What Can Cause Your Sternum To Hurt?

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

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

Should I be worried if my sternum hurts?

While sternum pain is not a serious condition, if it is not too intense, it is best to get evaluated and get treatment for any pain in your chest because it might be a severe condition. If your sternum pain is accompanied by nausea or vomiting, call 911 or go directly to the emergency room.

What should I do if I have sternum pain?

How is it treated?

1. applying an ice pack to your chest.
2. taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) to reduce pain and inflammation.
3. limiting your movement and avoiding any heavy lifting.

How do you relieve sternum pressure?

Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) or a painkiller such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), may be used. Popping may go away along with the inflammation over time. Rest can also help, though this is difficult to achieve with the joints associated with the sternum.

What is it called when your sternum hurts?

Costochondritis (kos-toe-kon-DRY-tis) is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the breastbone (sternum). Pain caused by costochondritis might mimic that of a heart attack or other heart conditions.

Is sternum pain serious?

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.

Does stress cause sternum pain?

Stress is often the cause of sudden pain in the sternum, which is located in the center of your chest. Also called the breastbone, the sternum is a flat long bone that connects to your ribs with costal cartilage.

How does costochondritis feel?

Most people describe the pain as sharp, achy, and pressure-like. It usually gets worse if you breathe deeply or move your upper body. When you press on your chest, it feels tender and painful.

What organ is behind the sternum?

The thymus is a small organ located just behind the breast bone (sternum) in the front part of the chest.

What is the best thing to do for costochondritis?

They include:

• Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs pain relievers. Ask your doctor about using ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve, others).
• Heat or ice. Try placing hot compresses or a heating pad on the painful area several times a day.
• Rest.

Can anxiety cause costochondritis?

Stress and Anxiety Although there is no confirmed link between anxiety or stress and costochondritis, these emotional states may be to blame for other underlying causes of chest pain. People who have panic disorder often report shortness of breath and chest pain as symptoms.

Why does the top of my chest hurt?

Chest pain may be caused by angina or a heart attack. Other causes of chest pain can include indigestion, reflux, muscle strain, inflammation in the rib joints near the breastbone, and shingles. If in doubt about the cause of your chest pain, call an ambulance.

Can costochondritis be brought on by stress?

Costochondritis can be aggravated by any activity that places stress on your chest area, such as strenuous exercise or even simple movements like reaching up to a high cupboard. Any activity that makes the pain in your chest area worse should be avoided until the inflammation in your ribs and cartilage has improved.

Is costochondritis a serious condition?

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.

Can poor posture cause sternum pain?

Most of the time, those who have costochondritis don’t have an attributed cause to their condition, although research tells us that poor posture is often to blame. Occasionally it can be caused by trauma. with the vertebrae in the back and to the sternum in the front.

What are six common non cardiac causes of chest pain?

In most people, non-cardiac chest pain is related to a problem with the esophagus, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease. Other causes include muscle or bone problems, lung conditions or diseases, stomach problems, stress, anxiety, and depression.