Table of contents:
- Various causes of breastbone pain
- 1. Costochondritis
- 2. Fracture of the breastbone
- 3. Injury to the sternoclavicular joint
- 4. Injury to the collarbone
- 5. Tense muscles
- 6. Digestive problems
Most people who have chest pain in the middle perceive it as a heart attack. Whereas in many cases, pain in the chest is not always related to the heart. Chest tightness may be caused by injury to the sternum or certain digestive problems which then affect the sternum itself. Find out more about the most common causes of breastbone pain in this article.
Various causes of breastbone pain
The sternum (sternum) is an elongated flat bone located in the middle of the chest. The sternum is involved in many of the upper body movements. This bone is connected to the ribs which protect the body's vital organs such as the heart, lungs, stomach, and liver. As a result, many medical conditions have nothing to do with the sternum but cause pain in your chest.
1. Costochondritis
Costochondritis is one of the most common causes of chest bone pain. This condition occurs when the cartilage between the sternum and ribs becomes inflamed or irritated. Costochondritis can result from osteoarthritis, but it may also occur without an obvious cause.
Symptoms of costochondritis include:
- Sharp pain right in the middle of the chest.
- Chest pain when sneezing, coughing, or taking deep breaths.
- Feel discomfort in the ribs.
Costochondritis usually goes away after a few days. However, if you have certain concerns about this condition, you should immediately consult a doctor.
2. Fracture of the breastbone
Like fractures elsewhere in the body, a sternum fracture can cause severe pain in the chest area and upper body.
The most common cause of this condition is due to a hard impact to the center of the chest, such as a driving accident, being hit while exercising, falling, or engaging in other risky physical activity. If you have a breast fracture, you should seek medical attention immediately. This is to anticipate the development of the risk of further injury to the heart and lungs.
3. Injury to the sternoclavicular joint
The sternoclavicular joint connects the top of the sternum to the collarbone (clavicle). Well, an injury to this joint can cause sternum pain which can spread to the area at the top of the chest where this joint is located.
Symptoms of a steroclavicular joint injury include:
- Feeling pain, pain, and swelling around the upper chest or collarbone area.
- Difficulty or pain when moving the shoulder.
- There was a “crack” sound around the joint.
4. Injury to the collarbone
Your collarbone is directly connected to your sternum. Therefore, any injury, dislocation, fracture, or trauma to this bone will make the sternum hurt. Common symptoms of collarbone injuries include:
- There are bruises or bumps where the injury occurred.
- Intense pain when you try to move your arm up.
- Swelling or pain around the collarbone area.
- There is a “crack” sound when you nod your arm.
- Abnormal shoulder position such as slightly lowered.
5. Tense muscles
The sternum and ribs are covered with many muscles that are attached to them. Without you knowing it, a severe cough or excessive exercise can cause your chest muscles to tighten. And, if you have pain when pressing against your chest wall, it may be due to a musculoskeletal injury, not to the heart.
6. Digestive problems
The sternum is right in front of several of the major digestive organs. That is why, any condition related to your esophagus, stomach, and intestines can cause chest pain.
One of the digestive problems that most often causes chest pain is heartburn, which occurs when stomach acid rises into the esophagus. This condition generally occurs after you eat foods that trigger stomach acid to rise.
