why do my Collar Bone stick out – Unlocking the Mystery

Do you have a protruding collarbone? You’re not alone. Many people have this condition, and there are a number of reasons why it can happen. But is it something to worry about?

Read on to learn more about the causes of a protruding collarbone, and whether or not you should seek medical attention.

Why does my collarbone stick out?

The collarbone, or clavicle, is a slender bone that connects the breastbone to the shoulder blade. It is one of the most commonly broken bones in the body, and it can also be dislocated or separated. In some cases, the collarbone may stick out from the rest of the body. 

This can be caused by a fracture, an AC joint separation, or other medical conditions such as osteomyelitis, Paget’s disease, or hypermobility syndrome. If your collarbone is sticking out, it is important to see a doctor to determine the cause and get the appropriate treatment.

There are a number of reasons why the collarbone may stick out. Some of the most common causes include:

Fracture: 

A fracture is a break in the bone. When the collarbone is fractured, it can break in two or more places. If the fracture is not healed properly, the collarbone may not align correctly, and it may stick out.

Acromioclavicular (AC) joint separation:

Osteomyelitis: 

The AC joint is the joint where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade. An AC joint separation can occur when the ligaments that hold the joint together are stretched or torn. This can happen during a fall or other injury.

Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone. It can occur in any bone in the body, but it is most common in the long bones of the legs and arms. Osteomyelitis of the collarbone can cause the bone to swell and become deformed, which can make it stick out.

Paget’s disease:

Paget’s disease is a bone disorder that causes the bones to become enlarged and brittle. It can affect any bone in the body, but it is most common in the pelvis, spine, and skull. Paget’s disease of the collarbone can cause the bone to thicken and become misshapen, which can make it stick out.

Hypermobility syndrome:

Hypermobility syndrome is a condition in which the joints are too loose and flexible. This can cause the joints to dislocate or sublux (partially dislocate) easily. People with hypermobility syndrome may also have problems with their posture, which can make their collarbone stick out.

Tumor:

 A tumor on the collarbone can cause the bone to swell and become deformed, which can make it stick out.

Birth defect:

Some people are born with a collarbone that is abnormally shaped or underdeveloped. This can cause the collarbone to stick out.

Nutritional deficiency:

 A deficiency in vitamin D or calcium can cause the bones to become weak and brittle. This can make the collarbone more likely to fracture or become deformed, which can cause it to stick out.

What should I do if my collarbone is sticking out?

If your collarbone is sticking out, it is important to see a doctor to determine the cause. Once the cause is known, the doctor can recommend the best course of treatment. For some people, treatment may be as simple as wearing a sling or brace to support the collarbone while it heals. For others, surgery may be necessary to repair the fracture or AC joint separation.

If your collarbone is sticking out due to a bone disorder or infection, your doctor may prescribe medication to treat the condition. In some cases, physical therapy may also be recommended to help you regain strength and range of motion in your shoulder.

Common causes of prominent collarbones:

Low body fat: 

People with low body fat have less subcutaneous fat, which is the layer of fat that sits under the skin and covers the muscles and bones. This can make the collarbones more visible.

Genetics:

Some people are simply born with more prominent collarbones than others. This is due to the shape of their bones and the amount of muscle mass they have in their shoulders and chest.

Age:

 As people get older, they tend to lose muscle mass and gain weight in their abdomen. This can make the collarbones more prominent.

Sex:

Women are more likely to have prominent collarbones than men. This is because women tend to have less muscle mass and more body fat than men.

Muscle mass:

People with low muscle mass in their shoulders and chest may have more prominent collarbones. This is because the muscles in these areas help to hide the collarbones.

Certain medical conditions:

Some medical conditions, such as hyperthyroidism and Cushing’s syndrome, can cause weight loss and muscle atrophy, which can make the collarbones more prominent.

Less common causes of prominent collarbones:

Bone disorders:

Certain bone disorders, such as osteogenesis imperfecta and Paget’s disease, can cause the collarbones to become deformed or weakened. This can make them more prominent.

Hormonal imbalances:

Hormonal imbalances, such as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, can cause weight loss and muscle atrophy, which can make the collarbones more prominent.

Medication side effects:

Some medications, such as corticosteroids and chemotherapy drugs, can cause weight loss and muscle atrophy, which can make the collarbones more prominent.

Injury or trauma:

An injury or trauma to the collarbone, such as a fracture or dislocation, can make it more prominent.

How to reduce the prominence of collarbones:

Gain weight:

Gaining weight can help to cover up the collarbones. However, it is important to gain weight in a healthy way by eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly.

Build muscle:

Building muscle in the shoulders and chest can help to hide the collarbones. This can be done by performing exercises such as push-ups, pull-ups, and shoulder presses.

Wear clothes that flatter your body type:

Wearing clothes that flatter your body type can help to minimize the appearance of prominent collarbones. For example, you could wear V-neck shirts or tops with off-the-shoulder sleeves.

If you are concerned about the prominence of your collarbones, talk to your doctor. They can help you determine the underlying cause and recommend the best course of treatment.

Conclusion:

A protruding collarbone can result from various causes, including fractures, joint separations, infections, bone disorders, and genetic factors. It may also be influenced by factors like low body fat, age, and muscle mass. While some cases may require medical intervention such as surgery or medication, others may be addressed through lifestyle changes like weight gain, muscle building, or clothing choices. If concerned about collarbone prominence, consulting with a doctor is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate guidance on potential treatments or lifestyle adjustments.

FAQs

Question: Can low body fat cause a protruding collarbone?

Answer: Yes, low body fat reduces subcutaneous fat, making collarbones more visible.

Question: Is collarbone prominence related to genetics?

Answer: Yes, genetics influence bone shape and muscle mass, affecting collarbone appearance.

Question: Can age contribute to protruding collarbones?

Answer: Yes, as people age, muscle loss and weight gain can make collarbones more prominent.

Question: How does hormonal imbalance affect collarbone visibility?

Answer: Hormonal imbalances, like hyperthyroidism, may lead to weight loss and muscle atrophy, revealing collarbones.

Question: Are there exercises to reduce the prominence of collarbones?

Answer: Yes, building shoulder and chest muscles through exercises like push-ups can minimize collarbone visibility.