Shoulder Separation Symptoms

The following signs and symptoms are associated with a shoulder separation.

• You usually feel pain to the top of the shoulder. Often, it is most comfortable to support your affected arm with the opposite hand.
  
  
• Swelling, cuts, or bruises may be present on the top of the shoulder.
  
  
• An obvious upward pointing lump on the top of the shoulder is seen in more serious separations. This is the end of the displaced collarbone (the clavicle bone) and it moves up if the affected arm is pulled toward the ground.
  
  
• Tenderness is felt at the junction, or joint, between the collarbone and shoulder. This is the site of the AC (acromioclavicular) joint.
  
  
• If nerve damage occurs, numbness or muscle weakness may be present in the shoulder or affected arm. If you have this symptom, seek immediate medical attention.