DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I broke my collarbone in a car accident four months ago. It's healing very slowly and hurts somewhat on the break, but even more when I move my shoulder. Is this normal for a collarbone break? Is there a chance I'll need surgery if the pain doesn't go away? ANSWER: A broken collarbone can take several months to heal completely. Until then, moving your shoulder will tend to move the area where the bone was broken, and that can be painful.