What causes sternum pain? Sternum pain, or pain in the breastbone, is a common and often unsettling symptom. It can range from mild discomfort to severe, sharp pain. But what are the causes of sternum pain? If you’ve experienced sternum pain, you’re not alone. Let me walk you through the potential causes of the pain and discuss when you should seek medical attention.
1. Musculoskeletal Causes
One of the most common reasons for sternum pain is musculoskeletal problems. These include:
a. Costochondritis: Costochondritis is a condition that causes chest pain due to inflammation in the cartilage that connects your ribs to the breastbone (sternum). The inflammation typically results from overuse of the cartilage, its injury, or sometimes without an apparent cause. When the cartilage becomes inflamed, it can lead to localized pain and tenderness in the chest, which can be aggravated by your movements, deep breaths, or even mild pressure applied to the affected area. This discomfort is often mistaken for heart-related issues because the pain can be sharp and mimic cardiac symptoms, but it is usually a benign condition that responds well to rest and anti-inflammatory treatments such as NSAIDs.
b. Rib Fractures: Rib fractures may cause you chest pain by disrupting the normal integrity of your ribcage. When one or more ribs are broken or fractured, the sharp edges of the fractured bones can rub against surrounding tissues, including muscles and nerves in the chest. This friction and displacement lead to intense localized pain, especially with movements such as breathing, coughing, or twisting. The chest pain associated with rib fractures can be quite severe and is often exacerbated by deep breaths, making it uncomfortable and sometimes mistaken for more serious conditions like cardiac issues notably angina. Proper diagnosis and management of rib fractures are essential for pain relief and to prevent any future complications.
c. Muscle Strain: Muscle strain can cause you chest pain when there is excessive stretching or tearing of the muscles in the chest wall, typically due to overexertion or sudden, forceful movements. This strain can result in localized pain and discomfort, often exacerbated by specific activities or positions. The chest pain associated with muscle strain is usually sharp and can be mistaken for more serious cardiac or respiratory issues, especially when it occurs in the upper chest region. Rest, gentle stretching, and anti-inflammatory measures are typically effective in alleviating this type of chest pain for you.
2. Gastrointestinal Causes
Your stomach-related issues can sometimes manifest as sternum pain:
a. Acid Reflux (GERD): Acid reflux can cause sternum pain when stomach acid regurgitates into the esophagus and irritates the lower end of the esophagus near the sternum, a condition known as heartburn. This irritation leads to a burning or discomforting sensation in the chest, typically centered behind the breastbone or sternum. The pain may radiate and mimic sternum pain, often exacerbating after meals while lying down, or when bending over. It’s important to manage acid reflux through dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, or medication to relieve sternum pain and prevent potential complications.
b. Gallbladder Issues: Gallbladder problems, such as gallstones or inflammation, can cause sternum pain due to their proximity to the gallbladder. When the gallbladder becomes inflamed or blocked by gallstones, it can lead to intense pain that radiates to the center of the chest, often behind the sternum. This pain is typically triggered by the gallbladder contracting in response to a meal, and it can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and discomfort in the upper abdomen. Gallbladder-related sternum pain can be severe and may require medical intervention, including surgery, to address the underlying issue and alleviate the discomfort.
3. Cardiovascular Causes
While less common, certain heart-related conditions can lead to sternum pain:
a. Angina: Angina causes sternum pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, typically resulting from narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. When the heart muscle doesn’t receive an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients, it can lead to a pressing or squeezing pain in the chest, often behind the breastbone or sternum. This discomfort, known as angina, is typically triggered by physical exertion, emotional stress, or other factors that increase the heart’s demand for oxygen. It can be a warning sign of underlying heart disease and should be promptly evaluated, as it may indicate an increased risk of a heart attack if left untreated.
b. Pericarditis: Pericarditis causes sternum pain by inflaming the pericardium, the thin sac-like membrane surrounding the heart. When this membrane becomes irritated or infected, it can lead to sharp or stabbing chest pain, often felt behind the sternum and radiating to the neck, shoulders, or back. The pain is typically aggravated by deep breaths or changes in body position and is sometimes mistaken for a heart attack. Pericarditis-related sternum pain is a concerning condition that warrants medical attention, as it can lead to complications and should be properly diagnosed and treated to alleviate discomfort and prevent further issues.
4. Respiratory Causes
a. Pleuritis: Pleuritis, also known as pleurisy, causes sternum pain by inflaming the pleura, a double-layered membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the chest cavity. When this inflammation occurs, it can lead to sharp, stabbing chest pain, typically felt on the side of the chest near the sternum. The pain intensifies with breathing, particularly during deep breaths or coughing, and may be mistaken for cardiac or other chest-related issues. Pleuritis-related sternum pain is a significant concern that requires medical evaluation to identify the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment for both the pain and the underlying condition.
b. Pneumonia: Pneumonia can cause sternum pain due to the inflammation and infection of lung tissue, which is located near the chest cavity. This infection often leads to sharp, localized chest discomfort, sometimes felt behind the sternum. The pain tends to worsen with deep breaths or coughing, which are common symptoms of pneumonia. While the primary focus is on treating the lung infection, the associated sternum pain is an important symptom to address, and it typically improves with appropriate medical care and resolution of the underlying pneumonia.
5. Psychological Factors
According to Woodlands Heart and Vascular Institute, emotional stress, and anxiety can manifest in you as physical symptoms, including chest pain. Sometimes, this pain is referred to as “stress-related chest pain.” It’s essential to consider the role of stress and anxiety in evaluating your symptoms.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While some cases of sternum pain may resolve on their own, it’s important not to ignore this symptom, as it can indicate underlying health issues. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Severe, crushing chest pain.
- Pain radiating to the jaw, arm, or back.
- Shortness of breath.
- Pain accompanied by dizziness, nausea, or profuse sweating.
For milder or persistent sternum pain, I can advise you to consult a healthcare professional. They can help you diagnose the underlying cause and provide you with appropriate treatment or management options.
Frequently Asked Questions on Causes of Sternum Pain
Q1: Can sternum pain go away on its own?
Answer: Sternum pain can sometimes come and go away on its own, especially if it is caused by minor and temporary issues like muscle strains or mild inflammation. Rest and over-the-counter pain relievers may help you alleviate such pain. However, if the sternum pain is persistent, severe, or associated with underlying medical conditions like heart problems, lung issues, or gastrointestinal disorders, it’s very important for you to seek medical evaluation and treatment. Pain that doesn’t resolve on its own or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms should never be ignored, as it may indicate a more serious underlying condition that should prompt you to get proper medical care.
Q2: What is the best treatment for sternum pain?
Answer: For minor causes of sternum pain like muscle strains, you should rest, and avoid aggravating activities. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help with mild to moderate pain. However, if sternum pain is due to an underlying medical condition such as heart problems, gastrointestinal issues, lung infections, or other disorders, it’s important for you to address the root cause with appropriate medical treatment, which may include medication, lifestyle adjustments, or surgery. In some cases, physical therapy or stress management techniques can aid in pain relief. Regardless of the cause, it’s crucial to seek professional medical advice to determine the appropriate treatment for your specific condition and never ignore persistent or severe chest pain, which may require immediate attention.
Q3: What deficiency causes sternum pain?
Answer: Vitamin D deficiency can potentially lead to sternum pain. In severe cases of vitamin D deficiency, a condition called osteomalacia can develop, which weakens the bones, including the sternum. This can result in bone pain, including pain in the sternum. However, sternum pain is more commonly associated with other medical conditions such as muscle strains, costochondritis, gastrointestinal issues, and heart or lung problems. If you suspect vitamin D deficiency is a cause of your sternum pain, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and appropriate treatment, which may include vitamin D supplementation.
Q4: What is the pain below the sternum when pressed?
Answer: Pain below your sternum when you are pressed can have various causes. These include gastritis, gastric ulcers, costochondritis, muscle strain, and gastrointestinal issues like gallbladder problems or pancreatitis. Hiatal hernia can also lead to tenderness in this area. Your healthcare professional should assess the pain to determine its underlying cause and provide you with appropriate treatment, as the treatment plan will depend on the specific condition responsible for the discomfort. Seek immediate medical attention if the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by worrisome symptoms.
Q5: What causes sternum pain after sleeping?
Answer: Sternum pain experienced after sleeping can have various causes. One common reason is poor sleeping posture, which may put pressure on the chest or sternum. Conditions like acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can worsen when lying down, leading to chest discomfort. Other possibilities include muscle tension or strain, especially if you slept in an awkward position. If this pain persists or worsens, I would advise you to consult a healthcare provider for a proper evaluation to determine the exact cause and appropriate treatment or lifestyle adjustments.
Q6: Can breasts cause sternum pain?
Answer: Breasts can potentially contribute to sternum pain, especially if the chest is large or heavy. The weight of the breasts can place additional stress on the chest wall and sternum, potentially leading to discomfort or pain, particularly in women with insufficient support from a bra. It’s essential for you to ensure proper breast support and wear a well-fitted bra to minimize this type of sternum pain. However, if the pain persists, worsens, or is associated with other concerning symptoms, I will advise you to consult a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying medical issues and receive appropriate guidance or treatment.
Q7: How long should sternum pain last?
Answer: The duration of sternum pain will vary widely depending on its underlying cause and how you manage it. In cases of minor muscle strains or temporary inflammation, sternum pain may resolve within a few days to a couple of weeks with rest, over-the-counter pain relievers, and avoiding aggravating activities.
However, sternum pain that is related to more serious conditions like heart problems, gastrointestinal issues, or other medical disorders may persist until the underlying issue is properly treated or managed. It’s essential to seek medical evaluation if the pain is severe, persistent, or associated with other concerning symptoms, as timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial for a favorable outcome. The duration of sternum pain is specific to the individual and their underlying health condition, so it can vary significantly.
Q8: How do I know if my sternum is serious?
Answer: Here are some guidelines that can help you assess the seriousness of sternum pain:
- Severity and Type of Pain: If the pain is severe, crushing, squeezing, or feels like intense pressure, it could be indicative of a serious issue, such as a heart problem. Seek immediate medical attention in such cases.
- Duration: If the pain is persistent, lasting for an extended period, or recurring frequently, it may signal an underlying medical condition that needs evaluation.
- Accompanying Symptoms: You should pay attention to accompanying symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, sweating, or pain radiating to the arms, neck, jaw, or back. These could be signs of a heart-related issue and should not be ignored.
- Medical History: Consider your personal medical history and any risk factors you may have for heart disease or other serious conditions. This can influence the seriousness of the pain.
- Response to Rest or Medication: If rest, over-the-counter chest pain relievers, or lifestyle changes do not alleviate the pain or if the pain worsens with these measures, it may suggest a more significant problem.
- Consult a Healthcare Professional: When in doubt, it’s always advisable to consult a healthcare provider. They can perform a physical examination, order tests or imaging if necessary, and provide a professional assessment of the pain’s seriousness.
Q9: Can heavy lifting cause sternum pain?
Answer: Heavy lifting can cause you to have sternum pain, particularly if you do not follow proper lifting techniques. When lifting heavy objects, the muscles in your chest, including those attached to your sternum, can be strained or overexerted. This can lead to discomfort or pain in the sternum area, which may be exacerbated when your chest muscles are used or if there is any damage to the chest wall or surrounding tissues. To prevent sternum pain from heavy lifting, it’s important for you to use the correct lifting form, avoid overexertion, and, if possible, just use appropriate equipment or assistance to reduce strain on the chest muscles and sternum.
Don’t Forget!
Sternum pain can have various causes, ranging from musculoskeletal issues to gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and respiratory factors. Understanding the potential sources of sternum pain is crucial for you when seeking appropriate medical guidance. Remember that chest pain can be a symptom of serious conditions, so it’s always better to live on the side of caution and consult a healthcare provider when in doubt. Prompt evaluation and diagnosis will help you find the right treatment and ensure your health and well-being.
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