Sternum Pain: What Is It?

Pain in your sternum, or breastbone, may be caused by a number of things, including inflammation, a joint or collarbone injury, and acid reflux. Pain in your sternum may also happen with a heart attack, but this is more likely if you’re over the age of 40 and have heart disease.

Your sternum, or breastbone, connects the two sides of your rib cage together. It sits in front of many major organs located in your chest and gut, including your heart, lungs, and stomach. As a result, many conditions that don’t necessarily have anything to do with your sternum may cause pain in your sternum and the surrounding area.

Your first reaction to chest pain, especially severe or consistent chest pain, may be to think it’s a heart attack. But in many cases, chest pain has nothing to do with your heart. This is especially true if you’re under age 40 and don’t have any serious health issues or existing conditions.

Sternum pain is actually more likely caused by conditions that have to do with your muscles, your bones, or your digestive tract than with your heart or the sternum itself.

Keep reading to learn the most common reasons for sternum pain and when you should see your doctor.

The most common cause of sternum pain is a condition called costochondritis. This occurs when the cartilage that connects your ribs to your sternum becomes inflamed.

Symptoms of costochondritis include:

• sharp pains or aches on the side of your sternum area
• pain or discomfort in one or more ribs
• pain or discomfort that gets worse when you cough or breathe in deeply

Costochondritis doesn’t always have a specific cause, but it’s most often a result of a chest injury, strain from physical activity, or joint conditions like osteoarthritis. Costochondritis isn’t a serious condition and shouldn’t cause you to be concerned.

See your doctor if the pain persists or if you have other symptoms that might indicate a more serious underlying condition.

Conditions or injuries to the muscles and bones around your sternum can also cause sternum pain.

This includes:

• joint injury
• collarbone (clavicle) injury
• fractures
• hernias
• surgery on the sternum (such as open heart surgery)

These aren’t the only musculoskeletal conditions that may make your sternum hurt, but they’re among the most common.

Sternoclavicular joint injury

The sternoclavicular joint (SC joint) connects the top of your sternum with your collarbone (clavicle). Injury to this joint can cause pain and discomfort in your sternum and in the area in your upper chest where this joint exists.

Common symptoms of injury to this joint include:

• feeling mild pain or having aching and swelling around your upper chest and collarbone area
• hearing pops or clicks in the joint area
• feeling stiff around the joint or not being able to fully move your shoulder

Collarbone trauma

The collarbone is directly connected to your sternum, so injuries, dislocation, fractures, or other trauma to the collarbone can affect the sternum.

Common symptoms of collarbone trauma include:

• bruises or bumps around area of collarbone injury
• intense pain when you try to move your arm upwards
• swelling or tenderness around collarbone area
• pops, clicks, or grinding noises when you lift your arm
• abnormal frontward sagging of your shoulder

Sternum fracture

Fracturing your sternum can cause a lot of pain, because your sternum is involved in many of your upper body movements. This type of injury is often caused by blunt force injuries to your chest. Examples of this include your seat belt tightening in a car accident or your chest getting hit while you’re playing sports or doing other high-impact physical activity.

Common symptoms include:

• pain when you breathe in or cough
• difficulty breathing
• pops, clicks, or grinding noises when you move your arms
• swelling and tenderness over the sternum

Muscle strain or hernia

Pulling or straining a muscle in your chest can cause pain around your sternum.

Common symptoms of a pulled muscle include:

• pain around the pulled muscle
• discomfort when using the affected muscle
• bruising or tenderness around the affected muscle

A hernia can also cause sternum pain. A hernia happens when an organ is pushed or pulled from the area where it normally sits into a nearby part of the body.

The most common kind is a hiatal hernia. This happens when your stomach moves up past your diaphragm into your chest cavity.

Common symptoms of a hiatal hernia include:

• frequent burping
• heartburn
• having trouble swallowing
• feeling like you ate too much
• throwing up blood
• having black-colored stool

Check out: Muscle strain treatment »

Your sternum sits right in front of several major digestive organs. Conditions that affect your esophagus, stomach, and intestines can all cause sternum pain. Having heartburn or acid reflux after a meal are the most common gastrointestinal causes for sternum pain.

Heartburn

Heartburn happens when acid from your stomach leaks into your esophagus and causes chest pain. It’s common to get right after you eat. Pain usually gets worse when you lie down or bend forward.

Heartburn usually goes away without treatment after a short time.

Check out: Post-meal tips to ease heartburn »

Acid reflux

Acid reflux is similar to heartburn, but happens when stomach acid or even what’s in your stomach starts to bother or wear away the lining of your esophagus. It can be part of a chronic condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Symptoms of acid reflux include:

• burning in your chest
• abnormal bitter taste in your mouth
• difficulty swallowing
• coughing
• throat soreness or hoarseness
• feeling like you have a lump in your throat

Learn more: How to prevent acid reflux and heartburn »

Conditions that affect your lungs, windpipe (trachea), and other parts of your body that help you breathe can cause sternum pain.

Pleurisy

Pleurisy happens when your pleura gets inflamed. The pleura is made up of tissue within your chest cavity and around your lungs. In some cases, fluid can build up around this tissue. This is called pleural effusion.

Common symptoms include:

• sharp pain when you breathe in, sneeze, or cough
• feeling like you can’t get enough air
• an abnormal cough
• fever (in rare cases)

Bronchitis

Bronchitis happens when the bronchial tubes that bring air into your lungs become inflamed. It often happens when you get the flu or a cold.

Bronchitis pain can also make your sternum hurt as you breathe in and out. It can last only briefly (acute bronchitis) or become a long-term condition (chronic bronchitis) due to smoking or infections.

Common bronchitis symptoms include:

• persistent wet cough that causes you to spit up mucus
• wheezing
• difficulty breathing
• pain or discomfort in your chest

Flu or cold symptoms that can go along with bronchitis include:

• high fever
• exhaustion
• runny nose
• diarrhea
• vomiting

Check out: 7 home remedies for bronchitis »

Pneumonia

Pneumonia happens when your lungs get infected by a virus or bacteria.

Common symptoms of pneumonia include:

• difficulty breathing
• high fever
• persistent cough

Other conditions that affect your gastrointestinal tract or your chest muscles can cause sternum pain.

Stomach ulcer

A stomach ulcer (peptic ulcer) happens when you get a sore on the lining of your stomach or at the bottom of your esophagus.

Symptoms of a stomach ulcer include:

• stomach pain, especially on an empty stomach, that responds to antacids
• feeling bloated
• nausea
• lack of appetite

Panic attack

A panic attack happens when you suddenly feel fear, as if something dangerous or threatening is happening, with no actual reason to be afraid. It’s often a result of stress or a symptom of mental health conditions, such as generalized anxiety disorder or depression.

Symptoms of a panic attack include:

• feeling like something bad is about to happen
• feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• having trouble breathing or swallowing
• sweating
• feeling alternately hot and cold
• stomach cramps
• chest pain

Check out: 11 ways to stop a panic attack »

Sternum pain can sometimes be the result of a heart attack. This is much less likely if you’re under age 40 or are in overall good health. They’re more likely to happen if you’re over 40 and have an existing condition, such as heart disease.

A heart attack is life-threatening. You should go to the emergency room right away if you have any symptoms besides sternum pain that may indicate a heart attack, especially if they appear without any obvious cause or if you’ve had a heart attack before.

Symptoms of a heart attack include:

• chest pain in the middle or left side of your chest
• pain or discomfort in your upper body, including your arms, shoulder, and jaw
• feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• having trouble breathing
• sweating
• nausea

The more of these symptoms you have, the more likely that you’re having a heart attack.

See your doctor right away if you have heart attack symptoms or symptoms that cause you sharp, consistent pain that gets in the way of your daily life.

You should also see your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

• sternum and general chest pain that has no obvious cause
• sweating, dizziness, or nausea with no specific cause
• trouble breathing
• pain that spreads from your chest throughout your upper body
• chest tightness

If you’re experiencing other symptoms and they last for more than a few days, talk to your doctor.

You can find a primary care doctor near you through the Healthline FindCare tool.

Your next steps depend on what condition might be causing your sternum pain and how severe the condition is.

You may just need to take over-the-counter pain medication or change your diet. But you may need long-term treatment if the underlying condition is more serious. In some cases, you may need surgery to treat a heart or gastrointestinal condition.

Once your doctor diagnoses the cause, they can develop a treatment plan that can help relieve the symptoms and causes of your sternum pain.

Causes and when to see a doctor

Many conditions can cause pain in the sternum, including injuries, pneumonia, bronchitis, and costochondritis. Gastrointestinal problems, such as acid reflux, can cause pain behind the sternum.

People may believe that their sternum pain is a heart attack symptom. However, it is possible to differentiate the two.

In this article, learn about the causes of sternum pain and the differences between sternum pain and heart problems.

The sternum is a flat T-shaped bone that sits at the front of the chest and connects to the ribs with cartilage. It forms part of the rib cage, a series of bones that protects the heart and lungs from injuries.

People often refer to the sternum as the breastbone.

Sternum pain can result from problems with muscles and bones near the sternum, as well as the sternum itself.

Substernal pain is discomfort occurring behind or below the sternum. It often results from gastrointestinal conditions.

Some of the most common causes of sternum and substernal pain are:

• costochondritis
• sternum fracture
• sternoclavicular joint injury
• collarbone injuries
• muscular strain or bruise
• hernia
• acid reflux
• pleurisy
• bronchitis
• pneumonia

Costochondritis is inflammation of the cartilage between the sternum and ribs. The medical term for this area is the costochondral joint.

The symptoms of costochondritis include:

• sharp pain on the side of the sternum area
• pain that worsens with a deep breath or a cough
• discomfort in the ribs

Inflammation in the costochondral joint may occur due to injury, infection, or irritation. A person may experience costochondritis due to:

• impact trauma
• respiratory tract infections
• severe coughing
• physical strains

Learn more about costochondritis here.

Like fractures in other parts of the body, sternum fractures can cause a lot of pain. Sternum fractures usually occur as a direct result of trauma, such as a car accident or sports injury.

People who believe they may have a sternum fracture should seek immediate medical attention in case of additional damage to the heart and lungs.

Symptoms of a sternum fracture include:

• pain during inhaling or coughing
• swelling over the sternum
• difficulty breathing

Learn more about fractures here.

The sternoclavicular joint connects the top of the sternum to the collarbone. Injuries to this joint generally cause pain and discomfort at the top of the sternum in the upper chest area.

People experiencing sternum pain due to a sternoclavicular joint injury will often experience the following:

• mild pain or swelling in the upper chest area
• difficulty or pain when moving the shoulder
• popping or clicking around the joint

The collarbone connects to the top corners of the sternum by cartilage. Due to the direct connection between the two structures, injuries to the collarbone may cause pain in the sternum area.

Collarbone trauma

Impact and stress trauma can damage, or even fracture, a person’s collarbone. Collarbone trauma may affect its connection to the sternum and the surrounding musculature. This may mean a person feels pain either in or around their sternum.

Depending on the location of collarbone trauma, other symptoms may include:

• severe pain when raising the arm
• bruising or swelling in the upper chest area
• abnormal positioning or sagging of the shoulder
• clicking and grinding in the shoulder joint

A great many muscles connect to the sternum and ribs. Injuries or trauma can result in bruising these muscles, which may cause them to ache. Strenuous or repetitive movements can also cause strains in these muscles.

Learn more about muscle strains here.

Most hernias occur in the abdomen. However, a hiatal hernia can affect the chest area and cause substernal pain.

A hiatal hernia occurs when the stomach moves past the diaphragm and into the chest. Symptoms of a hiatal hernia include:

• frequent burping
• heartburn
• vomiting blood
• a feeling of fullness
• trouble swallowing

People with substernal pain and symptoms of a hiatal hernia should see a doctor for prompt treatment.

Learn more about hernias here.

Acid reflux happens when stomach acid wears away the lining of the windpipe (esophagus). This happens primarily in people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Acid reflux may cause substernal pain and discomfort in the chest.

Pain in this region can also result from inflammation or a spasm of the windpipe. People with GERD should talk with their doctor about preventing further damage to this area.

Learn the difference between heartburn, acid reflux, and GERD here.

Pleura are sheets of tissue between the lungs and ribcage. Inflammation to these tissues is pleurisy.

Pleurisy can cause a sharp, stabbing pain at the site of irritation, which may worsen if a person breathes deeply, coughs, or wheezes.

If inflammation occurs toward the upper middle chest, pleurisy may cause substernal pain.

Learn more about pleurisy here.

Bronchitis is the inflammation of the primary airways of the lungs. The condition can cause:

• chest pain
• severe coughing spells
• shortness of breath
• wheezing

Inflammation of the primary airways may cause substernal pain.

Learn more about bronchitis here.

Pneumonia is a common lung infection that causes air sacs in the lungs to inflame and fill with fluid. The medical term for these air sacs is alveoli.

Pneumonia can cause sharp chest pains, which a person may feel behind their sternum.

Other symptoms of pneumonia include.

• severe coughing
• shortness of breath
• fever
• sweating
• nausea and vomiting
• loss of appetite
• confusion

Infectious bacteria, viruses and fungi can cause pneumonia.

Learn more about pneumonia here.

Symptoms of sternum pain vary depending on the cause. The most common symptom is discomfort and pain in the center of the chest, which is the location of the sternum.

Other associated symptoms may include:

• pain or discomfort in the ribs
• pain that worsens during deep breathing or coughing
• mild, aching pain in the upper chest
• swelling in the upper chest
• stiffness in the shoulder joints
• severe pain when raising the arms
• signs of collarbone trauma, such as bruising or swelling
• difficulty breathing
• grinding or popping sensation in joints near the sternum
• frequent belching
• heartburn
• feeling too full
• throwing up blood

People experiencing chest pain may worry they are having a heart attack. However, sternum pain differs from heart attack pain.

People who are having a heart attack experience specific signs before the heart attack itself, whereas most sternum pain starts suddenly.

A heart attack often occurs with the following symptoms:

• pressure, squeezing, or fullness in the center of the chest
• sweating
• nausea
• shortness of breath
• lightheadedness

However, anyone who thinks they are having a heart attack should seek immediate medical attention.

While sternum pain is not usually serious, there are some causes of sternum pain that require immediate medical attention.

A person should seek emergency medical attention if the pain:

• started as a result of direct trauma
• is accompanied by heart attack symptoms
• is persistent and does not improve over time
• is accompanied by intense vomiting or vomiting blood

A person should also speak to a doctor if the pain in their sternum gets worse or does not improve over time.

Physical trauma, costochondritis, and muscle strains are common causes of sternum pain.

Conditions such as pneumonia, pleurisy and GERD can also cause pain in nearby tissue that people may mistake for sternum pain.

Read the article in Spanish.

Symptoms of breast cancer: first signs, causes and stages

Symptoms of breast cancer manifest differently in different people. If you notice any of the symptoms listed below, you should consult a doctor for an examination.

The most common symptom of breast cancer is a painless lump in the chest or armpit. By conducting regular breast self-exams, you remember what structure your breasts have, which means you will immediately notice any change. Most breast lumps are benign (eg cysts), but every lump needs to be examined!

Sign up for a consultation today!

On This Page:

1. The Most Common Symptoms of Breast Cancer – Remember Them!
2. Quick access to examination and treatment
   • Lump in the breast or armpit
   • Change in the size or shape of the breast
   • Pain, swelling, tingling
   • Change in the skin

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   • Nipple changes
   • Other symptoms
3. What should I do if I suspect a tumor in my breast?
   • Additional examinations
   • Regular breast self-examination
4. Similar articles
5. Our doctors
6. Patient testimonials
7. Are you thinking about examination or treatment abroad?

Are you thinking about examination or treatment abroad?

Post your question here and the Helena Clinic mammologist will answer it. Whatever country you are in, we will be happy to give you professional advice.

The most common symptoms of breast cancer – remember them!

The most common symptoms of breast cancer:

• lump or lump in the chest or armpit
• chest skin retraction
• change in the size, shape or density of the breast
• bloody or any other discharge from the nipple
• rash on areola
• nipple retraction
• breast skin change
• breast or nipple pain, breast swelling
• breast engorgement outside of pregnancy

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. In case of any incomprehensible symptoms and seals, it is imperative to undergo an examination: mammography and ultrasound examination of the mammary glands.

Quick access to examination and treatment

• At Helena Clinic you can get a quick consultation if you have any of the above breast symptoms or have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
• Helena Clinic is the leading Finnish clinic for the treatment of breast cancer. Many years of experience, European quality standards and an individual approach provide the best treatment results, and Russian-speaking support in the clinic allows patients to feel comfortable.
• Helena Clinic has an office in St. Petersburg, where we advise patients on treatment in Finland. A proposal for diagnosis and treatment is made free of charge within 1-3 days. Treatment can be started immediately.

+358 50 570 8720

Lump in the breast or armpit

The most common symptom of breast cancer is a lump in the breast or armpit. Sometimes the tumor can be seen visually, sometimes – only when probing the chest. Sometimes a lump is found in the armpit – this may indicate the spread of cancer to the lymph node.

It must be remembered that not all lumps in the breast mean cancer. Often seals are benign cysts.

Change in size or shape of the breast

Breast cancer does not always show up as a lump. Symptoms may also include changes in the size, shape, and density of the breasts.

Indrawings, thickening or painful areas may form on the skin of the breast.

Pain, swelling, tingling

Breast cancer may be indicated by sensations in the breast such as burning, itching or tingling. The lump itself is usually painless, but may cause tingling, hypersensitivity, or stabbing pain.

Changes in the skin

Breast cancer can manifest itself in changes in the skin of the breast. One of the signs is the so-called “orange peel”.

Sometimes the color of the skin of the breast changes – an unusual redness appears, the skin is pulled inward.

Nipple changes

Any changes in the nipple area can be a sign of breast cancer. Cancer may present with nipple indrawing or clear or bloody discharge from the nipple.

An ulcer or rash on the nipple that does not heal may indicate breast cancer.

Sign up for a consultation today!

Other symptoms

Breast cancer may present with other symptoms. It is very important to conduct regular breast self-examination in order to notice the slightest changes in time. Finland has an effective screening program for the early detection of breast cancer. All Finnish women aged 50 to 69 are invited to have a mammogram every 2 years. More than 80 percent of all invitees take part in the screening, and it is within the framework of screening that two-thirds of breast cancer cases are detected.

What should I do if I suspect a tumor in my breast?

Have you examined your breasts yourself?

It’s great if you’ve already got into the habit of doing regular breast self-exams. When you examine your breasts every month, you memorize their normal texture and density. If at one of the self-examinations you notice that something has changed, you can apply for additional studies in time and, if necessary, start treatment.

If you still don’t know why and how to conduct breast self-examination, read our article and watch the training video here.

What should you do if you find a lump yourself?

The main thing is not to worry and not to be afraid, but to consult a doctor. If during self-examination you notice something unusual in the structure of your mammary glands that was not there before, the first step to health is to make an appointment with a mammologist. A good doctor should conduct a clinical examination and determine if you need further research. The seal in the chest may well be a cyst or other benign formation. In any case, the diagnosis should not be postponed for a long time – it will either relieve anxiety or allow treatment to begin as early as possible.

In this article, mammologist and oncosurgeon Helena Puonti explains why all unclear symptoms and suspicious breast masses should be investigated.

Have you been to see a doctor?

Palpation is a method of examination during which the doctor palpates (carefully feels) the mammary glands to determine if there are any abnormalities in their structure. This is the first study that is performed as part of the diagnosis of diseases of the mammary glands. Based on palpation, the doctor decides whether it is necessary to refer the patient to mammography, ultrasound, or both studies at once.

Have you already had a breast ultrasound?

Breast ultrasound is best as a baseline study for patients under 40 years of age because their breast tissue is too dense to be clearly seen on mammography.

What was found on breast ultrasound?

If the radiologist confirms that there are no alarming changes on the ultrasound (provided that you were previously examined by a mammologist), you can exhale with relief and continue regular self-examinations.

Every woman should have a regular breast ultrasound.

If the radiological report recommends additional tests, the referral mammologist will explain what to do next. Most often, the next step will be a mammogram.

Have you already had a mammogram?

Along with ultrasound, there is a second basic study that provides important information about the structure and changes of the mammary glands – this is mammography.

Mammography is the “gold standard” of investigations to be performed if any change suspected of being malignant is detected.

If a suspicious area is seen on mammograms, a biopsy is taken from it so that no malignancy is missed. The earlier cancer is detected, the more gentle the operation to remove it will be and the higher the possibility of a full recovery.

If mammography, breast ultrasound and clinical examination by an experienced mammologist do not confirm anything suspicious, you can breathe a sigh of relief and continue regular self-examinations.

Have you had a biopsy before?

Any suspicious breast changes should be biopsied to rule out cancer. Biopsy tissue is examined under a microscope.

If no malignant cells are found in the biopsy, it is most often a benign growth of the connective tissue. Such areas do not need to be removed if they do not interfere (for example, do not cause pain when wearing a bra). If a benign cyst was found on the study, it can be punctured – that is, fluid is removed from it with a thin needle.

If a biopsy confirms a malignant tumor, surgical removal of the tumor is most often the first step in treatment. To plan the operation, it is important to determine whether the malignant cells have spread to the lymph nodes in the armpit. If there are enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit, then a biopsy is also taken from them.

Have you had an axillary lymph node test before?

Lymph nodes perform a very important function – they delay the spread of malignant cells.
The first lymph nodes that malignant cells meet on the way from the tumor to the armpit are called “sentinel” lymph nodes. Their task is to delay and, if possible, destroy cancer cells that seek to spread throughout the body. The study of “sentinel” lymph nodes allows you to determine whether they contain malignant cells, which is important for planning surgical treatment.

What was found on the sentinel lymph nodes?

If the axillary lymph nodes are “clean”, that is, they do not contain malignant cells, then surgery to remove the axillary lymph nodes is not required. Radioisotope study of “sentinel” lymph nodes is designed to confirm the result of the biopsy.

If metastases are found in the armpit, that is, lymph nodes affected by malignant cells, this means that they must be removed during surgery in order to remove malignant cells from the body. After surgery to remove axillary lymph nodes, it is very important to pay attention to the gentle recovery of the hand so that its function is not affected.

Have you had cancer surgery before?

If you have already had an operation, this is good news, because the most important thing for your future recovery has already been done.

Cancer behaves very differently, so there are different options for surgery to remove a malignant tumor with different results. In most cases, if the tumor is small relative to the size of the breast, organ-sparing surgery can be performed. In other cases, it is necessary to perform a mastectomy – that is, to remove the entire mammary gland.

Will I need chemotherapy and radiotherapy?

After surgery to remove breast cancer, so-called adjuvant therapy is usually given. Its task is to destroy malignant cells that could still remain in the body. After the operation, all removed tumor cells are carefully examined by a pathologist. The pathohistological conclusion gives an idea of ​​the extent and aggressiveness of the tumor. Based on this conclusion, the oncologist plans further treatment. It can be chemotherapy, radiation or hormonal therapy.

Can breasts be reconstructed after mastectomy?

If you have had a mastectomy and your entire breast has been removed, you may be offered several options for breast reconstruction. You can restore the breast with the help of transplantation of your own tissues, an implant placed under the skin, or using combined methods. In some cases, a so-called expander is first needed, which stretches the skin and prepares it for the implant. Sometimes breast reconstruction can be performed at the same time as surgery to remove the tumor, for example, when cancer is detected at an early stage and radiation therapy is not required after surgery.

Book a consultation today!

You can contact the Helena Clinic for advice at any stage of your breast cancer treatment. We will help you navigate the diagnosis, plan a surgical treatment or get an expert opinion.

Additional Testing

If you have been diagnosed with or suspect breast cancer based on the symptoms listed above, you can make an appointment with Dr. Helena Puonti – quickly and without a referral. At the appointment, a clinical examination will be carried out, after which additional studies may be prescribed to clarify the diagnosis: ultrasound of the mammary glands, mammography, MRI, if necessary, a biopsy.

Regular breast self-examination

Regular breast self-examination helps to detect breast cancer at an early stage. Self-examination should be carried out on a regular basis – so you will know the structure of your breasts well and easily notice even slight changes. Read more about how to properly conduct a breast self-exam here.

Our doctors

Helena Puonti

Honored microsurgeon, leading Finnish plastic surgeon, breast oncologist. She was awarded a medal by the Finnish Cancer Foundation as the best oncologist.

Esa Männisto

Oncologist, awarded the title of the Best Oncologist in Finland in 2005.

Kalevi Pulkkanen

Kalevi Pulkkanen, one of our highly trained oncologists, specializes in chemotherapy and radiotherapy for the treatment of breast, lung and prostate cancer.

Read more

The impression of the clinic is very good, everything is very clean; Helena is very friendly and professional.

Read more Arina, Petrozavodsk

Despite the brevity of the text, my gratitude is enormous! I was in Savonlinna for breast reconstruction surgery.

More Galina, St. Petersburg

methods of treatment, diagnosis and causes of chest pain

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in 1-2 sessions

Author’s method
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Internships in the USA,
Israel, Germany

Chest pain is an ambiguous symptom. It can accompany stress or simple overwork, or it can serve as a signal for the development of a serious pathology of the lungs, esophagus, heart or blood vessels. It is impossible to start such symptoms, because the risk of complications is significant and can threaten the patient’s life. Diagnosis is carried out by complex methods and makes it possible to accurately determine the cause of pain in the chest region.

Causes of chest pain

The most mild case is chest pain due to emotional surges, indigestion, overwork or increased stress. Usually a short rest is enough to eliminate such symptoms.

Chest pain caused by injury or damage requires a visit to a traumatologist and an examination.

In addition, the following common causes of pain are noted:

• taking medications: antidepressants, estrogen-containing contraceptives;
• inflammation of the lungs, in which the chest compresses the nerve fibers, as well as the internal organs;
• intercostal neuralgia, discomfort due to pinching of nerve endings by the extremities of the bones of the ribs;
• thoracic osteochondrosis, a serious deformity of adjacent nerve endings, accompanied by chest pain. neck, back;
• thoracic or vertebral scoliosis, a curvature in which the compression of the internal organs is increased;
• intervertebral hernia or protrusion, pinching of the nerve roots by a deformed intervertebral disc;
• angina pectoris, pain symptom of the region of the heart, constriction or burning, radiates to the neck, arm, jaw;
• tachycardia, heart rhythm disturbance due to increased excitability of the nervous system;
• myocardial infarction, an attack due to blockage of the blood supplying the heart, gives an attack of pain of both high and moderate intensity;
• pulmonary embolism, occlusion of the lumen by a thrombus, a consequence of a sedentary lifestyle.

Women’s chest pain

More than half of women have experienced chest pain at least once. This is due to the peculiarity of female anatomy and physiology. Chest pain accompanies the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, breastfeeding. The appearance of painful symptoms should not be ignored, since it can signal the development of pathological processes in the tissues of the organ.

A woman should see a specialist if she experiences the following symptoms of pain:

• not tied to menstruation;
• accompanied by burning or pressure;
• increases over time;
• is felt only on one side or in a certain place;
• area of ​​increased pain has a fever;
• seal hurts;
• is accompanied by a change in the size or shape of the breast, color or quality of the skin;
• is accompanied by the release of fluid or blood from the nipple, the appearance of a depression on the areola;
• occurs at the site of a surgical site scar;
• lasts over a week;
• limits the mobility of the arm, body;
• reduces the quality of life, interferes with sleep, work.

Localization of chest pain and possible causes of its occurrence

Localization	Description	Diagnostics	Possible causes
Central chest pain	Accompanied by shortness of breath, fluctuations in pulse and pressure, lung murmurs, wheezing. Character of sensations: sharp, dull, aching, burning, squeezing pain	Short-term discomfort may be associated with permanent stress or overwork. Prolonged pain is a sign of serious illness. Based on the patient’s complaints, the doctor prescribes a series of examinations, tests, x-rays and others	development of oncological neoplasms; deformities of blood vessels or cardiac arteries; ischemic heart disease; myocardial infarction; lesions of the nervous system; digestive problems.
Right chest pain	The pain is severe, drawing, prolonged. Most often it is the result of pathologies of internal organs or injuries	Accurate diagnosis possible after ECG or thoracic ultrasound	infection or inflammation of the gallbladder; diseases of the genitourinary or reproductive systems; renal failure, hepatitis, pancreatitis; spinal injury, disc displacement.
Left chest pain	Severe pain, occurs during physical exertion, movement, may be accompanied by cough, radiate to other organs	Blood tests, X-ray, ultrasound	pathology of the spleen, possible rupture; pleurisy, tuberculosis, pneumothorax; arrhythmia, angina pectoris, ischemic disease; thoracic sciatica, osteochondrosis; spondylosis, scoliosis, arthrosis.

Free medical consultation and diagnostics

• Chiropractor
• Vertebrologist
• Osteopath
• Neurologist

At the consultation, we carry out a thorough diagnosis. As a result of the consultation
We give detailed recommendations for treatment and, if necessary, prescribe additional diagnostics.

1

Carry out functional diagnostics

2

Let’s perform a manipulation that significantly relieves pain

3

We will create an individual treatment program

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Diagnostic tests

Diagnosis of pain is important for making a correct diagnosis and developing ways for optimal treatment of the patient. Comprehensive diagnostics of chest pains includes the following procedures:

• conducting clinical laboratory tests, urine and blood tests of the patient;
• radiography, a widely available study that allows you to quickly and reliably establish the pathology of the respiratory and digestive systems;
• computed tomography, obtaining a detailed three-dimensional image of the area under study, revealing problems in tissues and organs;
• electrocardiography, information about the functionality of the heart muscle, heart rate;
• echocardiography, an ultrasound method of cardiac diagnostics, reveals valve problems;
• spirometry, pulmonological examination of the patient’s lungs;
• blood lipidogram, a study aimed at calculating the fat content that affects the activity of the heart and blood vessels.

With initial complaints, it is recommended to make an appointment with a general practitioner, a general practitioner. If specific symptoms are identified, the patient will be referred to a specialized specialist.

Treatment of chest pain

Based on the diagnosis, the exact cause of chest pain is determined. The diagnosis is decisive in the development of a therapy strategy by the attending physician. If violations of the activity of the cardiac system are detected, then the cardiologist will deal with the patient’s further treatment, the pulmonologist will deal with respiratory topics, and the problems of the digestive tract will be the field of activity of the gastroenterologist.

Comprehensive therapy will consist of:

• medication according to the disease profile;
• hardware physiotherapy;
• physiotherapy exercises; according to the indications – surgical intervention.

It is possible to place a patient in a hospital, to improve the quality of procedures or surgery.

Prevention of chest pain

In order to avoid painful discomfort in the chest area, it is recommended to follow the following advice from specialists:

• Increase your daily physical activity, exercise, walk more, take up a sport as recommended by your doctor;
• Maintain normal body weight, fight obesity, eat in moderation, eliminate fatty, fried or high-calorie foods from the diet;
• Monitor important indicators of the body: cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar;
• Avoid stress, overexertion, high fatigue;
• Take care of a balanced daily menu or include foods rich in useful microelements and vitamins in your diet;
• Give up destructive bad habits: smoking, alcohol;
• Attend your doctor’s preventive check-ups, take an annual medical examination.

People with experience of chest pains, serious chronic or hereditary diseases should be especially attentive to their health.

Chest pain: modern treatment in Moscow

The experienced specialists of our clinic in Moscow have been providing effective treatment for chest pain of various origins for many years, restoring health to the most severe patients who were denied help by other specialists or medical institutions. A guaranteed positive result is a logical result of an innovative approach that combines classical methods of therapy proven by practice, as well as innovative achievements of modern medicine in the field of chest pain treatment. The professional arsenal of doctors of the clinic is rich and varied. It contains a huge number of rehabilitation and recovery programs, and is also systematically updated with the most effective and progressive methods. Our doctors are constantly adopting the best practices of leading experts in this field, leaving for training, seminars, conferences in leading clinics in Israel, the USA, Germany.

Patients of our clinic are given the opportunity to visit a doctor’s consultation free of charge, conduct a comprehensive diagnosis, and draw up a preliminary treatment plan. High efficiency and positive impact are noted from the first sessions of therapy. Patients state a decrease, as well as the complete disappearance of painful discomfort.

Call and register for a free specialist appointment!

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is more likely to experience chest pain?

At risk are people of retirement age who are overweight, have recently undergone surgery, have arterial hypertension, arrhythmias or chronic lung diseases, smokers, pregnant women, alcoholics, cancer patients, and also take certain medications.

When is chest pain a deadly symptom?

The most dangerous are the following signs:

• severe pain sensation lasting more than five minutes;
• burning pain behind the sternum extending to the shoulders, neck or back;
• chest pain with tightness or pressure;
• concomitant palpitations, shortness of breath, shortness of breath;
• pain resulting in increased weakness, dizziness, sweating, nausea or vomiting.

In this case, it is recommended to call an ambulance immediately.

What conditions can cause chest pain in women?

In addition to pregnancy, menopause or a number of other physiological causes, chest pain in women may be associated with dangerous diseases that require urgent contact with specialized specialists:

• Mastopathy. The formation of seals in organ tissues. It is treated medically or surgically;
• Cystosis. The appearance of neoplasms. The risk of rupture is dangerous, planned treatment is indicated;
• Benign tumor. Risk of malignant transformation. Constant pulling pain and discomfort;
• Mastitis. Inflammatory disease caused by hormonal disruptions or violations of the course of breastfeeding of an infant;
• Breast cancer. An oncological disease that poses a serious threat to life.

Material checked by an expert

Marshenin Konstantin Vladimirovich

Chief physician. Neurologist, chiropractor, vertebrologist, psychoneurologist, doctor of the highest qualification category

Work experience – 22 years

Video reviews of patients

Joint block in the neck

Hernias in the lower back and neck

I came to Dr. Length’s clinic with spinal problems. With two intervertebral lower hernias and two intervertebral hernias in the neck. I was assigned a comprehensive 10 step program. In 4 months, my lower vertebrae completely disappeared and crunches in my neck disappeared …

Hernia of the lumbosacral region

“After the first time, my back stopped hurting. I felt relieved. Now 7 sessions have already passed and the back really does not hurt. I began to forget about it. And at first it hurt a lot.”

Inflammation of the sciatic nerve

“For 4 months I suffered from severe inflammation of the sciatic nerve on the right side. After the first visit, relief came immediately within six hours. After 6 courses, the pain was almost gone.

Pain in the lower back and leg

Yakovleva Natalya Mikhailovna
Head of the department, surgeon of the highest category, oncologist-mammologist
I want to express my deep gratitude for the fact that I was put on my feet in the truest sense of the word. I came to the clinic a month and a half ago with severe pain in the lower back and leg. These complaints were long enough and the treatment that I used in the past was ineffective. Fortunately, I ended up in the clinic of Dr. Length and his team of super professionals!

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

“I applied 2 months ago with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. I have a sedentary job and my neck muscles were very cramped. It was impossible to work. Before that, I went to other doctors, but this did not solve my problem. For 2 months I have a fairly positive dynamics. Every week it gets better and better.”

Bechterew’s disease

“I have had Bechterew’s disease for 10 years. The vertebrae began to move out, I began to slouch. I turned to other chiropractors, very famous, media ones. In the end, I didn’t get any results. After 2 sessions I felt much better. Now I don’t have any pain.”

Pain in the spine

“I came in with problems in my back, cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine. I was prescribed procedures, had a massage, and was assigned to do physical education at home. This made it much easier for me. I’m already turning my head. I have no pain.”

Shoulder-to-shoulder periarthrosis

I came to the clinic with severe pain in my shoulder. My hand did not rise, I could not sleep at night, I woke up from pain. After the first treatment session, I felt much better. Somewhere in the middle of the course, my hand began to rise, I began to sleep at night.

Osteoarthritis of the knee joint, 2nd degree

Came in with a very serious illness. I could not walk, I have arthrosis of the 2nd degree of the knee joint. I went through a course of treatment at the Clinic and now I am going 100%.

Herniated disc

“I came to the clinic after I had back pain and it turned out to be a herniated disc. I went to other places, but they only relieved attacks of pain. Hope for a return to normal life was given only by Sergei Vladimirovich, his golden hands!

Scoliosis

“Since I was a teenager, I have suffered from scoliosis in the thoracic region. I felt a feeling of discomfort, tension, periodic pain in the spine. I turned to various specialists, a massage therapist, an osteopath, but I did not feel a strong effect. After treatment, Length S.V. I almost have a straight spine. Currently, I do not feel any problems and discomfort.”

Intervertebral hernia

“At the 5th-6th session there was an improvement. I felt much better. The pain is gone. Improvement progressed more and more each time. Lesson 10 today. I feel great.”

Pain in the lumbar and cervical region

“I am 21 years old. I went to the clinic with discomfort in the lumbar and cervical region. I also sometimes had sharp pains. After undergoing therapy, I felt a significant improvement in my back. I have no pain. The condition as a whole has improved.”

Back pain

“At the beginning of the path of treatment, my back hurt very badly. I could no longer walk. I take 5 steps and stop. My entire journey consisted of such stops. In the very first procedure, I left the office with no pain in my spine.”

Cervical hernia

“I came in with a problem in my neck and my right arm was very sore. The neck did not turn, the hand did not rise. After the 3rd session, I felt better. After the 5th, all this pain began to decrease. It turns out I have 2 hernias in my cervical vertebrae. After the sessions, I did an MRI and one hernia decreased. Now he began to move, his hand earned.

Pain in the neck

“I went to Dr. Long because I had a very bad pain in my neck on the right side. I fell on a snowboard 5 years ago, even went to an osteopath, but somehow it didn’t really help. Now everything is fine, there are some consequences left, the muscles were spasmodic. When I came, I had steel muscles, now my neck is very soft.”

Pain in the thoracic region

“I went to the clinic with back pain, namely in the thoracic region. After 10 sessions of treatment, I could already calmly go about my usual business, stay at work until lunch, without howling in pain. Now I’ve come back for an adjustment after 2 months. I’m fine, my back doesn’t hurt.”

Hernia and protrusion

“I came to the clinic with L4-L5 hernia and L5-S1 protrusion. Today the course of treatment has ended. Lower back hurt, it was difficult to bend down. After completing the course and receiving instructions in the form of physical exercises, it became much easier. After a month of treatment, I do not feel any stiffness of movements. ”

Pain in the lower back and hip joint

“From a young age, I was troubled by back pain. When they became unbearable, I went to Dr.