Feeling sharp sensations behind your chest can be scary. Many people first think of their heart. But, most breast bone pain isn’t about the heart.
Studies show that only 1-3% of visits to primary care in the U.S. are for chest symptoms. Knowing why does sternum hurt can help you feel more at ease.
At Liv Hospital, we focus on you and your symptoms. We hear, “why do my sternum hurt?” a lot. Our team works hard to find out why and how to help.
Key Takeaways
- Most sternum pain is not related to heart conditions.
- Only a small percentage of primary care visits involve chest pain.
- Professional evaluation is essential for an accurate diagnosis.
- Common causes include muscle strain, inflammation, and digestive issues.
- Liv Hospital combines expert care with a compassionate, patient-first approach.
Understanding the causes of discomfort in the breast bone
Figuring out why your breast bone hurts means looking at your daily life and health. Many people wonder, “Why would my sternum hurt?” They worry about their health long-term. Knowing what causes sternum pain is the first step to feeling better.
The prevalence of sternum pain in primary care
Many patients visit their doctors because of pain in the middle of the sternum. This breast bone pain is a common reason for doctor visits. But, most of the time, it’s not a heart problem.
When you ask, “Why is my sternum sore?” remember, you’re not alone. Our team is here to guide you through finding out why.
Costochondritis: The most common culprit
Costochondritis is when the cartilage between your ribs and sternum gets inflamed. It’s the main reason for chest pain, affecting 4% to 50% of people. We see more female sternum pain in our practice.
This condition causes sharp pain in one spot. But, it’s usually treatable with the right help.
Secondary causes of breast bone pain
Other things can also cause your pain. We look at many possible causes, including:
- Muscle strain: A common strain sternum injury often results from heavy lifting or repetitive upper body movements.
- Gastrointestinal issues: Conditions like GERD can cause stomach sternum pain or a burning sensation.
- Trauma: Injuries from sports or accidents can lead to persistent soreness.
- Degenerative conditions: Joint wear and tear may manifest as pain in chest behind breastbone.
Recognizing these triggers helps us make a plan just for you. Whether it’s about your posture, digestion, or how active you are, we’re here to help you feel better.
Diagnostic considerations and relief strategies
Feeling discomfort in your chest can be worrying. It’s important to figure out if it’s your heart or muscles. We use a detailed process to find out what’s causing your pain.
Differentiating between cardiac and non-cardiac pain
It’s key to tell if your pain is from your heart or not. We look closely at sternum pain pressure to keep you safe. If you have pain by the sternum that lasts more than 20 minutes, get help right away.
Recognizing symptoms: From sharp stabs to dull aches
People describe their pain in many ways. Some feel a sharp pain behind the sternum that gets worse with movement. Others have a dull pain behind the sternum that stays all day.
We also listen to those with extreme pain below the sternum. This could mean inflammation or other issues. Whether it’s pain in the middle of the sternum or tightness, we use this info to help you.
Management and relief options
After finding the cause of your pain, we work on a plan to help. For a painful sternum, we might suggest physical therapy and exercises. These help loosen up the chest and ease soreness.
If the pain at lower sternum is really sensitive, we might suggest anti-inflammatory meds. If your sternum tender to touch, rest and avoid heavy lifting. We’re here to help you feel better with a plan just for you.
Conclusion
Dealing with chest discomfort is a mix of being careful and getting expert help. We hope this guide helps you understand your symptoms better and find relief.
Looking after your health starts with knowing when to see a doctor. Many cases of sternum pain can be treated without surgery. But, a detailed check-up is always the best way to stay healthy.
Liv Hospital is here to help with your health needs. We offer top-notch care and support for patients from around the world. Our team uses the latest tools to give you a precise diagnosis that fits your needs.
If you need more help or special care, don’t wait to contact us. We’re here to help you get better and feel more comfortable.
FAQ
What would cause sternum pain and why does my sternum hurt?
Sternum pain is most often caused by inflammation of the chest wall joints or muscles (costochondritis).
It can also come from strain, injury, acid reflux, or rarely heart-related conditions.
Why is my sternum sore and tender to the touch?
Tenderness to touch usually suggests a musculoskeletal cause like costochondritis or muscle strain.
Pain that worsens when pressing the area is less likely to be from internal organs.
What is the difference between a sharp pain behind the sternum and a dull pain behind the sternum?
Sharp pain is often linked to muscle, cartilage, or nerve irritation and may worsen with movement.
Dull pain is more commonly associated with inflammation, reflux, or referred pain from internal organs.
Why do I feel pain in the middle of the sternum or at the lower sternum?
Middle or lower sternum pain can be caused by costochondral inflammation or acid reflux.
It may also result from poor posture or repetitive upper body strain.
Is female sternum pain different or more common?
Sternum pain is not significantly different between females and males.
However, hormonal changes and breast tissue discomfort may sometimes make chest pain feel more noticeable in women.
Can you strain the sternum through physical activity?
Yes, heavy lifting, intense exercise, or repetitive upper body movements can strain chest wall muscles and joints.
This can lead to inflammation and localized sternum pain.
When should I be concerned about sternum pain pressure?
You should seek medical care if sternum pain is associated with shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or radiating pain.
Also get checked if the pain is persistent, worsening, or not linked to movement or touch.
References
National Center for Biotechnology Information. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538289/
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