Collar bone

Question

A few weeks ago, I had a small accident where I tripped and fell awkwardly on my side. At first, I thought it was just a minor bruise, but after a few days, I started feeling this sharp pain around my collar bone whenever I moved my arm or even turned my neck a certain way. There was some swelling too, but no visible fracture or anything serious. I tried applying ice and taking painkillers, but the discomfort hasn’t completely gone away.

Now, every time I lift something or even sleep on that side, my collar bone area feels sore. Sometimes, I even hear a small clicking sound when I move my shoulder, which is making me more worried. I went to a doctor, and they did an X-ray, saying there’s no fracture, just some strain or minor injury. They suggested rest, but it’s been weeks, and I still feel like my collar bone isn’t healing properly.

I don’t want to rely on painkillers for long, so I started looking into Ayurveda for natural healing. Can Ayurveda help with collar bone injuries and pain? Are there herbal oils or external applications that can speed up the healing process? Also, are there specific foods or supplements in Ayurveda that strengthen bones and reduce inflammation?

Another thing I’ve noticed is that my posture has changed slightly since this injury. My shoulder on that side feels a bit lower than the other. Can Ayurveda help realign and strengthen the collar bone area? Would Panchakarma or any special therapy help in this situation?

I’d really appreciate any guidance on how to heal my collar bone naturally and prevent future problems.

Dr Sujal Patil · Answer

Ayurveda can help speed up the healing of a collar bone strain by reducing inflammation, strengthening bones, and improving circulation. External applications like Mahanarayan oil or Dhanwantharam oil can be gently massaged around the affected area to relieve pain and stiffness. Warm salt compresses and herbal pastes made of Turmeric and Sandalwood can also help reduce swelling. For internal healing, herbs like Ashwagandha, Hadjod (Cissus quadrangularis), and Shatavari are known for strengthening bones and ligaments.

Since bone and muscle recovery depends on proper nutrition, Ayurveda recommends eating calcium and mineral-rich foods like sesame seeds, almonds, figs, dates, and dairy (if digestible). Turmeric milk with a pinch of black pepper can also help reduce internal inflammation and support bone healing. Avoid excessive cold, processed, or acidic foods, as they can slow down the recovery process.

If your posture has changed due to the injury, gentle Abhyanga (oil massage) and mild yoga stretches can help restore alignment. Practices like Panchakarma therapies (especially Pizhichil or Patra Pinda Swedana) may also aid in reducing deep-seated stiffness and improving mobility. With the right Ayurvedic approach, your collar bone can heal naturally while preventing long-term discomfort.

Dr. Harsha Joy · Answer

In Ayurveda, healing from a collar bone injury involves a combination of external therapies and internal remedies to reduce inflammation, promote bone strength, and encourage proper alignment. You can use herbal oils like Mahanarayan Oil or Ashwagandha Oil for external application, which can help reduce pain, inflammation, and muscle stiffness. Gently massaging the affected area with these oils can also improve blood circulation and aid in healing. Internally, herbs like Turmeric and Boswellia (Indian frankincense) can help reduce inflammation and support bone health. A diet rich in calcium and magnesium—found in foods like sesame seeds, leafy greens, and ghee—will further help strengthen bones. To address your posture issue, Ayurvedic therapies like Abhyanga (oil massage) and specific exercises can help realign the body and improve shoulder mobility. Panchakarma therapies such as Swedana (steam therapy) can also be beneficial to remove toxins and promote healing. It's essential to continue gentle movement and posture correction to prevent further strain on the collar bone and support proper healing.

Collar bone - #16960

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