Treatment Options Include:

  • Adjusting activities to reduce the amount of time that arms are used in an outstretched or overhead position. This may be done by taking breaks more often, changing positions frequently and stretching. If you have symptoms, you may want to avoid carrying heavy bags over your shoulder because this pulls the collarbone done and puts more pressure on the thoracic outlet.
  • Environmental assessments. This involves having a specialist evaluate your work place or home to make sure that you are working with proper body alignment, postures and work-related furniture to reduce the stress on your body.
  • Exercises, which may be taught by a physical or occupational therapist. These can help strengthen muscles that support your collarbone and improve posture.
  • Good posture and overall conditioning. This can help maintain a balance between muscles. This also helps you stand, sit and move straighter, which puts less pressure on the nerves and blood vessels.
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen, which can ease pain and swelling
  • Proper clothing. Women with large or heavily hanging breasts may benefit from wearing a strapless long-line bra.
  • Surgery. This is usually done as a last resort in situations where there is an obvious cause such as an extra rib or broken collarbone. Surgery involves dividing a muscle in the neck and removing a portion of the first rib.
  • Weight loss, if obesity is an issue.