What causes sternum pain. How to identify symptoms of sternum-related conditions. When should you see a doctor for chest discomfort. What are the treatment options for various sternum pain causes.

Understanding Sternum Pain: More Than Just a Heart Concern

Sternum pain, often mistaken for cardiac issues, can stem from various sources unrelated to the heart. The sternum, or breastbone, plays a crucial role in protecting vital organs and connecting the rib cage. While chest discomfort may trigger concerns about heart attacks, especially in those over 40 with heart disease risk factors, younger individuals without pre-existing conditions are more likely to experience sternum pain due to musculoskeletal or digestive issues.

Can sternum pain be a sign of a serious condition? In most cases, sternum pain is not life-threatening. However, it’s essential to understand the underlying causes and recognize when medical attention is necessary. This comprehensive guide will explore the various factors contributing to sternum discomfort, helping you navigate this common yet often misunderstood symptom.

Costochondritis: The Leading Cause of Sternum Pain

Costochondritis, an inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the sternum, is the most frequent cause of sternum pain. This condition can manifest through several symptoms:

• Sharp pains or aches on the side of your sternum area
• Discomfort in one or more ribs
• Pain that worsens when coughing or breathing deeply

What triggers costochondritis? While the exact cause isn’t always clear, it often results from chest injuries, physical strain, or joint conditions like osteoarthritis. Despite its uncomfortable nature, costochondritis is generally not a cause for serious concern. However, persistent pain or additional symptoms may warrant a visit to your healthcare provider.

Musculoskeletal Conditions and Injuries Affecting the Sternum

The intricate network of muscles and bones surrounding the sternum can contribute to pain when injured or strained. Common musculoskeletal causes of sternum pain include:

Sternoclavicular Joint Injury

The sternoclavicular (SC) joint connects the top of the sternum to the collarbone. Injury to this joint can result in:

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

Collarbone Trauma

Given its direct connection to the sternum, collarbone injuries can significantly impact the surrounding area. Symptoms of collarbone trauma may include:

• Bruising or bumps around the injury site
• Intense pain during arm elevation
• Swelling and tenderness
• Abnormal shoulder positioning

Sternum Fracture

A fractured sternum, often resulting from blunt force trauma, can cause severe pain due to its involvement in upper body movements. Common signs of a sternum fracture include:

• Pain during breathing or coughing
• Difficulty breathing
• Audible noises during arm movement
• Swelling and tenderness over the sternum

Muscle Strain and Hernias

Chest muscle strains and hernias can also contribute to sternum pain. Muscle strain symptoms typically include localized pain, discomfort during use, and possible bruising. Hiatal hernias, where the stomach pushes into the chest cavity, may cause:

• Frequent burping
• Heartburn
• Difficulty swallowing
• Feeling of fullness
• In severe cases, vomiting blood or black stools

Digestive Issues: A Hidden Culprit of Sternum Pain

The sternum’s proximity to major digestive organs means that gastrointestinal conditions can often manifest as sternum pain. Two common digestive causes of chest discomfort are heartburn and acid reflux.

Heartburn and Acid Reflux

Heartburn occurs when stomach acid leaks into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest. Acid reflux, a closely related condition, involves the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus. Both can lead to sternum pain, especially after meals.

How can you distinguish heartburn from more serious chest pain? Heartburn typically:

• Worsens when lying down or bending over
• Improves with antacids
• May be accompanied by a sour taste in the mouth
• Often occurs after eating spicy, fatty, or acidic foods

When to Seek Medical Attention for Sternum Pain

While many causes of sternum pain are benign, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. Seek emergency care if you experience:

• Severe, crushing chest pain
• Pain radiating to the jaw, left arm, or back
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Nausea, vomiting, or profuse sweating accompanying chest pain
• Dizziness or fainting
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat

Is it possible to differentiate between heart-related and non-heart-related sternum pain at home? While some indicators can help, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and seek medical evaluation for concerning symptoms, especially if you have risk factors for heart disease.

Diagnostic Approaches for Sternum Pain

When evaluating sternum pain, healthcare providers may employ various diagnostic tools and techniques:

• Physical examination: Assessing tenderness, swelling, and range of motion
• Medical history review: Identifying potential causes based on lifestyle and pre-existing conditions
• Imaging studies: X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to visualize bone and soft tissue structures
• Blood tests: Checking for markers of inflammation or heart damage
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): Evaluating heart function and rhythm
• Stress tests: Assessing heart health during physical exertion

How do doctors determine the cause of sternum pain? By combining these diagnostic approaches with a thorough understanding of your symptoms and medical history, healthcare providers can often pinpoint the underlying cause of your discomfort.

Treatment Options for Various Causes of Sternum Pain

The treatment for sternum pain varies depending on its underlying cause. Here are some common approaches:

Costochondritis Treatment

• Over-the-counter pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen)
• Application of heat or ice
• Rest and avoidance of activities that exacerbate pain
• Physical therapy exercises
• In severe cases, local corticosteroid injections

Musculoskeletal Injury Treatment

• Rest and immobilization for fractures or severe sprains
• Physical therapy to improve strength and flexibility
• Pain management techniques, including medication and ice/heat therapy
• In some cases, surgical intervention for severe injuries or persistent issues

Digestive Issue Management

• Lifestyle modifications (e.g., dietary changes, weight loss)
• Over-the-counter antacids or acid reducers
• Prescription medications for chronic acid reflux or GERD
• In severe cases, surgical procedures to address structural issues

What is the most effective way to manage sternum pain at home? For minor discomfort, a combination of rest, over-the-counter pain relievers, and ice or heat therapy can often provide relief. However, persistent or severe pain should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Preventing Sternum Pain: Lifestyle and Exercise Considerations

While not all causes of sternum pain are preventable, certain lifestyle choices and exercises can help reduce your risk:

• Maintain good posture to reduce strain on chest muscles and joints
• Practice proper form during exercise, especially when lifting weights
• Warm up adequately before physical activities
• Strengthen chest and upper back muscles through targeted exercises
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques or meditation
• Avoid triggering foods if you’re prone to acid reflux or heartburn
• Wear protective gear during contact sports or high-risk activities

Can regular exercise help prevent sternum pain? While exercise is generally beneficial for overall health, it’s important to approach physical activity mindfully. Gradual progression in intensity, proper form, and adequate rest between workouts can help minimize the risk of injury-related sternum pain.

Long-term Outlook and Management of Chronic Sternum Pain

For some individuals, sternum pain may become a chronic issue. Managing long-term sternum discomfort often requires a multifaceted approach:

• Regular follow-ups with healthcare providers to monitor progress and adjust treatment plans
• Exploration of complementary therapies such as acupuncture or massage
• Psychological support to address the emotional impact of chronic pain
• Adaptation of daily activities to minimize pain triggers
• Ongoing physical therapy or home exercise programs to maintain strength and flexibility

Is it possible to live a normal life with chronic sternum pain? With proper management and support, many individuals with chronic sternum pain can maintain a good quality of life. Working closely with healthcare providers and being proactive about pain management strategies are key to long-term success.

Sternum Pain in Special Populations: Considerations for Athletes and Older Adults

Certain groups may be more susceptible to sternum pain or face unique challenges in its management:

Athletes and Sternum Pain

Athletes, particularly those involved in contact sports or activities with repetitive upper body movements, may be at higher risk for sternum-related injuries. Special considerations for this group include:

• Importance of proper protective gear
• Tailored rehabilitation programs for sports-specific return to play
• Focus on biomechanics and technique to prevent reinjury
• Regular screening for overuse injuries

Older Adults and Sternum Pain

As we age, the risk of certain conditions that can cause sternum pain increases. Older adults should be aware of:

• Increased likelihood of osteoarthritis affecting the sternoclavicular joint
• Higher risk of fractures due to decreased bone density
• Potential for referred pain from age-related spinal issues
• Importance of distinguishing between benign causes and serious cardiovascular events

How does age affect the management of sternum pain? Treatment approaches may need to be modified for older adults, taking into account factors such as medication interactions, overall health status, and mobility limitations. A geriatric specialist can provide tailored advice for managing sternum pain in the elderly population.

Emerging Research and Future Directions in Sternum Pain Management

The field of sternum pain management continues to evolve, with ongoing research exploring new treatment modalities and diagnostic techniques. Some areas of current interest include:

• Advanced imaging techniques for more precise diagnosis of musculoskeletal causes
• Novel pharmacological approaches for managing chronic inflammation
• Minimally invasive surgical techniques for severe cases of costochondritis
• Integration of wearable technology for real-time monitoring of chest wall movements
• Exploration of regenerative medicine approaches for cartilage repair

What breakthroughs can we expect in sternum pain treatment in the coming years? While it’s difficult to predict specific advancements, the trend towards personalized medicine and non-invasive therapies is likely to continue, offering hope for improved outcomes and quality of life for those suffering from chronic sternum pain.

As research progresses, staying informed about the latest developments and maintaining open communication with healthcare providers will be crucial for individuals seeking the most effective management strategies for their 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.

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 – Medical clinic “DonMed” in Rostov-on-Don

Chest pain is the most common complaint with which people seek medical help. She is always alarming and even frightening, but you don’t need to grab heart drops right away, because the reason may be not only in the heart.

What can cause chest pain?

By origin, chest pain is divided into cardiac and non-cardiac. In the first case, the cause can be various pathologies of the heart – myocarditis, pericarditis, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction and many others. Extracardiac pain can be associated with a large group of diseases. Most frequent:

• intercostal neuralgia;
• cervical and thoracic osteochondrosis;
• pleurisy;
• gastroesophageal reflux disease;
• esophagitis;
• stomach ulcer, duodenal ulcer;
• acute pancreatitis;
• pneumonia;
• bronchitis;
• herpes zoster and others

Chest pain has many faces, and it is impossible to establish its cause on your own, without consulting a doctor.

How to distinguish between heart pain and neuralgia?

Neuralgia is a very common cause of non-cardiac pain. The appearance of an unpleasant symptom is associated with spasm of the intercostal muscles, infringement of nerve endings. It is very similar to angina pectoris, but there are still differences. Neuralgia is characterized by:

• sharp shooting, aching pain;
• the presence of trigger, painful points, when pressed, the pain intensifies;
• change in sensation along the course of the pinched nerve;
• crawling, tingling, burning sensation;
• increased pain when laughing, sneezing, walking, breathing in and out and any other movements;
• no effect from taking nitroglycerin.

An attack of pain may last several hours or days with a slight decrease in symptoms and is aggravated by sudden movement. Neuralgia is clearly localized to the left or right between the ribs and can radiate to the heart, spine, lower back. As a rule, patients accurately indicate the place of pain.

If you have these symptoms, sign up for a consultation with the specialists of the DonMed clinic. The appointment is conducted by a neurologist Inna Nikolaevna Novitskaya, a specialist of the highest category with over 23 years of experience. We can go through all the studies that are required to identify the causes of pain and make a diagnosis.

To make an appointment with a neurologist, call +7 (863) 204-61-91 or request a call back.

Prices for an appointment with a neurologist can be found at ref. appointment:

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Chest pain

How often do we experience chest pain? This moment can occur arbitrarily, or during an emotional outburst, when walking fast, when turning the body to the side, when coughing, and other situations.

What could have caused the pain? Let’s see…

One of the most common causes in adulthood is angina pectoris. Most often occurs when performing intense physical activity or ordinary home. A person experiences compressive, stabbing or pressing pains in the left half of the chest or behind the sternum. The pain can pierce the chest, or feel only in the back under the shoulder blade, in the left arm, mimic a toothache, or pain in the neck, lasting from a few seconds to 2-10 minutes. The correct tactic would be to stop the load and take nitroglycerin (nitromint spray), see a doctor. The cause of an anginal attack was a violation of the supply of oxygen to the heart muscle. Increase in intensity, cold clammy sweat, ineffectiveness of taking several tablets of nitroglycerin occasion call “03”, “103”, you can not hesitate .

At a young, active age, pain in the chest can be caused by neurocirculatory asthenia. Its manifestations are varied. An appeal to the doctor becomes chest pain of a different nature, may be accompanied by interruptions in the heart rhythm. It is provoked by stress, overwork. Has a favorable character.

Exacerbation of osteochondrosis will be manifested by pain in the chest with a sharp extension of the body, turning, twisting, just at the height of inspiration. Such states are short-term and recur, or intensify and become prolonged, but may weaken or stop without physical activity. When there is a “lumbago” in the chest, a reason to seek medical help. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs will help to cope with thoracalgia. Seeing a doctor will help resolve the problem, rule out heart disease.

Gastroesophageal reflux can cause pain behind the sternum, or is manifested by a feeling of pressure behind the sternum, sometimes burning, radiating to the back, accompanied by heartburn, a sensation of a sour taste in the mouth. Occurs when the torso is tilted, after a heavy meal or in a lying position. To stop the discomfort of antacids, omeprazole will help.

The situation is different with possible cholecystitis, when the intake of rich, fatty food provokes pain in the right side, which radiate to the right shoulder. The pain can become intense, persist for a long time, up to several hours, and then subside. Relieves pain position – lying down, but it can resume. Consultation with a specialist and implementation of recommendations.

Pain in the chest can occur with inflammation of the cartilage at the sites of attachment to the sternum (painful palpation) resembles an angina attack – this is Tietze’s syndrome. Inflammation should be treated by a general practitioner or neurologist.

Herpes zoster or herpes zoster causes severe pain, sometimes unbearable at the site of the lesion or the area adjacent to it. Herpetic eruptions on the skin in the form of vesicles, redness in the chest area are the cause of the disease. Inflammation affects the nerve endings, which is the cause of pain manifestations. Seeing a doctor for help early will speed up recovery.

In pleurisy, pain in the chest is felt at the site of the lesion. They are aggravated by coughing, taking a deep breath, they can be unstable, they are aggravated by tilting to the side. Often accompanied by shortness of breath, fever, weakness. The position of “lying on a sore side” relieves the condition.