What causes sternum pain. How to identify symptoms of costochondritis. When should you be concerned about chest discomfort. What are the common musculoskeletal conditions causing sternum pain. How do digestive issues relate to sternum discomfort. What are the signs of a serious underlying condition requiring medical attention.

Understanding Sternum Pain: More Than Just a Heart Concern

Sternum pain, often mistaken for a heart attack, can stem from various sources unrelated to cardiac issues. The sternum, or breastbone, plays a crucial role in protecting vital organs and connecting the rib cage. While chest discomfort may raise alarms, especially for those over 40 or with existing heart conditions, it’s essential to understand that sternum pain frequently originates from muscular, skeletal, or digestive causes.

Key Facts About Sternum Pain:

• Often unrelated to heart issues, especially in individuals under 40
• Can be caused by inflammation, injuries, or digestive problems
• May indicate conditions affecting muscles, bones, or internal organs
• Requires medical attention if persistent or accompanied by other symptoms

Costochondritis: The Leading Cause of Sternum Discomfort

Costochondritis stands out as the most prevalent reason for sternum pain. This condition involves inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the sternum. Understanding its symptoms can help differentiate it from more severe conditions.

Identifying Costochondritis:

• Sharp pains or aches near the sternum area
• Discomfort in one or more ribs
• Pain intensifying with coughing or deep breathing

Is costochondritis a serious condition? Generally, it’s not cause for major concern. However, persistent pain or additional symptoms warrant a medical consultation to rule out underlying issues.

Musculoskeletal Conditions: Beyond Simple Inflammation

Various musculoskeletal issues can manifest as sternum pain, ranging from injuries to chronic conditions. Recognizing these can help in seeking appropriate treatment and relief.

Common Musculoskeletal Causes of Sternum Pain:

1. Joint injuries
2. Collarbone (clavicle) trauma
3. Fractures
4. Hernias
5. Post-surgical pain (e.g., after open heart surgery)

Sternoclavicular Joint Injury: A Hidden Culprit

The sternoclavicular (SC) joint, connecting the sternum and collarbone, can be a source of significant discomfort when injured. Recognizing SC joint injury symptoms is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Symptoms of SC Joint Injury:

• Mild pain or aching around the upper chest and collarbone
• Audible pops or clicks in the joint area
• Stiffness and limited shoulder movement

How does SC joint injury differ from other chest pains? Unlike cardiac issues, SC joint pain typically worsens with movement and is localized to the upper chest area.

Collarbone Trauma: Impact on Sternum Comfort

Given the direct connection between the collarbone and sternum, any trauma to the clavicle can significantly affect sternum comfort. Understanding the signs of collarbone injury can help in seeking timely medical attention.

Identifying Collarbone Trauma:

• Bruising or visible bumps around the collarbone area
• Severe pain when attempting to raise the arm
• Swelling and tenderness in the affected region
• Abnormal forward sagging of the shoulder

Can collarbone injuries heal on their own? While minor injuries might improve with rest, significant trauma often requires medical intervention to ensure proper healing and prevent long-term complications.

Sternum Fractures: When Impact Leads to Injury

Sternum fractures, often resulting from blunt force trauma, can cause intense pain due to the bone’s involvement in upper body movements. Recognizing the symptoms of a sternum fracture is crucial for seeking appropriate medical care.

Symptoms of Sternum Fracture:

• Pain intensifying with breathing or coughing
• Difficulty breathing
• Audible pops or grinding sensations during arm movement
• Visible swelling and tenderness over the sternum

How serious is a sternum fracture? While painful, most sternum fractures heal with proper care. However, they require medical attention to rule out associated injuries to internal organs.

Digestive Issues: An Unexpected Source of Sternum Pain

The proximity of digestive organs to the sternum means that gastrointestinal conditions can manifest as sternum pain. Understanding this connection can help in identifying and addressing the root cause of discomfort.

Common Digestive Causes of Sternum Pain:

• Heartburn
• Acid reflux
• Hiatal hernia

Why does acid reflux cause sternum pain? When stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, it can create a burning sensation in the chest, often mistaken for sternum or heart pain.

Heartburn and Acid Reflux: More Than Just Indigestion

Heartburn and acid reflux, while common, can significantly impact quality of life and mimic more serious conditions. Understanding their symptoms and triggers is essential for effective management.

Recognizing Heartburn and Acid Reflux:

• Burning sensation in the chest, often after meals
• Difficulty swallowing
• Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
• Chronic cough or throat irritation

How can you differentiate heartburn from heart-related chest pain? Unlike cardiac issues, heartburn typically worsens after eating, when lying down, or bending over. It also often responds to antacids.

Hiatal Hernia: When Organs Shift

A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. This condition can cause significant discomfort and is often associated with acid reflux symptoms.

Symptoms of Hiatal Hernia:

• Frequent burping
• Heartburn
• Difficulty swallowing
• Feeling of fullness after eating small amounts
• In severe cases, vomiting blood or passing black stools

Is surgery always necessary for hiatal hernias? Many small hiatal hernias can be managed with lifestyle changes and medication. However, larger hernias or those causing severe symptoms may require surgical intervention.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Sternum Pain

While many causes of sternum pain are benign, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. Recognizing these red flags can be crucial in addressing potentially serious conditions promptly.

Warning Signs Requiring Immediate Medical Care:

• Severe, persistent chest pain
• Pain radiating to the arm, jaw, or back
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Nausea, sweating, or lightheadedness accompanying chest pain
• Fever or signs of infection around the sternum

How quickly should you seek help for severe chest pain? If you experience intense, unexplained chest pain, especially if accompanied by other concerning symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Diagnostic Approaches for Sternum Pain

Accurately diagnosing the cause of sternum pain often requires a combination of clinical examination and diagnostic tests. Understanding these approaches can help patients prepare for their medical consultations.

Common Diagnostic Methods:

1. Physical examination and medical history review
2. Imaging tests (X-rays, CT scans, MRI)
3. Blood tests to check for inflammation or heart issues
4. Electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess heart function
5. Endoscopy for suspected digestive issues

Why are multiple tests sometimes necessary for diagnosing sternum pain? The diverse potential causes of sternum pain often require a comprehensive approach to accurately identify the underlying issue and rule out serious conditions.

Treatment Options for Sternum Pain

Treatment for sternum pain varies widely depending on the underlying cause. From simple home remedies to medical interventions, understanding the range of options can help in managing symptoms effectively.

Common Treatment Approaches:

• Rest and ice for musculoskeletal injuries
• Anti-inflammatory medications for pain and inflammation
• Physical therapy for joint and muscle issues
• Antacids or proton pump inhibitors for digestive causes
• Lifestyle modifications (e.g., dietary changes, stress reduction)
• In severe cases, surgical intervention

How effective are non-surgical treatments for sternum pain? Many cases of sternum pain respond well to conservative treatments, with surgery reserved for severe or persistent cases unresponsive to other interventions.

Preventing Sternum Pain: Proactive Measures

While not all causes of sternum pain are preventable, adopting certain lifestyle habits and precautions can reduce the risk of developing or exacerbating sternum discomfort.

Preventive Strategies:

• Maintaining good posture
• Practicing proper lifting techniques
• Regular exercise to strengthen chest and core muscles
• Avoiding trigger foods for acid reflux
• Wearing protective gear during high-impact activities
• Managing stress through relaxation techniques

Can dietary changes significantly reduce the risk of sternum pain? For individuals prone to acid reflux or digestive issues, dietary modifications can play a crucial role in preventing sternum discomfort associated with these conditions.

Living with Chronic Sternum Pain: Coping Strategies

For some individuals, sternum pain may become a chronic condition. Developing effective coping strategies can significantly improve quality of life and daily functioning.

Techniques for Managing Chronic Sternum Pain:

1. Pain management techniques (e.g., meditation, deep breathing exercises)
2. Adaptive equipment to reduce strain during daily activities
3. Regular physical therapy or gentle exercises
4. Support groups or counseling for emotional support
5. Exploring alternative therapies (e.g., acupuncture, massage therapy)

How can chronic sternum pain impact mental health? Persistent pain can lead to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. Addressing both physical and emotional aspects of chronic pain is crucial for comprehensive management.

The Role of Lifestyle in Sternum Health

Lifestyle factors play a significant role in overall chest and sternum health. Understanding and modifying these factors can contribute to preventing and managing sternum pain.

Lifestyle Factors Affecting Sternum Health:

• Smoking (increases risk of respiratory issues and inflammation)
• Diet (impacts digestive health and inflammation levels)
• Physical activity (affects muscle strength and posture)
• Sleep habits (influences overall health and pain perception)
• Stress management (affects muscle tension and overall well-being)

How significant is the impact of smoking on sternum health? Smoking not only increases the risk of respiratory issues that can cause chest discomfort but also impairs healing, making it a crucial factor to address for overall sternum and chest health.

Emerging Research and Future Directions in Sternum Pain Management

As medical understanding of sternum pain evolves, new research continues to shed light on innovative approaches to diagnosis and treatment. Staying informed about these developments can offer hope and new options for those dealing with persistent sternum discomfort.

Areas of Ongoing Research:

• Advanced imaging techniques for more accurate diagnosis
• Novel pain management therapies
• Regenerative medicine approaches for cartilage and bone healing
• Minimally invasive surgical techniques
• Personalized treatment plans based on genetic factors

What promising new treatments are on the horizon for sternum pain? While research is ongoing, areas such as targeted drug delivery systems and advanced physical therapy techniques show potential for improving sternum pain management in the future.

Understanding the complexities of sternum pain, from its diverse causes to the range of treatment options, empowers individuals to seek appropriate care and take proactive steps towards chest health. Whether dealing with acute discomfort or managing a chronic condition, staying informed and working closely with healthcare providers can lead to improved outcomes and quality of life. Remember, while sternum pain is often benign, any persistent or concerning symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

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.

Chest pain – causes, diagnosis and treatment of chest pain

Chest pain can have a different character and vary in intensity. The condition is called thoracalgia and signals chronic and acute pathologies. Among the causes of pain syndrome: damage to the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, pathology of the musculoskeletal system, neoplasms. Unpleasant sensations are the reason for going to the doctor in order to establish a diagnosis.

Anatomy of the thorax

The thorax is part of the body and protects the vital organs from traumatic impact. It contains the lungs, heart, large vessels. It has the shape of a compressed cone with two holes, called the aperture. The anteroposterior size of the cone is significantly inferior to the transverse one.

The cell is formed by the sternum, a semi-rigid structure of bone tissue and cartilage. It is also represented by ribs, a part of the spine and a muscular frame. Inside is the chest cavity, the central sections of which are occupied by the mediastinum, and the lateral lungs. Below are the curved diaphragm and the upper part of the abdominal cavity.

What to do at home if your chest hurts

Pain may indicate the onset or exacerbation of diseases. Some pathologies are associated with an increased risk of complications or a threat to life. The best solution when a symptom is detected is to contact a medical institution to identify the cause.

How to help yourself

Before starting treatment, you can stop the manifestations as follows:

1. Take a horizontal position. It is necessary to lie on the bed with a pillow or cushion under your head. It is advisable to avoid sudden movements and try not to be nervous.
2. Ensure air supply. You need to open the window, get rid of tight clothes, unfasten the buttons on the collar.
3. Take medicine. The choice of the drug is carried out by doctors, but you can take a nitroglycerin tablet or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug on your own. The first drug is effective for pain associated with damage to the heart muscle, and the second group helps to relieve pain against the background of neuralgia, joint damage.

What not to do

If there is discomfort in the sternum, it is strictly forbidden:

1. Continue physical activity. It is important to stop any activity immediately to reduce the risk of complications.
2. Treat with warm or cool compresses. Until the cause is established, it is impossible to heat or cool the affected part of the chest area.
3. Carries out treatment without medical advice. The patient is not always able to differentiate the cause of the pain syndrome, so the drugs may be ineffective or harm the body.

When to see a doctor urgently

Chest pain in itself is a good reason to see a doctor. For some diseases, you need to call an ambulance without delay. Signs-markers:

1. Sensations arose abruptly, and the appearance was accompanied by darkening in the eyes. Also, the patient may complain of general weakness, shortness of breath, sweating, pre-syncope.
2. Pain is acute, burning, without a clear localization. Such manifestations indicate heart disease.
3. The syndrome is not relieved by nitroglycerin or non-steroidal agents. If relief does not occur within 15-20 minutes, you should call an ambulance.
4. The patient is unconscious. This is an extremely alarming sign that requires medical attention.

Various causes of chest pain

Chest discomfort is one of the most common reasons for seeking medical help. However, the symptoms do not always indicate a dangerous disease or an existing threat to life.

After COVID-19, influenza or SARS

Infections can cause complications that affect the functioning of organs and systems. The most common discomfort after a coronovirus infection, flu or SARS is caused by:

1. Postcovid asthenia. This is a respiratory dysfunction, manifested by shortness of breath, sleep disturbance, deterioration in performance. Asthenia is caused by the pathogenic effect of the virus on nerve cells, leading to hypoxia, decreased endothelial function, and microthrombosis.
2. Neuropathy. The condition is characterized by damage to nerve fibers by a viral infection. The patient complains of numbness of the extremities, discomfort in the thoracic region a, convulsions, impaired motor functions. Neuropathy can persist from several weeks to six months.
3. Myalgia. The accumulation of lactate in muscle fibers causes acute manifestations in the muscles. Due to the localization of the inflammatory reaction, discomfort is most often found in the sternum.
4. Myocarditis. Covid-19and influenza can cause inflammation of the myocardium. Shortness of breath appears, the rhythm of the heart changes, weakness is detected. Body temperature may remain normal or rise to subfebrile values.

Pain in the center of the chest

Localization of pain in the central part of the chest refers to manifestations of the following conditions:

1. Ischemic heart disease. It is characterized by sharp, spreading pain. Accompanied by swelling of the extremities, respiratory failure and general deterioration.
2. Myocardial infarction. Against the background of a heart attack, the skin turns pale, cold sweat appears, and arrhythmia occurs. In some cases, the patient loses consciousness due to a sharp decrease in the blood supply to the heart. There is a pronounced decrease in blood pressure.
3. Pathologies of the respiratory organs. Discomfort in the central part is characteristic of bronchitis, bronchial asthma, pneumonia. A similar manifestation may indicate pleurisy.
4. Neuralgia. With intercostal neuralgia, the pain syndrome is acute, aggravated by movement, coughing and sneezing. Osteochondrosis of the spine has similar manifestations, but the source is the spine. The patient feels numbness of the skin or “goosebumps” in the affected area.

Left or right

The heart and great vessels are located on the left side of the chest. Diagnostic measures include ECG and other methods to rule out life-threatening conditions, including:

• coronary syndrome;
• pinching of nerve roots and nerve tissue;
• endocarditis and myocarditis;
• deficiency of blood transport to the heart;
• aneurysm dissection;
• spinal injury.

Localization on the left indicates the development of the tumor process, diseases of the esophagus, gastrointestinal tract, the formation of a diaphragmatic hernia. Pain manifestations on the right usually signal a lesion of the respiratory system. Probable causes include acute and chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, pneumothorax. This is how pancreatitis, gastritis, cholecystitis, and liver disease manifest themselves.

When inhaling or coughing

Pain in the chest area, aggravated by coughing or taking a deep breath, usually indicates diseases of the musculoskeletal system and nervous system. However, other causes affecting the respiratory system or having an infectious nature are also likely. Condition linked to:

1. Development of pneumonia. With the disease, the temperature rises, a cough appears with sputum, sometimes with an admixture of blood. Probably difficulty breathing. Pain and cough may increase with changes in body position.
2. Neuralgia. The diagnosis is often established against the background of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine. The appearance is associated with a pinched nerve. May be accompanied by numbness and decreased sensitivity of the skin. Worse after exercise or wearing tight clothing.
3. Pleurisy. Inflammatory process localized on the pleural sheets. Has an infectious or non-infectious nature. It is expressed by a painful reflex cough, a change in breathing. May be complicated by the formation of a purulent focus.

Pain in the chest and shoulder

Occurs against the background of spinal osteochondrosis and neuralgia. It happens as a result of humeroscapular periarthritis – a degenerative-inflammatory lesion of the tissue of the shoulder joint. Among the possible diagnoses is respiratory neurosis, associated with lack of air, compression, and a lump in the chest. The manifestation occurs due to myocardial infarction, against the background of angina pectoris or other heart diseases.

Radiating to the arm

The appearance of pain is often associated with irradiation to the arm. Why is this possible:

1. Cardiological diseases are present. Pain radiates to the left arm with angina pectoris. It increases with physical exertion and psycho-emotional stress. Discomfort extends into the shoulder and under the shoulder blade. An angina pectoris attack stops within 10 minutes after taking nitroglycerin. The cause of the deterioration of the condition may be a heart attack. It is characterized by increased intensity of symptoms and lack of response to nitroglycerin.
2. There are spinal lesions. Usually irradiation to the left or right hand is a typical complaint for patients with osteochondrosis. It is important to exclude autoimmune conditions – Bechterew’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis. They also negatively affect the spinal column and cause pain to radiate to the arm.
3. The patient has myalgia. The condition occurs with other diseases or due to traumatic effects. Myalgia accompanies cardiovascular disorders, infectious myositis, endocrine pathological processes. It is a consequence of toxic damage or pharmacological treatment.

Pain in the chest and back

It is also a typical sign of osteochondrosis. Among other causes of chest pain:

1. Scoliosis. Deformation of the spine in three planes, debuting in childhood or adolescence. Scoliosis also occurs after an injury or for idiopathic reasons. Expressed forms are clearly visible on visual inspection. The patient has asymmetry of the shoulder blades.
2. Oncological diseases and benign tumors. Neoplasms are capable of squeezing nerve endings. The combination of chest pain with a burning sensation in the back in women is considered an indirect symptom of breast cancer. Similar manifestations are characteristic of formations in the esophagus and stomach.
3. Experienced trauma. A fall or a traffic accident can negatively affect the musculoskeletal frame. Pain in the chest region occurs with sprains, cell bruises, torn ligaments, and is also observed from several weeks to months after healing.

Radiating to the shoulder blade

The condition is most often associated with pinched nerve roots in the chest and neck. Symptoms are typical for:

• diseases of the pulmonary system;
• cardiac disorders – diagnosis of myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, cardiomyopathy, congenital and acquired defects of the heart muscle is required;
• diagnoses of the musculoskeletal system – this is how osteochondrosis manifests itself;
• recent back injuries with sternum;
• blood diseases.

Aching (pulling), pressing, sharp (sharp)

Acute pain usually occurs against the background of tissue damage. It is typical for pinched nerve roots of the spine, diseases of the heart muscle, inflammatory processes localized in the respiratory system. Sensations are observed with erosive gastritis, pancreatitis, cholelithiasis. Aching and pressing pain accompanies chronic conditions, and is also a consequence of trauma. Pain can talk about osteochondrosis of the spine or neoplasms.

Breast pain in women

Breast pain can be unilateral or bilateral. A common cause is the size of the mammary glands. In this situation, the woman complains of pain localized in the upper back and in the chest area. Pain syndrome is detected after intense physical exertion due to the accumulation of lactic acid. Pain is accompanied by ovulation and the period of menstrual bleeding, as well as pregnancy and lactation. The listed reasons, as a rule, are not associated with manifestations of diseases and do not require a visit to a doctor.

The symptom may indicate a pathology of the spine, heart. Some pains occur against the background of discharge from the chest, are associated with a feeling of heaviness, a local increase in temperature. They require immediate diagnostic measures aimed at identifying:

• mastitis;
• eczema of the nipples;
• breast cancer.

After training

Chest pain after training is associated with overexertion or muscle tissue injury. Usually the situation is solved by the correct selection of a system of exercises for a particular athlete. Pain occurs due to hypoxia during intense training or in the absence of a warm-up before starting classes. If the manifestations are regularly repeated, have an acute form and significantly affect the well-being, then you should contact a medical institution. Pain is observed against the background of hemodynamic disturbances caused by atherosclerotic changes in the coronary vessels. Possible heart disease, pinched nerve roots of the thoracic region, damage to the musculoskeletal system, oncology.

The best solution in case of pain is to immediately contact an experienced specialist.

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Diseases that cause chest pain

Chest pain is considered a non-specific symptom. It is extremely difficult to differentiate the cause on your own. A comprehensive assessment of manifestations with the participation of narrow specialists is required. The following are the most common diseases that cause pain.

Ischemic heart disease and myocardial infarction

Myocardial injury is provoked by partial or complete blockage of the coronary arteries. Against the background of a decrease in the amount of blood, the nutrition of the tissues of the heart muscle is reduced, which causes the destruction of cardiocyte cells. In severe cases, the condition leads to the death of the patient. The patient complains of dizziness, darkening of the eyes, respiratory and cardiac arrhythmias. The pains in the chest are sharp, squeezing, burning. They can spread to the neck, lower jaw, left arm, and be felt behind the sternum. Symptoms are atypical: slight dizziness, severe fatigue, loss of coordination.

Angina pectoris

With angina, the pain comes on suddenly. The provoking factors are stress, previous physical activity, and a heavy meal. Signs of angina pectoris are squeezing, difficulty breathing, discomfort in the interscapular and epigastric regions. Often an attack is accompanied by an increase in blood pressure. Pain in angina quickly relieves nitroglycerin.

Intercostal neuralgia

Chest pain does not lead to pressure changes or arrhythmias. Risk factors for developing intercostal neuralgia:

• injury to nerves located near the spine and upper back;
• chest pain occurs after surgery followed by a long period of immobilization;
• poisoning with chemicals and drugs;
• inflammatory processes in the lungs;
• congenital developmental features;
• systemic infectious diseases;
• pathology of the spine in acute or prolonged form;
• autoimmune conditions;
• diabetes.

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine

Pain in the chest appears when the cartilaginous tissues between the vertebrae of the cervical-thoracic region are damaged. The danger of disease of the thoracic region of the spinal column is associated with potential risks for the spinal cord. Without proper therapy, the destruction of the vertebrae extends to the nervous tissue and the endings of the spinal cord. Symptoms debut brightly, with shootings in the epigastric region and neuralgia. In severe cases, the disease captures all 12 thoracic vertebrae.

Pneumonia or tuberculosis

Pneumonia causes pleural pain in the chest. Diagnosis is based on an intense cough, increased bronchophony, the appearance of dry and wet rales. Atypical forms are expressed in muscle pain, dry cough, subfebrile temperature. Pleurisy appears after an injury to the pleura in the thoracic region, due to an infection or a tumor process. Tuberculosis is also expressed by pain. The clinical picture includes sweating, aggravated at night, fever up to 37-38 degrees, weight loss.

Spondylosis, scoliosis, arthrosis

The appearance of pain is caused by a violation of the musculoskeletal system, including:

• spondylosis – wear of the tissues of the spine with degeneration of the tissues of the fibrous ring;
• scoliosis – congenital or acquired curvature of the spine affecting posture;
• arthrosis is one of the connective and bone tissue diseases that provokes dystrophic changes.

Pathologies of the esophagus

Chest pain in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract is associated with dyspeptic disorders. The latter include heartburn, impaired stool, belching, flatulence. The patient may also complain of epigastric pain, aggravated after eating or prolonged fasting. Discomfort behind the sternum speaks of an ulcer, gastroesophageal reflux, pancreatitis.

Oncological diseases

Oncological formations manifest as pain in the chest. This is a typical symptom of cancer of the stomach, esophagus, intestines. Malignant cells can be localized in the mammary gland or lungs. Additionally, the patient finds pulling pains in the back, under the shoulder blades and in the neck. Similarly, cancer of the thyroid gland and trachea is signaled.

If the symptoms do not go away for a long time, it is necessary to urgently visit an osteopath.

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Diagnostics and research

The choice of activities is made by the therapist. Tactics depends on the general condition of the patient and the proposed diagnosis. In most cases, the diagnosis includes laboratory samples:

• general analysis of urine and blood;
• venous blood biochemical sample;
• tests for tumor markers.

Recommended MRI or CT of the spine, tomography of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract. An ECG is prescribed to exclude heart muscle diseases. Women with discomfort in the thoracic region are shown ultrasound examinations (ultrasound) and mammography.

Consultation of our specialists will help to make the correct diagnosis.

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Treatment of chest pain

Treatment is selected individually after receiving the results of the diagnosis. It includes pharmacological therapy, physiotherapy, physiotherapy exercises. Sometimes the only solution for the patient is surgery.

Conservative treatment

Treatment involves medication. The drugs of choice may be non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics, cardiac drugs for angina pectoris or other conditions. For pain, physiotherapy is recommended: electrophoresis, magnetotherapy, electric shock. A good result is given by physical therapy classes according to individual programs.

Surgical treatment

Medical institutions perform excision of benign and malignant tumors, removal of destroyed vertebrae, relief of deformities of the musculoskeletal system. After surgery, conservative therapy will be required.

Methods of treatment in our clinic

The main direction of our clinic is osteopathy. This is a modern trend based on the relationship of organs with areas of the musculoskeletal system. Osteopathic treatment relieves pain, starts the natural processes of cell healing, strengthens the body and restores efficiency.

An osteopath will diagnose all body systems, make the necessary adjustments and draw up a treatment plan. Also, if necessary, he will refer you for examinations or to other specialists. The specialists of our center never impose treatment that the patient does not need.

Our specialists will conduct an examination and prescribe the optimal treatment.

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Answers to frequently asked questions

First, the patient needs to contact a general practitioner for primary diagnosis. After an examination and basic research, the doctor, if necessary, will redirect to narrow specialists: a neurologist, oncologist, rheumatologist.

The duration of the course is determined by the complexity of the case. To achieve lasting results, sometimes you need to visit a doctor only a few times. Some patients feel significantly better after the first visit to a specialist.

Middle chest pain: possible causes, treatment

Doctors call the phenomenon when a person has pain in the chest in the middle, thoracalgia. There can be a lot of reasons for the appearance of pain syndrome, from the most harmless to quite serious pathologies. In order not to miss an important “alarm bell” from your body, it is best to contact a neurologist who will examine you and determine why your chest began to hurt.

Middle chest pain: causes

There can be many reasons why pain appeared in the middle of the chest, so it is worth considering the intensity of the pain syndrome, its frequency and the specific localization of pain. By doing this, it will be possible to narrow the search for pathology leading to unpleasant sensations.

Heart pathologies

Pain in the chest is often associated with diseases of the cardiovascular system, the heart. If you feel thoracic all the time, this may indicate an aortic aneurysm. In this case, the pain in the left or right side of the chest is felt for a long time, and it will become stronger every time the person moves from rest to physical activity. The condition is treated exclusively surgically, so hospitalization will be required to confirm this diagnosis. Pain in the center of the chest in front can also appear if a pulmonary embolism develops. The pain syndrome becomes stronger on inspiration, and taking analgesics allows you to suppress it. Compressive pain may indicate that a person has angina pectoris, and pain can also be a symptom of myocardial infarction.

Respiratory damage

If there is pain in the front in the center of the chest, and at the same time you feel interruptions in breathing, you cannot breathe deeply, cough and shortness of breath appear, the problem may be the occurrence of pulmonary diseases, which include tracheitis, pneumonia, bronchitis, pleurisy and some others. The same symptoms can occur with diseases of the diaphragm.

Injuries

Pain in front of the chest, in the middle, or between the ribs may occur in a person who has survived an accident, has been involved in a fight, or has damaged chest structures from a fall or blow. Such pains intensify when he tries to turn around, bend down, take a deep breath, and are explained by the fact that blood vessels rupture, the periosteum is damaged, cracks and fractures form. In such a situation, at rest, the pain syndrome can disappear almost completely, which gives a person a false confidence that there is no need to consult a doctor.

Diseases of the spine

The most common reason why the chest hurts in the middle is osteochondrosis, if we talk about the pathologies of the spinal column. Pain in osteochondrosis can be constant or manifest in the form of seizures. The pain will be the same in intensity and manifestation with radiculopathy in the thoracic spine. Also, pain syndrome can indicate an intervertebral hernia and congenital anomalies in the structure of the spinal column.

Neurological diseases

Causes of pain in the chest in the middle can be neuralgic in nature. The most common diagnosis in this case is intercostal neuralgia, in which it is very painful in the sternum, it radiates to the back under the shoulder blade, which makes it easy for a person to confuse pain with heart pain.

Esophageal problems

Pain in the shoulder blades and in the middle of the chest may be associated with pathologies of the esophagus. The reason in this case is, as a rule, a spasm, which manifests itself more often in the morning or after eating. Pain in the chest area is relieved by taking antispasmodic drugs. Often spasms of the esophagus are accompanied by spasm of the muscular walls of the stomach.

How to relieve pain. First Aid

Often a person who has pain in the middle of the chest does not know what to do in such a situation. Some people are in so much pain that they faint. At the same time, a strong fright is observed, the pulse rate increases, the skin turns pale. The first thing to do if suddenly a person has severe pain in the sternum, internal organs and spine:

Also, if a person has pain in the middle of the chest, it is best to ask everyone present to leave the room and ensure complete rest for the patient until the ambulance arrives.

Diagnosis

The first thing the doctor will do is to interview and examine the patient, which will narrow the search for pathology by concomitant symptoms. After that, various diagnostic procedures can be prescribed to determine the cause of the pain syndrome. 9 may be useful0371 magnetic resonance or computed tomography , x-ray , ultrasound , blood tests, etc.