Question explored with the scientific record
I get aches and pains behind both clavicles what could this be symptom of?
Bilateral pain behind the clavicles is not a common symptom with a single cause, and the retrieved studies do not directly address it.
The evidence here is thin for this specific question. The records cover myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius [2][3][4], shoulder nerve compression [1], and chest wall tumors [5][6], but none describe bilateral pain behind both clavicles as a primary symptom. This means the answer must come from general clinical knowledge, not from the cited studies.
The most likely causes are musculoskeletal. Myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius or pectoralis minor muscles can refer pain to the clavicular area [2][4]. Poor posture, especially forward head and rounded shoulders, strains these muscles bilaterally. A less common but possible cause is a problem with the sternoclavicular joint, such as arthritis or instability, which can cause pain on both sides. Nerve compression, like a cervical radiculopathy affecting the C5-C6 nerve roots, could also produce bilateral shoulder and clavicular pain [1].
The evidence does not support a single diagnosis. A doctor should examine you to rule out referred pain from the neck or shoulder, joint dysfunction, or, in rare cases, a more serious condition like a chest wall tumor [5][6] or infection [7].
My call: this symptom is most likely from muscle strain or trigger points, but the evidence does not rule out other causes. Confidence: low, because the retrieved studies do not answer this question.
Sources used 7
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Shoulder Double Crush Syndrome: A Retrospective Study of Patients With Concomitant Suprascapular Neuropathy and Cervical Radiculopathy
In 100 patients with EMG-confirmed suprascapular neuropathy having arthroscopic release, 31% had shoulder double crush; these patients showed more median neuropathy and smaller side-to-side CMAP amplitude differences but similar pain and strength improvement.
DOI: 10.1177/1179544120921854 -
Latent Myofascial Trigger Points Are Associated With an Increased Intramuscular Electromyographic Activity During Synergistic Muscle Activation
A crossover study in healthy humans showing latent myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius are associated with increased intramuscular EMG activity during synergistic shoulder abduction, without changes in surface EMG, suggesting latent MTPs disrupt motor coordination a…
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2013.10.009 -
Comparison of shoulder strength in males with and without myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius
This study compares shoulder strength in males with and without myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius, finding that those with trigger points exhibit significantly lower shoulder abductor strength when scapular elevation is restricted.
DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2017.09.001 -
Latent Myofascial Trigger Points
This 2011 Curr Pain Headache Rep article reviews latent myofascial trigger points (MTPs) in humans, outlining their electrophysiology (spontaneous electrical activity), peripheral mechanisms (ATP/ASIC3 signaling, algesic mediators), central sensitization, and the MTP network, an…
DOI: 10.1007/s11916-011-0210-6 -
Imaging study findings in elastofibroma dorsi
This paper reviews imaging features of elastofibroma dorsi, a benign chest-wall tumor beneath the scapula, detailing MRI, CT, ultrasound, and plain radiography findings, their typical bilateral distribution, and implications for diagnosis and management.
DOI: 10.1016/j.jbspin.2004.04.006 -
Novel KMT2B gene mutation in MUC4 positive low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma
Chest wall low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma with diffuse MUC4 positivity shows FUS gene break and novel concurrent MET, EGFR, KMT2B, and RET mutations by sequencing, including the first reported KMT2B mutation in LGFM, with implications for diagnosis and potential therapy.
DOI: 10.1186/s13000-024-01458-5 -
A Rare Presentation in a Patient With Silicosis: Soft Tissue Tuberculosis
The case report describes a 32-year-old male denim grinder with silicosis who presented with soft tissue tuberculosis, diagnosed by biopsy showing caseating granulomatous inflammation despite negative sputum AFB smear and culture; the chest wall lesion healed during antitubercul…
DOI: 10.31579/2690-8816/013