What causes dull pain on both sides of the sternum?
Sep 09, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Qifeng
Introduction
Dull pain on both sides of the sternum may be caused by muscle strain, pleurisy, costochondritis, tracheitis, intercostal neuralgia, or other conditions. Appropriate rest is recommended, along with treatments such as infrared therapy, ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, naproxen sustained-release tablets, ampicillin capsules, repetitive nerve electrical stimulation, or radiofrequency pulses, as directed by a physician. It is advisable to seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital for accurate diagnosis and treatment under medical guidance.
Dull pain on both sides of the sternum may be caused by muscle strain, pleurisy, costochondritis, tracheitis, intercostal neuralgia, or other reasons, and treatment should be directed at the underlying cause.
1. Muscle Strain
Prolonged high-intensity activity without adequate rest can lead to sustained tension in the chest muscles, resulting in muscle strain and causing dull pain on both sides of the sternum. Appropriate rest is recommended, and under medical guidance, treatments such as infrared therapy or ultrasound may be used to improve local blood circulation and relieve pain symptoms.
2. Pleurisy
Inflammation of the pleura causes friction or irritation against the inner chest wall, leading to the aforementioned symptoms, possibly accompanied by chest tightness. Follow medical advice to take anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications such as enteric-coated aspirin tablets, ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, or diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets.
3. Costochondritis
When inflammation occurs in the cartilage connecting the ribs to the sternum, the area becomes sensitive and painful, resulting in the described discomfort, sometimes accompanied by local swelling and tenderness. Treat according to medical advice with medications such as ibuprofen capsules, naproxen sustained-release tablets, or indomethacin capsules.
4. Tracheitis
Inflammatory stimulation leads to frequent coughing, which may cause muscle tension on both sides of the sternum, resulting in the above symptoms, possibly accompanied by difficulty breathing or severe coughing. Under medical guidance, use antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets, ampicillin capsules, or cefradine capsules to reduce infection.
5. Intercostal Neuralgia
When the intercostal nerves are irritated, compressed, or inflamed, intercostal neuralgia may occur, often presenting with the aforementioned pain and possibly accompanied by tenderness along the ribs. Under the guidance of a qualified physician, treatments such as repetitive nerve electrical stimulation or radiofrequency pulses may be used to block pain signal transmission and alleviate discomfort.
If the above symptoms persist without improvement or worsen, prompt medical evaluation is necessary to establish a clear diagnosis and receive appropriate treatment as directed by a healthcare provider.
