Collar bone. When does it stop hurting.

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Collar bone. When does it stop hurting.

12 posts & 10 voices | Started 2 years ago by huws | Latest reply from grant

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huws - Member

Hello internet doctors and fellow clumsy cyclists. Quick question for you.

I broke my collar bone and a selection of ribs at Cwmcarn a month ago in a hefty crash directly onto my shoulder. The bones appear to be healing, if a little pokey outey, but the muscles and tendons around my neck, shoulder and upper arm (or at least something fleshy in that general area) hurt like crazy. I can stand up and walk for about 10 minutes before it kicks in but then it’s agony and I have to sit/lie down and rest it. Is this normal in this sort of injury or am I special?

Thanks all.

Here’s the X-ray for those that wish to gawp at my insides.

Posted 2 years ago #
glenh - Member

Mine still hurts 9 months later...

Not much though. It was ok for most stuff after about 3 months.

Posted 2 years ago #
huws - Member

Damn, that's not what i wanted to hear.

Posted 2 years ago #
ir_bandito - Member

Mine hurts occasionally after 10 years...
It healed very sticky-outy so had the lump cut off (it was 3" thick!) as I couldn't carry a rucsac or lie on my right side. Smoother profile now looks better, and the muscles can move over it better, but it'll never be painless.
sorry...

Posted 2 years ago #
bunnerscj - Member

broken scapula (rear upper shoulder area) 3 years ago, no probs now but does ache after a day out on the bike
Dont push it too soon is my advice after 'busting' to get back on the bike after my wash out

Posted 2 years ago #
borwens - Member

cor, yr not filling me with excitement, just broke mine the other night. They did seem surprised that i didn't think it was that painfull an more or less had full range of motion, all be it slow... As to when it'l stop hurtin, from other experiences of breaks, knee, wrist, fingers and elbow... generaly it stops when its better, but will always ache in the cold an damp i'm afraid, best u can do is build a load of lean muscle around the injured parts, its long term but it does help..... hope you heal soon

Posted 2 years ago #
dasnut - Member

broke both mine, one 5 years ago, one 2 years ago. Did the mega 8 weeks after doing the second, no pain from either now

the fleshy stuff and ligaments will be sorted in 7 or 8 weeks, stick in there

Posted 2 years ago #
jimbobrighton - Member

Fleshy bits = 2 months. I've had 2 ops on mine after breaking 2.5 years ago.

aches in the cold, and when I'm pushing myself hard (to the point where I only know I'm trying hard enough if my dodgy shoulder is hurting)

your break is similar to mine, but I'd take it easy for a couple of months if I were you. I didn't and spent a year in quite a lot of pain.

Mine for comparison (and bragging rights)

Posted 2 years ago #
flippinheckler - Member

Broke mine 5 weeks ago and it still hurts when I move my are in certain positions and more at night due to me moving around in my sleep, so its a bit achy in the morning, also going to dads night at my sons scout group didn't help by playing a game of potty, going in hard with a broken collar bone is not recommended.

I can raise my arm above my head now without any pain, its when I try and lift things it can get painful, but I can start the lawn mower with that arm now. Not sure how it would hold up to mtbing, Roadie ride 1st me thinks.

Posted 2 years ago #
huws - Member

Cheers chaps, at least I'm broken normally. I'm already resigned to at least 8 weeks off the bike, I've already missed a riding holiday and had to pull out of mountain mayhem which is quite annoying. But, physio appointment on monday and another visit to the consultant next saturday so I'll hopefully get more info soon.

Time off the bike is giving me time to think up stupid plans about trying solo 24hr races. Probably best I get better soon.

Posted 2 years ago #
alexpalacefan - Member

I found I could ride within about 6 weeks, and pretty much pain-free after about 12.

Don't do what I did and then fall off again and re-break it. Still tender now.

But you're right the soft-tissue is the bit that gives grief for the longest.

Get well soon,

Alex

Posted 2 years ago #
grant - Member

How long does it hurt for?

14 months and counting. Both the fractured/pinned area and the muscle around it.

However, after the break (clavicle fracture after being hit by a driver not looking where he was going, surgery to insert an alloy plate and six screws to hold me together), I was on the turbo after 4-ish weeks, the road bike after 8 and the MTB after just under 9 weeks. This was only after getting the go-ahead from the consultant and physio though so speak to them before doing anything. They can give advice specific to your case.

Time off the bike is giving me time to think up stupid plans about trying solo 24hr races. Probably best I get better soon.

Funny thing..... I did think up stupid plans when laid up and did the 24 hrs of Exposure at the weekend as a result.

Posted 2 years ago #