok, back to regular shirts. I could get large t-shirts on by feeding the sleeve of the bad arm over my useless hand up to my armpit and then carefully pulling it over my head and then putting my functional arm in the other arm hole. Getting the t-shirt off again is usually a two-person project. Forget tying shoelaces or wearing tight pants, they become the enemy.

Sleeping. Most certainly, one must avoid, at all costs, rolling onto the affected shoulder during the first week. This will wake you up in just as much pain as the day you crashed. I found that propping pillows all along the length of my body helped to reduce unwarranted movement. I slept a lot, there wasn’t much else to do. But, this doesn’t really matter, as dressing, eating, and drinking will take about 5 times longer than usual, so I filled my day accordingly.

Book read: Foundation by Isaac Asimov
Movies watched: a lot!
Alcohol consumption: can’t accurately remember :’)

Week 2

Now I was really starting to feel better, less pain in the shoulder and I could use my hand a bit. But my shoulder turned a pallid green. The bruising is disgusting and continued to creep down my torso for another week. But, since I only owned three t-shirts that I could manage to pull over my arm and head I just continued with the same state of affairs. It was about now that I realized I only had one thing to do to entertain myself!go to work. So, off I went arm in sling. I had only two things on my “to do” list each day. These items were usually something that would normally take me about an hour. Not now, I could spend all day working on simple problems. I had to get people to open the freezers for me and handle mice etc! But I got to talk with everyone at work quite a bit :’). I’d be able to work about 6 hours maximum a day before I completely cracked. This is when I learned to value of ibuprofen! One little pill can take a cranky/pained Laura and turn her into a working machine for about 2 more hours, lovely.

Comraderie. It was now that I learned that walking around in a sling attracts a lot of attention. People have to comment. They can’t help it.

“Fall off a bar stool?”
“Boy, broken collar bone, that’s the worst!”

I quickly pointed out that being on fire would probably be worse, but ok it’s nice to know people care.

I also learned that other injured people are most certainly your friend. You have to ask them what they did, and if they have a good left arm then you always ask if you could borrow it, or something corny like this. But, it’s fun.

I also started to get on the bike at the gym around this time. According to one man, I was great inspiration working out with my sling on. Well, I’d surely give up my inspiration status to use my left arm again, buddy! I went home suddenly after some of these visits to the gym because I would try to do too much and BLAM, pain again. Don’t do sit ups.

Doctor visit. It was mid-week that I was able to go and see a doctor. I sat there for about an hour just to get a referral to an orthopedist. Once I got in to see the nurse she looked straight at me (let me remind the reader that I was wearing my left arm in a sling and was covered with a big green bruise that covered my arm and torso)!

“So, what is your problem, today?”
“I have a broken clavicle and need to be referred to an orthopedist”
“Which arm is broken?”
(again, I remind the reader that my left arm was is a sling)
“My left arm”
“Okay, and what are you doing for it?”
I point to the sling, flabbergasted.
“When did it happen?”
“One week ago” I replied.
Surprised, “And you haven’t been in to see a doctor yet?”
“Well, no, I was just starting to feel like I could venture out of my “healing cocoon’.”
“Alright, let’s get you an appointment. Right, so the soonest our orthopedist can see you will be April 22nd.”
“That’s in three weeks! I have a broken bone. Isn’t there something sooner?”
“There isn’t really anything we can do for that, do you have any ibuprofen?”

Eventually I got x-rayed and was told to come back in three weeks.

Book Read: Second Foundation, Isaac Asimov

Week 3

I felt the same as Week 2 but was able to get on the trainer with my sling. I got a workout regimen from Hans Kellner on line. Very nice guy, who broke his clavicle a while back, you can go to !

Hans Kellner Dot Com :: Broken Clavicle No More

The training regimen consists of workouts broken up by Week 1, Week 2, and Week 3. Wow, I thought, this guy was training at week 1. Well, straight onto the trainer then, let’s get to work. Ends up, “Week 1” should be approached more as “the first week he began training after the break”. Holding my entire upper body up on my bike trainer with just my right arm was another challenge I hadn’t anticipated. I pushed through it. Also, it seems it only took Hans three weeks to recover, that’s only as long as his workout regimen was. Excellent, I’ll only be on the trainer for one week! This is great. Again, it ends up the three week training regimen can be repeated ad infinitum until you heal, just a little heads up.

Pit of Despair. This probably only applies to women. I could not shave the injured arm’s pit! This was horrible and I began to refer to this area of my body as the “pit of despair”. This is when you realize the ultimate greatness of the Mach 3 razor. You can literally shave without lifting your arm! Well lift it as much as you can. Good luck girls!

Book read: Swimming Across by Andrew Grove

Week 4

Having contracted some kind of horrible cold (which I affectionately call “the snot blanket”) I was unable to sleep at night or workout. I fell into a depressive mood. Out of desperation I rode my bike on the road for one hour and ended up hurting it again. This is when I completely cracked under the strain of heading out into the world each and every day facing new painful challenges. I was tired of it. I wanted just one day where I didn’t have to struggle to get my clothes on or sleep! I felt that no one could possibly understand the pain I was going through. It was during this time that a friend and coworker died in a tragic car accident. Suddenly I found myself very appreciative of my situation. I was alive, fairly healthy and had people that loved me.

Back to riding, I found that I couldn’t reach the handlebars with my bad arm until the end of Week 4, this may be because I had a distal break, but I don’t know. I just kept focusing on my appointment with the doctor and the x-ray machine. He would certainly tell me that I was completely healed and I could resume my life again. Alas, it was not to be, the x-ray looked the same as the day I broke my arm. Well, I headed back home to cry, pulled myself together, bought a year’s supply of calcium and vowed not to drink any alcohol until I was better and healed! I hear alcohol can reduce your healing abilities. Also, when you break a bone you should take 2000mg of calcium a day with 6mg of Boron.

This was the week that I talked with Dr. Allan Richberg, also a cyclist. He informed me that seeing no healing after four weeks was normal for a 30 year old. This greatly lifted my spirits! He talked with me for a good 30 minutes on what to expect from my injury. He informed me that if you ride in the early healing stages of a broken clavicle you will most probably put a rib into your lung if you crash. This was alarming, why didn’t my doctor tell me this. Thanks Allan!

Book read: Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Doug Adams

Week 5

My arm started to feel a lot better now. I could lift it over my head! Also, I could start driving my car with two hands. This was great! I started really riding the trainer a lot and was able to just get my left hand up to the bars comfortably and put a little weight on it. I did seven hours on the trainer this week, good for me. Whoever thought I’d be riding my trainer so much in So Cal with it sunny and 80F outside!

Book read: Finished Hitch Hiker’s Guide

Week 6

I risked a ride on the road, against the doctor’s orders and found that my arm was ok. Whew!

Book read: Sequel to Hitch Hiker’s guide “Restaurant at the End of the Universe” by Doug Adams

Week 7

Now I am back to riding 3 times a week and really enjoying it. My body sure is tired though.

Book read: Finished Restaurant at the End of the Universe by Doug Adams

Week 8

I have an appointment with the doctor to get x-rayed again. Keep your fingers crossed. I am really looking forward to racing and just glued my ksyriums with the help of the best husband in the world, Jacob Erker.

Book read: Started Ringworld by Larry Niven

More “Broken Collar Bone” Articles

Don’t miss reading the information and comments in the other collar bone entries:

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759 responses

  1. Carl Avatar
    Carl

    Kiara, the big gap between the bones is a legitimate cause for concern. A bump does signify overlap and makes it easier for the broken ends of the bones to join up and find each other during the healing process. The figure-8 brace’s effectiveness should depend on the fracture. The brace pushes down on part of the clavicle and that might not work for some fractures and possibly force the bones in an unjoining position. Clavicles are very difficult to immobilize. You basically can’t do anything because the clavicle is somehow used to so many activities. I hope that one of the doctors you visit will give you sensible advice.

    Reply
  2. Kiara Avatar
    Kiara

    I posted a comment a while back– this is an update. I had a complete break about a 1/3 of the way from the shoulder. I’m 36 and athletic– had to cancel plans to do the Hawaii 1/2 ironman (june) when this happened in March! ARRGH. Anyway, I’m at week 9, and getting pretty frustrated. The Xrays at week 8 looked the same, to my inexperienced eyes, as the Xrays taken right after my fall– definitely still a big gap between the bone pieces. I’ve gotten to the point where I can (carefully) move my arm up enough to wash my hair with both hands, but it aches. If I move my arm around too much, the break point hurts. Of course I’m right handed and it’s my right clavicle. Wore the figure 8 brace religously for 5 to 6 weeks, then stopped because it wasn’t helping anymore. However, the docs think it’s helped me not have a much of a bump… I, of course, think that the reason I don’t have a bump is that IT’S NOT JOINING UP! Sigh. Exercise consists of alternating between a stair climber and a stationary bike. I can do some abdominal exercises if I’m careful. I tried running at week 7 but that was too soon– the docs say that “bones like stability,” so probably better not to run (yeah but how do you keep a clavicle “stable”, anyway??) Next week I’m going to another set of doctors for a second opinion on the worth of surgery at this point. Apart from the limited arm mobility and pain at the joint (which isn’t bad, honestly–well, not usually), the thing that’s driving me crazy is that the 4th and 5th fingers on my right hand keep falling asleep/not working right. Plus my forearm hurts. Typing is hell. I feel sure it’s related to the break, because this didn’t happen before. Anyone experience this?? –Kiara

    Reply
  3. Carl Avatar
    Carl

    I broke the middle third of my left clavicle in a hard fall in April. The bump was high and noticeable. I was in pain and couldn’t move the shoulder without experiencing pain at all. Somehow I managed to get in my car, strap on a seat belt, and drive stick shift home. Two days later, I went to the emergency room. I broke it in two places as the clavicle looked like a “z”. The top part of the ‘z’ is closest to my neck and the upper break looked like a sharp bone. They gave me a sling and told me to let it heal. They also referred me to an orthopedist. The next day (day 3), at the orthopedist’s office, 2 orthopedists said to let it heal. So that’s 3 professionals sticking to conventional orthopedic textbooks. For a few days I trusted their unanimous decision. When the pain subsided after day 7, I tried to raise my arm. It was uncomfortable because of the ‘z’ fracture, I felt something was stuck, so I sought Eastern help and went to get opinions from Chinese Traditional Medicine doctors. The first one I went to said that because I broke it in 3 places that I should get surgery. He talked about plates and screws. His comment carried weight because he’s open-minded enough to consider options outside his discipline. So I bore that in mind. The second Chinese TM doc I went to thought the clavicle is fixable. I gave him a try as he broke the middle piece of the ‘z’ off without anesthesia (OOOOOW!). For the next 3 weeks (to week 4), I was re-bandaged almost daily to immobilize the bones. The bandages were very tight, restricting motion of my left arm and in the beginning overly tight that my arm and hands swelled. I wondered at the time if that was all necessary. In fact, I was told to pull my elbow straight back so I can pull back the clavicle, allowing it to heal better. This makes sense because one of the things you don’t want is a shortened clavicle. According to the Chinese doc, supposedly the middle part of the ‘z’ fused with the top part of the clavicle (which is closer to my neck). So during week 4, I went back to the orthopedist for a follow-up. The x-ray seemed to suggest that either the bones did fuse or that there was a lot of calcification to dull the sharpness. There was also something that suggested that the middle piece grafted itself to the lower part of the fracture, resembling an “L”. In all fairness, I should have another x-ray to make sure, but it’s been almost 5 weeks and I need something more definite than these “closed reduction” methods (bones manipulated without breaking skin). The orthopedist also got me a bone growth stimulator, which from what I read in testimonials online are ineffective for clavicle treatment. My friend, an MD, thought the same. Since my injury, I’ve been working from home and sitting in a couch all day, trying not to move too much. It’s been a real challenge because the skies have been blue over here in New York while I’m stuck indoors and long to go outside to have fun. I’ve tried to keep positive on my recovery, but uncertainty weighed on me and I got depressed. But I wasn’t going to let things lie, so I did more research online and found some potentially helpful links. It seems that Dr Basamania has developed an IM pin method, which seems to have a high percentage of satisfaction with few complications.
    Dr Basamania’s physician page:
    http://www.dukehealth.org/physicians/F389C81B5DCEAC8985256DFD006A9302
    Testimonials for Dr Basamania:
    http://cluster02.shoulder1.com/community/forums30.cfm/1366/11/1/recent
    http://www.body1.com/talk/forums30.cfm?action=4&threadid=9826#28952
    His procedure:
    http://www.wheelessonline.com/ortho/im_pin_fixation_of_clavicle_frx
    A perspective on clavicle breaks from someone who’s broken both:
    http://www.jpy.com/john/clavicle/
    After reading the stories about Dr Basamania, I’ve become more optimistic about pathways to recovery. At the current time my shoulder area is still wrapped in bandages and I’m still trying not to force things.
    There are a lot of cases in which malunion had long-term problems, so I’m really considering on consulting Dr Basamania.
    I hope some of you find this useful.

    Reply
  4. Lyndsey Avatar
    Lyndsey

    Tom, I had the burning, stabbing pain when I did mine, especially when laying down or trying to sit up, before it was fixed. In my case it was the loose fragment moving and causing damage to the surrounding nerves & tissues. It was at it’s worst for about the first 4-5 days and then seemed to ease off. I had surgery to fix it after 2 weeks.

    Reply
  5. Tom Avatar
    Tom

    Wonderful to read about other’s with same ailment. Broke mine for the second time on 5/16.ER gave me the figure 8 and sent me home. Since this is second time I have an idea what to expect, BUT this time I am having burning hot stabbing pain when I try to lay down. Slept in a chair last night and pain meds did not touch this pain. Have any of you brave souls had this experience also?

    Reply
  6. Christine Avatar
    Christine

    Wow!! Glad I ran across this site!
    I just broke my collar bone last Sunday and was looking for some idea as to how long it would take to heal. I just went into emergency for x-rays and ultrasounds on the day it happened (Dr. thought I may have ruptured my spleen due to the ribs on my left side taking quite the hit as well) but haven’t been back since (they basically said there wasn’t much they could do about it).
    Did my injury mountain biking…went off a jump wrong and down I went…UGH
    Love the comment about the “pit of dispair”!! Amazing, I’m not the only one who had concerns in that area. Lucky for me I too have a Mach 3 and will be putting it to the test by the end of the week!
    Thanks for all of your information!!

    Reply
  7. Lyndsey Avatar
    Lyndsey

    Hi, good to read of others experiences with broken clavicles!
    I broke my left clavicle 4 weeks ago when I fell off my horse, and landed against a tree – ouch!
    Initially, the doctor said a sling would be sufficient as collar bones usually heal fairly easily.
    Mine was broken in 3 pieces with a shard of bone sticking painfully up under the skin. I went back to see the orthopedic surgeon, who told me I would need surgery to fix it back together.
    I had the op 2 weeks ago now, it’s much less painful and I am going for my first physio session today. I will be so glad to be rid of this sling and start getting my life back to normal again!
    I would just like to recommend the homeopathic remedy Symhytum for aiding bone repair – it’s from the plant Comfrey, which is also called ‘Knitbone’ and it does just that!

    Reply
  8. Vicky Avatar
    Vicky

    Brilliant! Have just come across ur web site after chatting with my mum about not being happy with how my fracture was healing – she said have a look on the internet….. so here i am. Boyfriend, Dave, thinks i’m mad, have been laughing away to myself reading down the page…reading bits out to him, but he’s never been in the club so doesn’t know….

    Fell off a very grumpy horse who wanted his dinner 2 weeks ago, should have called it quits but i’m just too stubborn… I’ve never been in so much pain, i came round on the floor with the dog licking my face, kinda knew it was bad when i couldn’t get up. As for the nurse who wrestled my arm into the sling with no pain killers, don’t wanna go there again. Broken the distal end.
    Laura you are so right, alcohol is a great healer well helps you to ignore the pain…..my poison of choice has been Stella, though i wouldn’t reccomed it for the first week, try spirits, as going to the toilet is def your biggest challenge!

    How come it is that when you do things like this they always come at the worst time? 2 days after i was due to take Dave to Spain as a supprise for his 30th bday, we still made it but took ages to get anywhere……….and it didn’t help him taking photos of me when i kept getting stuck trying to put clothes on! Joking aside, i wouldn’t have coped without him…… he’s been a saint, washing me and applying hair removal cream to the hairiest armpit in the world even shaving the other one! Couldn’t quite comment on his hair dressing skills, i’ve been seen in some interesting styles recently.

    End of week 1 we were also due to go camping for the weekend! Sun loungers are imperative to carry this out if any one else is stupid enough to consider it! Gutted to go to the beach and watch everyone else surfing and playing ball games. So the end of week two is here now, i’m amazed by how much less pain there is. For any of you in the early stages it’s amazing how much less pain there is…promise! Though my arm is getting awfully stiff and i’m getting nasty pains down my shoulder blade. Has anyone else experienced this? Is there anyway you can do any exercise or at least stretch out? I’m still in a normal sling, after what i’ve read i wonder if a figure of 8 sling would be better? I’ve still got a big bump and can feel the end of my bone, can’t lift my arm above my shoulder or touch my face with my hand….my shoulder in still raised, is this still normal? Will the muscles relax? I can still feel the bones grating a bit too. I’ve taken my arm outta the sling to stretch it a couple of times as it’s so stiff but if it’s out too long i really start to ache. Is there too much movement you can do like Liz asked?

    I saw a post card yesterday that said ‘this would be really funny if it wasn’t happening to me’, i think that it’s really important to keep your sense of humor going and laugh at situations not get frustrated by them.. though easier said than done! Oh due to move house tomorrow! Fracture clinic in 2 days, they did say if there was no difference they may pin / plate it, has anyone had this done? According to the doctor, he said they don’t usually but it was a ‘new thing from the States’?!?!? I really want to get back to swimming and riding, plus i’ve just learnt to snowboard and am worried the next holiday of doing head first tumbles down slopes is gonna take it’s toll?
    thanks

    Reply
  9. Liz Avatar
    Liz

    Wow, this has been very helpful. In my 27 years I had never broken a bone before April 24. I was palying soccer in a co-ed league and was hit from behind by a large man. When I went down I heard the crack in my collar bone. Off to the ER and 5 hours later with a few shots of morphine my Doc confirmed it was broken. Now what should I expect??? I’ve read about large bumps forming on the shoulder? Yuck! Luckily no sugery needed but what should I be doing to help the healing? Im wearing a figure 8 brace and have lots of movement on my left side although I still can’t dress myself. Its actually been quite a comical experience.
    Im a bit worried that I am using my arm too much, I dont want to heal out of place. Any advice?
    My grandma broke hers in the 1930s and her adivce… Put on a bath robe and forget the underware

    Reply
  10. hazel Avatar
    hazel

    i forgot to mention how i broke it. mainly cos its ridiculous, i was just running down a hill and i kind of just went flying and heard a crack. ive never broken a bone before or had a bad accident, so quite silly.
    i cant believe how many people are saying it isnt healing with just a sling. making me quite nervous cos the dr was considering surgery because it was broken in three places but decided against it. i have an xray slip so i can go to a hospital and get one done after two weeks, so im hoping it will be ok.
    anyway, best wishes for my fellow collar bone breakees.

    Reply
  11. Andrew Avatar
    Andrew

    It’s weird…I don’t think i’ve been careful enuf, but it’s now week 4 for me and all of a sudden one night it began to sting. I am thinking this is becuz it is healing? I dunno… Thx

    Reply
  12. dave Avatar
    dave

    Oh well, so much for a fast heal..seems I broke my collar bone out on the end (shattered it is more appropriate) and will have surgery in two days to remove pieces of the bone..am hoping it will heal ok then…been riding on trainer…i can’t really complain much..sounds like hazel is having to tough it out…new zealand with a broken collar bone…how did u break it?

    Reply
  13. hazel Avatar
    hazel

    thanks for this site, its very helpful. im not a cyclist , i am travelling new zealand (im from england so am miles away from my home comforts). i broke my collar bone in three places six days ago(at a lord of the rings site), they were considering surgery and im living in a crappy campervan in minus degree temperatures. the pain had eased a lot till today, i was very cold in the night, not surprisingly as im sleeping in a converted van. think my arm nust have seized up as im in a lot of pain today. its good to hear that this is normal, very jealous of people getting to rest it though. we have been racing through the country at a great pace doing tramping and generally wandering round in the cold but cant moan too much cos still on an amazing holiday and ive already done the skydive!!!
    if anyone wants to email me about collar bones, id be very grateful. creweh@yahoo.co.uk

    Reply
  14. dave robertson Avatar
    dave robertson

    This is my first one handed attempt at typing..broke collar bone 28 hours ago during group training ride…hit a hole with-out warning at 24 miles/hour..i sit on my deck enjoying this perfect spring weather reading these comments realizing i have a long way to go for healing…could be worse..cracked my helmet and almost passed out..my er dr said i had no soft tissue damage and led me to believe it was only my tolerance to pain which would hinder my motion…glad i found this site before i did something stupid!!!! going to ortho tommorrow….hope my company is understanding…i’m a corporate pilot who knows there’s 1000 guys out there who want my job! got some hydrocordone…sure helps..is vicadin better? ipprophen and ice…figure 8 brace hopefully tommorrow, anything else? Will definately be on trainer soon…not my fav..am thankful for loving wife!!!! good luck to all out there..cycling is more dangerous than flying jets…but can’t wait to get back out there

    Reply
  15. Andrew Avatar
    Andrew

    Lol! I broke mine 3 days ago in a skiing accident. So what’s up Alex? Lol. This sucks.

    Reply
  16. Alex Anderson Avatar
    Alex Anderson

    Hello, reading this makes me feel better i broke my collar bone skiing 4 weeks ago, a backflip gone wrong..i can usually do them fine but this time i just didnt make it!…so when i went to the doctor i asked him about all the stuff on hear from my uncle it took quite along time but he said kids my age collar bones will heal alot faster, and from reading the other guys story mine is healing pretty good bceause i have it where the long part didnt get fully in line and so there is the bump there where its healing over im now able to throw in baseball after 4 weeks!

    Reply
  17. Alan Eyerly Avatar
    Alan Eyerly

    Hey, all. Thanks for the Web postings. Nice to hear from others with similar challenges. I broke my left clavicle 8 days ago in a scary cycling accident, so my triathlon training is on hold for another 5 to 7 weeks at least. I live in Honolulu and was in great condition for the Honolulu Triathlon on April 7 and the Honu Half-Ironman on June 5 on the Big Island. It’s amazing how your life can take such a dramatic turn for the worse in just one second. I’m hoping to keep up my cardio fitness by walking hills and riding a recumbent bike at the gym. What freaks me out the most is when it feels like the bone has shifted out of place. I don’t know what to do when that happens. I go in for a follow-up exam with my orthopedist on April 6, so hopefully I’ll get some good news. This experience makes me realize how much I love triathlons and especially my tri workout buddies. Every day I’m able to train is a gift that I won’t take for granted ever again. Anyway, best of luck to everyone who is going through a similar experience. I hope we all emerge stronger. Aloha! – Alan

    Reply
  18. Amina Avatar
    Amina

    One more thing- my husband Dave has been awesome thru all of this, having him around to help me shower, dress, give moral support, and even find me attractive despite the putrid bruise colors and nasty swelling has been beyond wonderful. Thanks, sweetie!

    Reply
  19. Amina Avatar
    Amina

    Hi, great to find your website… It’s Mar 27 today, and on Mar 15 I was out for a little ride, when a huge cross-wind gust caught my front wheel and (I guess) started to push me over into on-coming traffic (i admit to only having one hand on the bars, I think i was adjusting my bike jersey or something). Anyway, I saw myself heading straight for the cars, panicked, tried to counter-steer away and next thing I know the bike went left and I went right… Boom. Fell on my right forearm, rolled over onto my right shoulder and hit my head a little too. Knew right away that I’d either broken my collarbone or dislocated a shoulder, the pain was pretty bad (though not as bad as it got later, I was shakey from shock and adrenaline).

    I won’t go through the hospital ride, x-rays (thank god for IV morphine, that really was NOT fun), cutting off of my favorite jersey (the one from my first club ride days, that I’d had for 15 years)… turns out I managed a clean-thru break about 1/3 of the way from my right shoulder. So the Rx is the same as you’ve all described: vicodin + ibuprofen for pain, the Figure-8 brace and/or sling, bed-rest, immoblize the area as much as possible. An intersting note at the end: when it got time to discharge me for home, the ortho doc (they sent me there from ER) said, “Ok now, let’s get your shirt on and I’ll have Nurse X show you how to put the sling on.” Slight problem there, Doc– no shirt, remember you cut it off me?? Apparently this is a problem not previously encountered at Ortho! Pretty funny, they all sat around looking at me like some interesting biological specimen. “Hmmm, now what do we do here?”

    I’ve followed the same regimen as all others in here: hit the vicodin pretty hard for the first 3-4 days or so, I was actually happy for the fuzziness because it helped cut the boredom of lying around the couch all the time. I also agree with keeping up with the pain– welcome advice from my next-door-neighbor nurse. The figure 8 I find has been the most helpful. The sling was useful the first 3 days or so– after that, I have only used it here-and-there, keeping my arm crunched up like that makes it cramp up painfully. I got injured on a Tuesday and took the rest of the week off, so by the time I went back to work on Monday, I’d had 5 days off. I got pretty tired on Monday though and had to leave early. In fact on Monday all I did, pretty much, was tell my war story and try to type with one hand. I was back on the fat-seat bikes at the gym by Saturday morning, complete with figure 8 and arm sling. Ditto on previous comments about sitting upright, etc. Getting my blood moving felt awesome!

    Hearing from all of you is good– I’m 36 and so now I will not be crushed if, when I go to get my first Xrays, I discover no “visible” bone formation. I will tell you that about 12 days after the accident, I have minimal pain, am totally off all painkillers (including Ibuprofen), and have good arm mobility provided I don’t shrug my shoulders or try to raise my arm up above about nipple level. Based on your collective experience, I will for the next 2 weeks at leat resign myself to cranking up the tunes on the Ipod (wishing for injectable painkillers in my buttocks for the FatSeatTortureMachines at the gym).

    A question: has anyone out there tried to go jogging with a collarbone break, and at what point did you try?

    Reply
  20. Hans Avatar
    Hans

    Tony – My team mate just busted her clavicle. She turned to me for advice and one of the things I highly recommended was a figure-eight brace. It helps to keep your shoulders immobile and aligned correctly. These are both really important for healing. I’ve mentioned why on this page and the collar bone other pages on my site.
    It seams like many doctors just give the advice of wearing a sling and using ice and/or advil. Well, there’s more to it than that. That advice might be fine for little kids whose bones heal up right away. But for most of us, we can use a little extra help. The figure-eight sling is especially important. It worked for me and has worked for others. Why not wear one?
    Hope you heal fast. Wish I was riding Moab. Sometime soon I hope.

    Reply
  21. Tony Avatar
    Tony

    i am on day 2 after a mt bike crash 7 mi into a 14 mi trail in moab, ut, porcupine rim. after the initial accident, i got up to ride out, crashed and landed on the same shoulder. 2 hours and many agonizing bumps later i was strapping on a sling and heading home, with my gf driving through a rocky mountain blizzard we made it home in 6 hours. question? i wad only provided with a sling, should i seek out a figure 8 brace, and why? is it for increased support and will it help in the long run? (1 post on here said it did and i was wondering if that is a universal truth)

    Reply
  22. Robert Avatar
    Robert

    Today I broke my clavicle while playing soccer – landed fast and hard on my right shoulder, and heard the crack. The lump on the collar bone was enough to send me to the ER. Soccer has sent me to the ER a number of times, I guess I must love to play. But that’s a story for another day.
    Thanks to Laura and Hans, for insights and inspiring others to share and heal, as well.

    So – I was trying out for a team in the DC burbs in a fossil league – 45 and over. I just turned 45, and well I suppose this guy was only too eager to welcome me to the league. I could be really pissed about it – this match was merely a tune-up for the spring season, the tackle at close range wasn’t necessary. In broken English, he told me that he got the ball first. Well, big whoop, he got me as well. I’ll probably miss half of the season. but it’s the part-time carpentry work I’ve been doing that I will really miss, I have a few people waiting for me to complete projects that most definitely require two arms and two hands.

    Time to make myself saleable again in computer work. Of course, I have two PCs I’ve configured in my work space that I need to pack back up and deliver, install, & final-setup at their new owners’ homes. No vicadin for me.

    A good friend had driven me to the ER, never a pleasant task. I told Cliff not to wait for me, but like I said, he’s a good man and friend – he came in to make sure I’d be okay.

    I’d really love to see the collarbone heal. I am a big believer in the body being able to mend, and wanting to mend. Having grown up in Pittsburgh during the Steelers’ glory days, I am still in awe of Rocky Bleier, and his willpower to break through the pain of his leg and feet injuries to become a professional footballer, and a champion, at that.

    Back to the clavicle. It’s broken in two places, the xrays showing a nice wide gap of a break nearer my neck, and a contusion of a compression break closer to the shoulder. Even as I sit in the chair and type, and breathe, I can feel the bone(s) shifting. If one bone breaks into three pieces, can you call each piece a bone? George Carlin once said that if you break a crumb in two, do you have two half-crumbs, or just two crumbs?

    Laura, I am not sure if you follow this thread anymore, but you were nuts to get back on that bike so early! But I am happy for you, that you succeeded, on your own terms. Same to you, Hans, and the other snowboarders, way to go.

    I suppose I am glad it was too cold today to ride my motorcycle to the field; I still had manual gears to work through on the way home, but no way could I hold the handlebar let alone twist the throttle!

    I took a cab back from the ER to my truck, still at the field. He was playing Garrison Keillor’s Prairie Home Companion, a repeat of the Saturday night broadcast, and his tale from Lake Wobegone had the mixed morale, that we prepare for the worst to happen, and accept it because it does happen; and that we exult our thanks for everything! I felt I could relate.

    So I’d better get my next does of painkiller, and keep up with the calcium intake. I love the taste of milk, and hey! Ice cream has milk in it….

    Reply
  23. Kate Daubney Avatar
    Kate Daubney

    2 weeks ago, while enjoying a quiet ride on my trusty horse she spooked at something in the hedge and asI result I ended up in an untidy heap on the floor, on a very rocky track. I can’t say enough how relieved I am I was wearing my riding hat as I distictly remember hitting my head very hard as I impacted the ground. However, when I eventualy came around and tried to climb back on I felt an agonising pain in my right arm, which consequently was so painful that I blacked out again and fell off the horse a second time! Having limpted a mile back home (calling my loving steed every name under the sun each step of the way!) I was rushed to Accident and Emergency and was faced with an xray of my collarbone which showed the bone to have snapped with a 2cm gap between the break.

    Originally I was sent away with just a sling, and with the pain in my shoulder my natural instinct was to hunch over as it was too painful to hold my shoulder back. I was refered to a fracture clinic who on seeing my break began to talk about surgery. Desperate to avoid this I asked if anything else could be done and thats when they produced the figure of eight back brace. After a lot of tears and what felt like torture they managed to prize my shoulder back into position and fit the brace and I can’t say how relieved I am now, 2 weeks down the line, that they did. I’ve had 2 furthur xrays and both, depresingly, show absolutely no change in the break, however I’m able to lift my arm almost level with my shoulder without to much pain. As soon as the brace comes off for showering it becomes apparent just how much support it offers as unfortunatley the discomfort and high pain level returns, however at least I know its giving my collar bone a chance to heal itself and when I compare my posture to how it would probably be if I’d just stuck with the sling, it doesn’t bare thinking about. I have another appointemt at the fracture clinic tommorrow so I’m preying that it will show the bones to be growing back. It really isn’t until something like this happens you that you realise just how complicated breaking a bone can be. Getting dressed takes me on average an hour, and without fail my top will get caught on the brace so I’ll have to dress in a differnt position depending on the item of clothing. Hair styles are limited to those of the one armed variety (at least the ‘bed head’ looks in) as for sleeping, it takes me half an hour to position the pillows perfectly to keep me from rolling over but the thing which has helped me sleep at night (other than codeine) is the knowledge that in all this I’m not alone! Thanks to you all for that!

    Kate – I feel for you. I used to ride horseback often when I was in Arizona. My favorite horse had a mind of her own. Sent me tumbling a few times. Luckily only with a bruised ego and several choice expletives.

    Glad to hear the figure-eight brace is working out for you. I swear by it. Your description of the pain putting on the brace for the first time reminded me of when they first x-rayed my shoulder. I had to hold heavier and heavier weights in the hand so it would pull down the shoulder and give a better x-ray! Argh.

    Good luck!

    – Hans

    Reply
  24. J.Austin Hunt Avatar
    J.Austin Hunt

    Well, I guess I am ready to join to the club.

    Today, March 4, 2005 I called in “sick” to work to go snowboard at Squaw Valley in Tahoe CA.
    At about 1:00 we found the snowboard park and kicker jumps…

    At about 1:30 I cleared the first small tabletop to pick up speed for the big one (10ft)
    I knew I needed good spead to clear the large tabletop so I pointed, and went for it. At the last second I hit a small clump of snow and it slowed down my launch just enough to NOT clear the tabletop.

    Instead…

    I landed exactly where the flat part of the tabletop meets the downward sloped landing area…I landed perfectly however due to the position of my landing I was “bounced” into the air to eventually be brought down hard on my right shoulder.

    Since I was in the landing area I had to pick myself up (OUCH!!) and head to the SV Med Clinic in pain. As I walked into the medical clinic I felt a sigh of relief as I knew I was in good hands; however, the Squaw Valley medical clinic does NOT accept Health Net insurance??? They wanted $150 for x-rays and $350 for the doctor to see me.

    In nicer words, I told them to shove it. Luckily I was able to sweet talk the very nice girl at the counter into giving me some pain killers.

    I spent the rest of the day watching basketball in the lodge, sipping Sierra Nevada and waiting for my friend to finish his day.

    Now “I” get to drive my STICK SHIFT home all the way to Santa Cruz, CA! A four hour drive. My friend cannot drive a stick and remember that I hurt my right shoulder….GREAT!

    Do I let my buddy tear up the transmission on my new Audi A4 Quattro while learning to drive a stick, hmmmmm….NO!

    Well, four and a half hours later, we made it! The only thing I could not do was shift into fifth gear, so I got my friend to do it.

    What a day…

    After searching the net and eventually ending up here, I have determined that I most likely fractured my cavical. I assume it is not so bad since there is no brusing and I am not in that much pain (unless I try to undress…how much fun is that!)

    I plan to go to the doctor tommorow but assume I will have to set up an appointment with an Ortho doc as well. My question to you all is this?

    What would you say the extent of my injury is? I am not in much pain unless I move my right arm forward or back, or if I quickly move it any direction. It kind of has the discomfort of a sprained ankle, however the degree of swelling indicates to me that it is not simply an ACJ sprain (my whole shoulder is swollen).

    Also, what are your recommendations for releaving the pain. I CANNOT wear a sling as I am right handed, do 100% of my work on the computer and drive a stick. So far I have gathered the following: Calcium, Ibuprofin, Alchohol… any one else know of any to add to this list and/or something I can use instead of a sling?

    I want to thank everyone for there input here. I look forward to being a part of your website community.

    I hope my story did not bore you, just needed to vent to someone. Explaning how I broke my collarbone to my work while at home “sick” is another story.

    Not looking forward to tonights sleep, maybe I will hang by my feet like a bat? Anyone tried that yet? 🙂

    Cheers,

    Jah

    PS: Once this has healed…I will be back to Squaw Valley to settle my “beef” with that kicker jump, and I will post a picture of myself CLEARING it for you!!!

    Good description of your crash. Sorry to hear about it. I just got back from boarding up at Kirkwood and stayed away from the jumps. But, Mister Tree got really close this time.

    Regarding your question about how bad you are injured. Really, the only way to tell is by seeing a doc and getting x-rays. It’s not possible to know any other way. And, you don’t want to waste the first week or two deciding to get checked out or not. Especially if it’s a broken bone.
    As for wearing a sling. You will be able to do it. I’m right handed and was able to continue typing, driving my stick, etc.. If your collar bone is broken, you definately need to immobilize the shoulder. A sling and if possible a figure eight.

    As for pain meds, I was lucky and didn’t have too much pain so I only used Advil. Read through other’s comments on this page and on the other two pages, “Broken Clavicle” and “Broken Clavicle No More”, that have links at the top of the page.

    Good luck and send a photo when you do kick the kicker.

    – Hans

    Reply
  25. robin Avatar
    robin

    I’m so glad I found this website! I incurred a spiral fracture of my left collar bone while riding 10 days ago as I was trying to train for a tri, which is now postponed by 6-10 weeks. I really want to get on a stationary bike but I’m in quite a bit of pain and I’m trying not to use vicodin (addictive) or ibuprofen b/c it retards bone growth. I just went back to work this week and, of course, regressed b/c I did too much. I thought I was incredily whimpy but it’s nice to know others have similar experiences. However, depression has still taken on a whole new meaning for me.

    Reply
  26. Hans Avatar
    Hans

    Shirley – I highly recommend you go and have a doctor checkout your symptoms. You should not be having headaches after so long a time. There may be nerve damage. Or, maybe something else that isn’t related to your broken collar bone. But, go to a doctor. I really want to stress that you do so.

    Reply
  27. Shirley Hendrickson Avatar
    Shirley Hendrickson

    I’m so glad I found all of you. One yr. ago my bull threw his head into my shoulder while I was in the process of throwing hay into the feeder. I felt something, but thought I had just dislocated or bruised something? There was hardly any pain that evening and even the next day,except when I tried to use it! I waited for my trucker to get home the next day, before going to see the Dr. Sure enough it had snapped cleanly in 2. He gave me a figure 8 brace and a sling…so I figured all was well…just wait for the darned thing to heal. It healed finally leaving a huge bump where the bones grew back overlapped. The orthopedic surgeon told me just not to let anything hit me there, for it’s jutting up with very little skin to cover it. I have full strenth in my arm, but about 6 months ago I began to ache between my shoulder blades and across that shoulder and down my arm. Have had those blasts of pain in my bicept and forearm too?? Then came THE HEADACHES!!!?? Has any one had those in response to a broken clavicle?? They get worse day by day, till I have to spend days with my head on a pilloow…dosed with vicodin and ibupropin. I didn’t read where any of you had those in connection with your breaks, so makes me wonder where they’re coming from?? Have never had headaches in my life!! Seems to make sense to me that a “crooked” healing would throw your whole upper body out of kilter?? Like how we overcomensate when we sprain something?!! I have an appointment with a neurologist next Mo. So guess I’ll spend a few more days coddling myself. Any suggestions would be really helpful, if even for empathy. Feb. 12, 2005 7:05 PM Shirley.

    Reply
    1. JANE Avatar
      JANE

      TY FOR THIS POST! i was just searching the net for the clavicle and headache connection. I too broke my clavicle and right before I get a massive killer headache I can feel my clavicle start to swell. The headache does not respond to IBU’s. If I get my neck manually cracked I will feel the release of the headache in my nerves throughout my shoulder and thru my head until it slowly subsides a couple hours later. My other clavicle has never been broke and I will not get headache on that side or that sort of swelling. This sucks, I didn’t get proper treatment for the healing either. Oh well. I now realized lately that I cant sleep a certain number of hours due to the clavicle. To much sleeping is to much pressure for it and I sort of have to baby it and accommodate to it not to strain it during sleeping.

      Reply
  28. Mark Avatar
    Mark

    Thanks for the advice Hans, I think the shoulders are leveling out …at least more level than when I last posted a message. Now Im getting a constant feeling of the two pieces being forced back into alignment which is good because its healing straight but bad because it feels annoying. Gotta love the daily suprises of a broken collar bone.

    Reply
  29. Hans Avatar
    Hans

    Mark – I would recommend keeping your arm in a sling. Even though your shoulder can support the weight it’s still early. Straining your shoulder may damage the healing process and possibly rebreak the bones just fusing together.
    As for the uneven shoulders, that’s possible. Because there is normally muscle injury along with the broken bone, your muscles are probably extremely tight. That would change the height you hold your shoulder. Similar to shrugging on one side. My shoulder was like that for a couple of weeks. But, as always, consult your doctor.
    Good luck!

    Reply
  30. Mark Avatar
    Mark

    I broke my collar bone a week at 4 days ago playing football and I miss having use of my right arm =\. Anyhow, The bone began healing about 4 days ago and now it can support the weight of my shoulder without a sling. Im not sure why I was not given a brace but I wish I had one because my shoulders do not seem even. Does anyone else see a difference? What should I do?

    Reply
  31. Nicky Willey Avatar
    Nicky Willey

    Hi fellow sufferers…I’m 48 and I broke my left collar bone and sprained my knee while snowboarding on Dec 17 2004, just before my birthday and Christmas, hooray.

    The doctor that gave me the most useful information was the first doctor I saw at Snowshoe Mountain. He was a skier himself and had seen hundreds of broken collar bones come through. He told me that after 4 weeks I should have my range of movement back in my arm, and although the 1st week would be bad, I’d getter a little better each week after, so at the end of 4 weeks I’d be able to wave my arm above my head ok. I asked him how I’d know when I was fully better and able to go back snowboarding. He asked me if I could do a push-up before my accident? Yes. Then when I could do a push-up again, I’d be ready!

    I too was very disappointed after 4 weeks to see no difference in my x-ray from the first one taken (a nice big gap between the overlapping bones) but my ortho surgeon explained that some people never grow back a bone connection across the break. My arm movement was good and the collar bone appeared to be moving as one piece, so he told me to keep wearing my figure of eight brace for a further 2 weeks (6 weeks total) and come back at 8 weeks. So, I’ve just stopped wearing the brace. My shoulder does still ache a little, and I have trouble sleeping because I just can’t find a good comfortable position. I’m still taking an Ibuprofen in the morning just to take the edge off, but only that one a day. I have been taking 1000mg of calcium each day for the past year now anyway, so just carried on with this (prevention for osteoporosis, recommended by my regular doctor).

    The good news is that I’m feeling pretty good at the 6 week mark, the bad news is…We pre-book one ‘big’ snowboarding trip each season and so are going to Jackson Hole Wyoming on Feb 12 2005. I found a Lacrosse shoulder brace at Dick’s sporting goods that has clavical protection and big shoulder pads, so I’m going to strap myself in and give it a go…..Crazy, you may think, but hey, that’s why we do these ‘dangerous’ sports in the first place, because we’re crazy!
    Good Luck to all breakees out there, if it takes an ‘oldie’ like me 6 weeks, then you should be ok in a lot less! Nicky

    Reply
  32. Jillianne Avatar
    Jillianne

    o wow…. i am so glad i read this… i broke my collar bone a week ago… and i just started getting these neon yellow bruises…… its good to read what’s in store…. im only 15 and i broke it while playing soccer…. i should hope I will be fit and ready for our games soon…. in another 3 weeks hopefully….. I’m in the figure 8 brace and i feel like someone could attach a rope to it and i’d look like i had a child’s leash…. but this story made me laugh and i will be thinking about it through out this entire healing process. thank you…. jillianne

    Reply
  33. Carol Avatar
    Carol

    Thanks everyone for their insightful stories – most inspiring and comforting. I am on day 4 from a broken right clavicle from a bicycle crash. I’m not a cyclist (obviously) and was taking my dog out to excercise. He was spooked and ran in front of my bike. I tried to brake with my right hand unsucessfuly, hit the dog with my front tire and my shoulder with the concrete. I have an overlapping complete break and I have the option of having it surgically set. I have swam USS competition and Masters. My primary source of excersise is still keeping up with the 12 to 15 year olds on our local swim team. I am 49 now and am concerned about it healing quickly and properly so I can swim when I’m 90. I am also a Dental Hygienist so I am out of work for a minimum of 6 weeks. Any pros or cons – advise for me?

    Reply
  34. Junior Avatar
    Junior

    I stumbled across this site while searching Google for sites on clavicle injuries, and got a good laugh out of Laura’s story. Thanks Laura!! Hope you’re feeling better!!
    While not a cyclist, I suffered a severe clavicle fracture during a bad car accident several weeks ago. I can definitely relate to Laura’s pain, especially during the first couple of weeks. As she mentioned, tying shoes proved painful, so I either wore flip-flops or manuevered into my shoes without the need to redo the laces. Given the nature of this type of injury, the usual suggestion for pain management is ibuprofen. Since healing takes a while, those using ibuprofen may encounter stomach irritation and increased skin sensitivity to sunlight. Since I try to go the natural route whenever possible, I’ve been taking “White Willow Extract” in place of ibuprofen. (info at: http://www.nutritional-supplement-info.com/white-willow-bark-extract.html ) I read about this extract some years back and started using it after the accident. It has worked wonders for me, with no side effects. This suppliment can usually be found at your local GNC or vitamin shop. Aside from staying away from alcohol, an article I read also recommended to limit the consumption of caffeinated drinks. **Disclaimer:** I’m in no way affiliated with any herbal shop, or anti-ibuprofen coalition. I’m simply stating my experience with an alternative to ibuprofen which worked for me. Good luck! 🙂

    Reply
  35. Anna Avatar
    Anna

    Greg:
    Sorry about your break — but you have a great attitude. You’re absolutely right — getting good rest is really important. I used Ibuprofen but stopped at about the 3-week point because I didn’t need it … you’ll be there soon!
    I had my 4-week x-ray yesterday and all is progressing nicely. The bones are generating good growth at the ends and, because of consistent use of the figure-8 brace and sling, the bones have moved closer together (woo-hoo!). The doc thinks that the bones will be nicely healed within the next 2-4 weeks. In the meantime, I can use the sling or figure-8 as needed and I can start to add more movement and put more weight on my left arm. ‘Pain’ is supposed to be my guide — push myself but if it hurts, don’t do it.
    I’m still on the trainer at the gym but this is Seattle — rainy season has started so it’s not too bad.
    Hope you’re feeling better soon!

    Reply
  36. Greg Avatar
    Greg

    I’m on day two of a broken right clavicle. (Motorcycle accident three hundred miles from home — I’m very lucky…) As mentioned elsewhere in this blog, the bone doesn’t need much help healing except maybe a sling or figure-eight brace and respect for the body enough to permit it to heal, i.e., not to push your poor broken bone with too much activity. (I guess I will buy some calcium too!) But given that you need only “facilitate” your bone’s healing with these simple steps, doesn’t it make sense also to properly medicate? In my opinion, avoiding undue pain is a challenge of recovery in broken clavicles that is at least equal to that of living for a time “in the world of one hand.”

    Ibuprofen worked well for me on the Amtrak train ride back to my home town (600mg about every two hours between 4:30 PM to about 11PM when I finally got home) when I really didn’t have to do any moving around with my arm (plush seats with a good arm rest, direct train to my city). I could alleviate pain solely with ibuprofen under those circumstances and without feeling groggy from using only vicodin — which was important to me — I was, after all, required to manage my transport from the hospital ER by taxi to the train station, and then alone on a train for 4-1/2 hours with two small bags, a heavy coat, and a sling! Grogginess would be really unacceptable in those circumstances, so I felt that ibu alone was the way to go.

    But, at home finally, when it came time to get my sling off to get my t-shirt off, put the sling back on and give my shoulder its first icing, and then figure out what pillow to use for my head and how to lay on my back with the sling back on all night, I necessarily graduated to vicodin along with the ibuprofin. The ibu not only provides its own pain relief in addition to vicodin, but also is an anti-inflammatory, helping to cut down the inflammation that contributes to pain in all those other parts of my body that were horrifically jangled in the accident (but which thankfully weren’t broken). I didn’t need alot of vicodin to get the relief I needed for all this, but it was what I needed to actually get restful sleep. Restful sleep is a **very important** part of the program of avoiding misery with a broken clavicle, in my view!
    But I also didn’t want to go to sleep on vicodin and then wake up hours later with excruciating pain because everything had worn off. You have to stay “ahead of the pain” when you manage a broken clavicle. So I set the alarm clock for four hours later so I could wake up and take another dosing of ibu and vicodin. The point is to stay on a regular regimen of pain reliever (as directed by your doctor, of course), and take the meds promptly **whether you’re feeling too much pain or not.**

    Today I got the figure-8 brace from my doctor, but for now am still using my sling *too*, simply because it is more comfortable for me. I’ll get rid of the sling no sooner than when it is comfortable for me to do so. I’m letting my body heal on its own (by not moving my clavicle so much), but I’m responsible to myself to be sure I’m adequately medicated to get through this tough period. I’ve even discovered already that for me, half of a 5mg vicodin taken, say, every two hours works with the ibu to cut the pain just fine at this point, rather than a 5mg vicodin every four hours, which makes me groggy. I’ll adjust dosing as my healing progresses to be sure I’m only “adequately” medicating, i.e., to be sure I’m not feeling undue pain, but no more meds than that. It’s a balancing act, alot of listening to your body, respecting what it says, and responding accordingly to help it heal and avoid any more misery than you already have to endure. It ain’t fun as we all have chronicled above, but I promise you that with this kind of approach, the experience does not have to be **total** hell…

    Reply
  37. Hans Avatar
    Hans

    I’m sorry to hear about your daughter’s broken clavicle.
    I’m not a doctor and can only comment from my own experiences. As for reducing the pain, applying ice for 15 to 20 minutes at a time may help. Apply the ice pack with a towel between it and the body so the extreme cold doesn’t freeze the skin. For medication, acetaminophen or ibuprofen or other over-the-counter pain medicine might help. Finally, keep the shoulder from moving and in a sling as much as possible. I used a figure-eight brace in addition to the sling and found it reduced the strain on my shoulder and helped to keep it immobile.
    Keeping the shoulder from moving is very important. Especially this first week of a break. That’s when the body and bones are working to mend themselves. Movement can disrupt those bonds that are forming and hinder or stop the mending.
    Luckily, your daughter is young and her calvicle should heal rather quickly.
    Good luck.

    Reply
  38. TERRI DUNN Avatar
    TERRI DUNN

    My daughter 11 years old was pushed down in P.E. and broke her clavical. She is in her third day. Any recommendations for her pain other than the tylonal w/codeine the er prescribed. and the pillow thing, should I just keep her down and still? PLEASE HELP ME!!

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  39. Anna Avatar
    Anna

    Thanks Laura and Hans for posting all of this — it’s really helpful. I had a cycling accident last Wed (26th) — broken left clavicle.
    So far, seems ok — twinges of pain but nothing major. The clavicle brace really helps and I notice the difference when I take it off.
    Went to the gym on Sunday and used a recombinant trainer — no problem — just a bummer to be indoors during the best days of the year. But, better than going crazy sitting still. Gradually, I’ll move to a regular trainer and I’ll even attempt Hans’ training routine.
    Thanks again — this blog really helped to educate me on the practical stuff — not just the clinical!
    Anna
    p.s. Laura, I’m still a believer in the medicinal benefits of alcohol 🙂

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  40. Hans Avatar
    Hans

    Lee – I don’t recall any spasms during my recovery. Every so often it would feel very sore, almost to the point of a cramp. I would massage it and then it would be fine.
    As for the bump reducing over time, that’s what I’ve been told and have friends whose bumps have reduced. I still haven’t noticed yet with mine, but it wasn’t that extreme of a bump.

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  41. Lee Avatar
    Lee

    Thanks Laura for sharing your story and to everyone for their postings. I broke my clavicle playing football on July 18th. I didn’t know what I had done to my shoulder. I landed hard on my right shoulder, sat up and heard a grinding sound when I tried to move. I too had one of “those” nurses – who after the emergency doctor looked at it and said it was broken; she wanted me to put a gown on to take xrays. Hello – it is broken I cannot move my arm nevertheless get out of my clothes and change. So grateful for painkillers!! Anyway, I was moving my arm a bit by the end of week one and it is coming along. I am in the start of week 5 and doing physio and massage therapy. The last two days I have had sharp, crippling pains in my bicep and forearm; it feels like a spasm or cramp or more like an electric shock that won’t stop! Anyone else experience this? I understand it is part of the process and more nerves releasing etc. I am not too happy about the bump from the overlap of the break but my doctor said it will lessen over years. I hope to get to the gym this week and start gradually back in. Wow to those that started training so early in your recovery. Thanks again for the stories. 🙂

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  42. Laura Erker Avatar
    Laura Erker

    Thank you to everyone posting their stories. It’s very sad that we all have to break things to appreciate our bodies. But, it can be turned into a positive experience. All of you are very positive. I love it!
    Laura

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  43. Jason Kofke Avatar
    Jason Kofke

    My brother-in-law left his moped at my house one weekend. I figured I’d take it for a spin and impress my girlfriend at how fast I could go. She watched me crash the stupid thing and got me an ambulance. I’m into the 2nd week today. I’m a painter and guitarsit so this injury midas well have crippled me. (But I was back to painting the day after I broke it!) I’ve started playing my guitar today and find that the weight of the guitar and strap pushes the clavical back into place somewhat. I’m 25 and wish I didn’t have this bone sticking out of my neck for the rest of my life (the doctor said it will never go down,) but at least I can look forward to using my arm sooner than I thought. Thanks for posting your story – I can’t wait for week five and six. until then, making music and art will be a painfull experiance…but dosen’t it make it that much better? 🙂

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  44. Gavin Minor Avatar
    Gavin Minor

    I broke my clavicle in a high speed car crash, also broke my ankle (tibia & fibia), requiring surgery to get a metal plate and screws to put it back together. This makes things twice as difficult as you can’t use crouches to get around – so no walking (or moving) for 7 weeks! It’s now about 10-11 weeks since the accident, and my clavicle hasn’t healed at all, they’re informing me i will need another operation to get a metal plate to put it back together! I am walking (limping) now though, so the end is in site. I will never take the human body for granted again!
    But on the plus side, to anyone reading this with a broken clavicle, maybe you might take some refuge in the fact that a broken ankle/leg is a lot more painful/difficult to deal with than a broken collar bone!! 🙂 Not breaking anything is even better again! 😉 Good luck!

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  45. Hans Avatar
    Hans

    kelsey – I’m not a doc and your question is a tough one to answer. It depends on the type of work you do, how bad you are injured, how you feel, etc.. With my busted clavicle I was lucky and not in much pain. So I was able to return to work quickly. In fact, I was on the bike in just over a week.
    The most important thing about recovery is giving your body time to heal. Especially the first week after the break. That’s when the body and bones work hardest to mend.

    Reply
  46. kelsey Avatar
    kelsey

    I don’t really have a comment but I do have a question. How long did most people wait to go to work? I had a four wheeler accident on 7/24 and also hurt my hip, i’m still in a lot of pain expecially my clavicle. The problem is I am going nuts just sitting here.

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  47. Ed Avatar
    Ed

    Thanks for the heads up! I am presently in week 3 after a nasty spill and can relate to everything said thus far. I am a little nervous about week four though. I hope it goes better than yours began. I’m also glad to know that us old folks shouldn’t expect the x-rays to show healng by then. My appointment next week will include an x-ray, so thanks for letting me know what to expect. I’m most excited about week five and thanks to your diary, I look forward to it. I like to run more than bike and am hoping I can do a bit of that if I’m feeling like you did by week five. I’m not sure I have the courage to risk falling from a bike quite yet. Besides, after just three days on the stationary bike, I’m already looking forward to doing something different once I get outside. Thanks again.

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  48. Hans Avatar
    Hans

    David – I cracked my wrist two summers in a row from skateboarding. I guess it took me two times before I realized I better start riding better!
    Lucky for you, being younger, your bones heal up faster. Keep that shoulder and collar bone from moving around. Use your sling. It should heal up fast.

    Reply
  49. david Avatar
    david

    ya i just broke mine skateboarding lol…. on my summer break..i feel ur pain.. im only 14 so maybe itll heal faster?

    Reply
  50. jim Avatar
    jim

    OMG, I think I’ve had that same nurse.

    Reply
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