What causes pain in the sternum area. How to identify symptoms of sternum pain. When should you see a doctor for chest discomfort. What are the common treatments for sternal pain. How to differentiate between heart-related and non-cardiac chest pain. What lifestyle changes can help alleviate sternum discomfort. How to prevent recurrent sternal pain.

Understanding Sternum Pain: More Than Just a Heart Concern

Sternum pain, often referred to as chest pain, can be a source of concern for many individuals. While it’s natural to associate chest discomfort with heart-related issues, the reality is that pain in the sternum area can stem from various causes, many of which are not cardiac in nature. Understanding the different factors that can contribute to sternum pain is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

What is the sternum and its function?

The sternum, commonly known as the breastbone, is a flat bone located in the center of the chest. It plays a vital role in protecting the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels. The sternum connects to the ribs via cartilage, forming the front of the rib cage and providing stability to the upper body.

Costochondritis: A Common Culprit of Sternum Pain

One of the most frequent causes of sternum pain is costochondritis, an inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the sternum. This condition can result in sharp pains or aches in the sternum area, often exacerbated by coughing or deep breathing. While costochondritis can be uncomfortable, it’s generally not a serious condition.

What are the symptoms of costochondritis?

• Sharp pains or aches on the side of the sternum area
• Pain or discomfort in one or more ribs
• Increased pain when coughing or breathing deeply

Costochondritis may not always have a clear cause, but it can often result from chest injuries, physical strain, or joint conditions like osteoarthritis. If you experience persistent pain or additional symptoms, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional.

Musculoskeletal Causes of Sternum Pain

The sternum’s location and its connection to various bones and muscles in the chest area make it susceptible to pain from musculoskeletal conditions or injuries. Understanding these potential causes can help in identifying the source of discomfort and seeking appropriate treatment.

What are some common musculoskeletal causes of sternum pain?

• Sternoclavicular joint injury
• Collarbone (clavicle) trauma
• Sternum fracture
• Muscle strain or hernia

Each of these conditions presents unique symptoms and requires specific treatment approaches. Let’s explore them in more detail.

Sternoclavicular Joint Injury: When Your Collarbone Meets Your Sternum

The sternoclavicular joint (SC joint) connects the top of the sternum with the collarbone. An injury to this joint can result in pain and discomfort in the sternum and upper chest area.

How can you identify a sternoclavicular joint injury?

Common symptoms of an SC joint injury include:

• Mild pain or aching and swelling around the upper chest and collarbone area
• Popping or clicking sounds in the joint area
• Stiffness around the joint
• Limited shoulder mobility

If you experience these symptoms, especially after a fall or impact to the chest area, it’s important to seek medical evaluation to rule out more serious injuries and receive appropriate treatment.

Collarbone Trauma: Impact on Sternum Health

The collarbone’s direct connection to the sternum means that any trauma to this bone can affect the sternum and cause pain in the chest area. Collarbone injuries are often the result of falls, sports accidents, or vehicle collisions.

What are the signs of collarbone trauma?

Look out for the following symptoms:

• Bruises or bumps around the collarbone area
• Intense pain when moving the arm upward
• Swelling or tenderness around the collarbone
• Abnormal sagging of the shoulder
• Grinding or popping noises when lifting the arm

Collarbone injuries can range from mild sprains to severe fractures. Proper diagnosis and treatment are crucial for optimal healing and to prevent long-term complications.

Sternum Fractures: When the Breastbone Breaks

A fractured sternum is a serious injury that can cause significant pain and breathing difficulties. These fractures typically result from high-impact trauma to the chest, such as car accidents or sports injuries.

How can you recognize a sternum fracture?

Common symptoms of a sternum fracture include:

• Pain when breathing in or coughing
• Difficulty breathing
• Audible sounds (pops, clicks, or grinding) when moving the arms
• Swelling and tenderness over the sternum

If you suspect a sternum fracture, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention. These injuries can be associated with other internal injuries and may require careful monitoring and treatment.

Muscle Strains and Hernias: Overlooked Causes of Chest Pain

Sometimes, what feels like sternum pain may actually be the result of a strained chest muscle or a hernia. These conditions, while less severe than some other causes of chest pain, can still cause significant discomfort and warrant medical attention.

How do muscle strains and hernias affect the chest area?

Muscle strains in the chest can cause localized pain, especially when using the affected muscle. A hiatal hernia, where part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm, can also cause discomfort in the chest area.

Symptoms of a muscle strain may include:

• Pain around the pulled muscle
• Discomfort when using the affected muscle
• Bruising or tenderness around the affected area

Symptoms of a hiatal hernia often include:

• Frequent burping
• Heartburn
• Difficulty swallowing
• Feeling of fullness

While these conditions are generally not life-threatening, they can significantly impact quality of life and may require medical intervention for proper management.

Gastrointestinal Issues: When Digestion Causes Chest Discomfort

The proximity of the sternum to major digestive organs means that gastrointestinal issues can often manifest as sternum pain. Conditions affecting the esophagus, stomach, and intestines can all contribute to discomfort in the chest area.

What gastrointestinal conditions can cause sternum pain?

Two of the most common gastrointestinal causes of sternum pain are:

1. Heartburn
2. Acid reflux

Heartburn occurs when stomach acid leaks into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest. Acid reflux, a related condition, involves the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus, which can also lead to chest discomfort.

How can you differentiate between heartburn and more serious chest pain?

While heartburn can cause significant discomfort, it’s important to distinguish it from more serious conditions like heart attacks. Here are some key differences:

• Heartburn pain often feels like a burning sensation behind the breastbone
• Heartburn may worsen when lying down or after eating
• Heartburn is often relieved by antacids
• Heart attack pain is usually more severe and may be accompanied by other symptoms like shortness of breath, nausea, or arm pain

If you’re unsure about the cause of your chest pain, especially if you have risk factors for heart disease, it’s always best to seek medical attention promptly.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Sternum Pain

While many causes of sternum pain are not life-threatening, it’s crucial to know when to seek medical help. Certain symptoms may indicate a more serious condition that requires immediate attention.

What are the red flags for sternum pain?

Seek immediate medical care if you experience:

• Severe, crushing chest pain
• Pain radiating to the jaw, neck, or arms
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Nausea or vomiting along with chest pain
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat

These symptoms could indicate a heart attack or other serious cardiac condition and require urgent evaluation.

How is sternum pain diagnosed?

When you seek medical attention for sternum pain, your healthcare provider will likely:

1. Take a detailed medical history
2. Perform a physical examination
3. Order diagnostic tests, which may include:
   • Electrocardiogram (ECG)
   • Chest X-ray
   • Blood tests
   • CT scan or MRI in some cases

These assessments help determine the underlying cause of your sternum pain and guide appropriate treatment.

Treatment Options for Sternum Pain

The treatment for sternum pain varies depending on its underlying cause. It’s essential to receive a proper diagnosis before starting any treatment regimen.

What are common treatments for sternum pain?

Treatment options may include:

• Rest and activity modification
• Over-the-counter pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
• Ice or heat therapy
• Physical therapy exercises
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Antacids or acid-reducing medications for gastrointestinal causes
• In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary

Your healthcare provider will recommend the most appropriate treatment based on the specific cause and severity of your sternum pain.

Can lifestyle changes help alleviate sternum pain?

In many cases, certain lifestyle modifications can help reduce the frequency and intensity of sternum pain:

• Maintaining good posture
• Avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous activities that aggravate the pain
• Quitting smoking
• Managing stress through relaxation techniques
• Eating a balanced diet and avoiding trigger foods if heartburn is an issue
• Losing weight if overweight or obese

These changes, combined with medical treatment when necessary, can significantly improve quality of life for those experiencing recurrent sternum pain.

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.

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.

Chest pain as a symptom of other diseases: which doctor to consult

Chest pain can be a symptom of dozens of diseases related to the heart, stomach, lungs, musculoskeletal and neurological problems. Some situations require urgent medical attention, others do not need treatment. But only a specialist after a comprehensive diagnosis can determine the danger of the cause of pain. For any pain in the chest, contact the NeoMed diagnostic center in Anapa. Here the source of anxiety will be determined and a treatment plan will be drawn up.

What can hurt in the chest

Pain in the chest area is familiar to people of all ages. Painful sensations occur in the middle of the chest, on the left, on the right, in the lower or upper part. They are aching, burning, sharp, growing. They last several minutes or for a long time, return periodically, accompanying some specific actions: coughing, inhaling, increased stress.

Inside the chest are the great vessels, heart, lungs, esophagus, muscles and ligaments. All this can cause pain of a different nature.

It is customary to classify two types of chest pains :

1. Vertebrogenic – associated with the pathology of the spine.
2. Non-vertebrogenic – caused by diseases of the vessels and internal organs, as well as those of a psychogenic nature.

But it is often very difficult to determine what exactly hurts and where in the chest. After all, pain can occur next to the problem area from pinched nerves or an inflammatory process, be radiating or wandering.

Causes of chest pain

Although chest pain is not always due to cardiac disorders, these problems can rightly be put in the first place.

Character of pain in case of heart disease :

• Angina pectoris – compressive character, radiating to the shoulder, occurs with increased exertion, for example, when walking fast or climbing stairs.
• Heart attack – prolonged (more than 20 minutes) intense chest pain of a pressing nature, shortness of breath, fear of death. Need urgent help.
• Myocarditis – not strong, but pressing, combined with an accelerated heartbeat.
• Pericarditis – acute, exacerbated by the horizontal position of the body.
• Cardiomyopathy – moderate, appears after exercise and eating.

Cardiac pains are usually difficult to localize and intermittent in cases of slowly progressive disease.

Problems of the respiratory system causing pain in the chest of various types:

• Bronchitis – tense, aggravated by coughing.
• Pulmonary embolism – acute, similar to a heart attack, urgent medical attention is required.
• Collapsed lung – accompanied by severe dyspnea.
• Pneumonia – stabbing, worse on inspiration.
• Pleurisy – accompanies every breath, becomes more noticeable when coughing.
• COPD – pressing with wheezing and cough.
• Lung cancer – irregular, may be accompanied by cough with sputum and hemoptysis.

It is important to know that there are no pain receptors in the lungs, so the muscles in the chest hurt from tension or inflammation. Sensations can be localized in the middle or intensified by inflammation.

Causes and types of pain in the chest with problems with the digestive system :

• Disorders of the esophagus – appear in the process of swallowing.
• Diseases of the gallbladder and pancreas – accompanied by pain in the upper abdomen.
• Gastroesophageal reflux – accompanied by heartburn: burning behind the sternum.
• Gastritis, gastric ulcer – aching dull pain on the left under the ribs or on the left in the sternum.

Musculoskeletal pain in the chest area causes rib injuries, scoliosis, cartilage disease, thoracic osteochondrosis, the symptoms of which are very similar to a heart attack. A pinched nerve is accompanied by numbness of the problem area. Muscular dull pains of an unknown nature can disturb a long period of time. They are safe, but it is important to rule out life-threatening causes.

Pain in the chest also with panic attacks and intercostal neuralgia, which is characterized by pinching sensations in the middle of the sternum. In women, diseases of the mammary glands and cyclic changes in the hormonal background can provoke painful conditions.

Which doctor to contact for diagnosis

The variety of causes makes it difficult to diagnose, but in case of intermittent or long-term disturbing pains, it is important to establish their true cause. Taking painkillers can only aggravate the situation, because chest pain is just a symptom, behind which there is some process that destroys the body.

Since there are many diseases, it is best to consult a general practitioner first. After listening to complaints, he will prescribe preliminary studies: a blood test, ECG, fluorography (X-ray), if necessary, a CT scan of the chest, he will refer to narrow specialists for a more detailed examination. You may need to do an ultrasound, gastroscopy, bronchoscopy, mammography (for women).

If you are concerned about chest pain or other discomfort in the chest, come for a consultation at the NeoMed Medical Center in Anapa. A team of specialists and modern equipment is a guarantee that the diagnosis will be made with maximum accuracy.

Pain in the thoracic spine

I completely trusted and the results were not long in coming!

I turned to Igor Nikolaevich with acute severe pain in the cervical spine. Since I live in Germany, I first looked for help there, but unfortunately I didn’t get a result, and my good friend, who has been treated with him for many years, said that I need to go to him, he cured her hernia. I came with an MRI, the doctor studied the history, examined, said that I have chondrosis of the cervical spine, that this causes a lot of problems: pinched nerves, blood vessels are out of order. He prescribed therapy according to his own method, 14 sessions in total, which included osteopathy, which takes about an hour, electrophoresis, injections and gravitational therapy, I liked it the most, I felt like an astronaut. After the third session, I already felt an improvement, that the pains were gradually released, a bright consciousness appeared, my head felt better. I have not seen such a technique, but I have met a person who “flies”
after this technique, this is my friend, and she completely trusted and really the results were not long in coming.

Marina from Germany

Attending physician: Yarukhin I.N.

We solved the problem in 3 sessions!

Just a month ago I faced a problem – my back began to hurt. I have been looking for a way to get rid of this problem for a very long time. I went to a neurologist, because at first they thought that I had something with my nerves. After many attempts to help, she sent me to a vertebrologist. This was the first time we heard of such a specialist. Then we learned about the medical center “Palikha”, as we were purposefully looking for a vertebrologist, he was not in our city and we found him here in Moscow. My specialist’s name is Novichkov Evgeny Nikolaevich, I was very lucky with him, because after three sessions I felt much better. Initially, a course of three sessions was prescribed, but I was very lucky and felt better in three.

Olga

Attending physician: Novichkov E.N.

There was a hernia. Within a month the pain was gone!

I live in the Moscow region, in the city of Elektrostal. I have already climbed to the top for 70 years, and from this peak you can see a lot, but diseases also come. In September 2019, I felt very severe pain in my left shoulder blade and left arm. I did an MRI – it turned out that this was due to a vertebral hernia. Went to the clinic at the place of residence. The doctor prescribed injections and pills. For two weeks of their use, the pain did not go away, the result left much to be desired. I signed up for another doctor, everything was the same, injections, pills, and so for another two weeks, but the pain still tormented me. I remembered that a few years ago I applied to the Palikha clinic in Moscow on the issue of pressure. And there I saw a stand on which it was written that Dr. Igor Nikolayevich Yarukhin treats vertebral hernias according to his method, that as a result of this complex treatment, a hernia decreases by 2 times in a year and cartilaginous tissues grow in the intervertebral discs. I turned to Igor Nikolaevich, we started a course of treatment. A month later, the pain disappeared, I felt like a completely healthy person, but I continue the course of treatment so far. Today is already February, soon 23, and I can say that over the past month I have not experienced any pain, I feel like a completely healthy person, I can only say that Igor Nikolayevich is a great merit in this. So today I came for another procedure. In 3 months I will come for a follow-up examination. There is already hope that my health has returned, I don’t feel pain, I do exercises with 5 kg dumbbells, and everything is fine. Thanks to Igor Nikolaevich.

Viktor Semenovich, 70 years old

Attending physician: Yarukhin I.N.

I had a problem with my back. At the end of the course, I do not feel any problems!

I had a problem with my back. My good friend, a work colleague, advised Novichkov Evgeny Nikolaevich. Called, made an appointment, came by appointment. Evgeniy Nikolayevich took a look and prescribed a course of manual procedures. I did not argue with the doctor, the entire course that was prescribed passed. In general, at the end of the course, the problem went away, I don’t feel the problem, everything is fine, the back works, moves. Conducted field tests in the country – withstood, everything is fine. There are no restrictions on loads, everything is possible. I highly recommend the doctor, highly recommended. Even among my acquaintances, several people are being treated by him. Impressions are only positive. Professionally. Correctly. Politely. I recommend both the clinic and the doctor to everyone.

Maxim, 32 years old

Attending physician: Novichkov E.N.

After the second treatment, the discomfort disappeared!

I turned to Dr. Novichkov on the recommendation of a neurologist from a clinic in the city of Korolev. I have had a problem with my back for a long time – an intervertebral hernia. After the MRI, the neurologist advised me to take a course of osteopathy and manual therapy with Dr. Novichkov. She advised him as a knowledgeable, competent specialist in this particular problem. I underwent a course of osteopathy and an injection of the chondroprotector GiarRepair to moisturize the intervertebral discs. After the second procedure, I felt that my body became more obedient to me, there were no difficulties when turning the neck, when bending the body, and I no longer experienced other unpleasant sensations.

Elena

Attending physician: Novichkov E.N.

It became easy to breathe, the spine became soft and mobile!

I came to the medical center with my back problems. I have a hernia, my back hurt, not much, but it bothered me. I visited many neurologists, went to the state polyclinic, they could not help me there, the pain does not go away, I sleep badly. My friend suggested that I turn to Palikha specifically to Igor Nikolaevich Yarukhin. He received me, looked at me very well, all the pictures, x-rays. Interrogated from and to. We started treatment, osteopathic procedures, electrophoresis. And I want to say that after about 4 procedures I felt better. I realized that it became so easy for me to breathe, the spine became soft and more mobile. I like it. I began to sleep well, sound sleep. If earlier I could not sleep soundly, twisted, rolled over, worried about my back, now I sleep and feel good. I advise, if someone needs help in this regard, contact Igor Nikolaevich, they will definitely help.

Irina, 55 years old

Attending physician: Yarukhin I.N.

Thanks to Igor Nikolaevich for a new opportunity to a full life!

I went to the clinic when they were talking about an operation – replacement of the vertebrae. Came in for a consultation on the recommendation of a friend. The doctors said that if Yarukhin does not take it, then it will definitely be an operation. I came to Igor Nikolaevich. He said, “No operation! Will be working!”. I did not believe, because I could hardly walk, there was already swelling of the bone marrow, one leg pulled the other. When people passed by, it seemed to me that they were birds that fly, and I was lined. A month later I started walking, after two or three months the pain went away, and now I don’t have a single hernia. I remember that pain, and I am glad that I can walk. I am very grateful to the Palikha Medical Center and Igor Nikolaevich for giving me a new opportunity to a full life, thank you very much! Very nice staff, always helpful and helpful.

Irina Zolotareva

Attending physician: Yarukhin I.N.

Evgeniy Nikolaevich set me on my feet with his procedures!

An age-related problem of urban sedentary life that also covered me – lower back pain. Since I already went to the clinic for hirudotherapy, I saw information about other services of the clinic, I decided to do manual therapy and massage. Luckily, I managed to see a clinic doctor even during an acute period, and what is especially pleasant, during the winter holidays. He helped me a lot, literally put me on my feet with his procedures, because I could not even stand for 2-3 minutes near the sink – I immediately felt drawn to my side. I have had manual therapy sessions. Went in for a massage and manual therapy. Of course, I can’t say that everything went well for me, but the situation is under control and I already know how to behave, whom to contact, how to optimize the load so as not to fall out of active life at all. I recommend Evgeny Nikolayevich Novichkov to all those who suffer with pain in the back, neck and other places, because he is a very attentive, sensitive therapist who uses techniques aimingly, and proceeding not from the method but from the patient’s condition, always in dialogue and able to understand those problems, that this particular sufferer has and help in their resolution. Only positive feedback.

Galina Lyubimova, 64 years old

Attending physician: Novichkov E.N.

Life seems to be getting better!

I have osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae, hernia of the cervical vertebrae, protrusion of the cervical vertebrae, and even swelling of the (spinal) cord in these vertebrae. Unfortunately, what neuropathologists offered – classical methods did not help me very much. After I got dizzy, it was even hard to walk. After I turned to Igor Nikolayevich at the Palikha clinic, I was given a course of osteopathy, electrophoresis, injections, which significantly changed the situation. Pain in the vertebrae subsided, dizziness significantly decreased, confidence appeared when walking, no swaying. Life seems to be getting better. In general, I am satisfied, I can advise. In my opinion, in such a situation, the best treatment is osteopathy, manual therapy and electrophoresis.

Viktor Ivanovich

Attending physician: Yarukhin I. N.

Condition improved by 90%!

With my problem of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis, I went to the Palikha clinic to Igor Nikolaevich Yarukhin, having found information on the Internet. He helped me a lot by conducting 10 sessions of manual therapy and electrophoresis. My condition has improved by 90%, for which I am grateful to the clinic. The result exceeded all expectations, especially considering that my age has already exceeded 80 years.

Evgenia, 82 years old

Attending physician: Yarukhin I.N.

The doctor deals with my problem individually!

I had a series of osteopathic sessions with Dr. Yarukhin. I turned to the Palikha clinic, as I always had problems with my back. I was tormented by osteochondrosis, pain for a long time, 2 years ago there was a serious attack. After that, she began to do gymnastics and look for a solution to the problem. I came to the clinic with an MRI, I liked that the doctor got acquainted with the pictures, and during the sessions I noticed that the doctor deals individually with my problems of my spine.