Home
Articles
Q&A

What causes pain in the chest and collarbone area?

Sep 13, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lin Yunfei
Introduction
In general, sternum pain may be related to factors such as overexertion, trauma, costochondritis, intercostal neuralgia, and myocarditis. Patients are advised to undergo symptomatic treatment as directed by a physician. Additionally, the pain could also be associated with conditions such as pulmonary embolism or pericarditis. If patients experience any discomfort, they should seek timely medical attention at a hospital to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.

In general, sternum pain may be related to factors such as overexertion, trauma, costochondritis, intercostal neuralgia, myocarditis, and others. Patients are advised to follow medical instructions for symptomatic treatment. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Overexertion

If a patient frequently lifts heavy objects or engages in strenuous physical labor, it may lead to chronic local strain, resulting in symptoms such as dull pain, soreness, and swelling in the sternum area. It is recommended to get adequate rest in daily life and avoid excessive or intense physical activity. Local heat application may also help improve blood circulation and relieve symptoms.

2. Trauma

If the sternum area suffers external impact, local soft tissues may be injured, leading to pain. Initial management may include ice packs to reduce swelling; after a few days, this can be switched to heat therapy.

3. Costochondritis

This is a nonspecific inflammatory condition affecting the junctions between the sternum and ribs, causing localized pain and swelling. Treatment may include oral medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules or acetaminophen tablets, taken as directed by a physician.

4. Intercostal Neuralgia

The main clinical symptom is nerve-related pain along the intercostal nerves, which may radiate in a semi-circular pattern along the rib spaces, causing the patient to feel pain in the sternal region. Targeted treatment may include oral medications such as carbamazepine tablets or gabapentin capsules, taken under medical guidance.

5. Myocarditis

Sternum pain may also be caused by myocarditis—a condition characterized by inflammation of the heart muscle due to viral infection or immune system dysfunction. The pain is often accompanied by symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Treatment may involve antiviral medications such as ribavirin tablets or acyclovir tablets, used as prescribed.

In addition, sternum pain may also be associated with other conditions such as pulmonary embolism or pericarditis. If patients experience any discomfort, they should seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.

Related Articles

View All
What causes pectus carinatum (pigeon chest) and how to deal with it?
Under normal circumstances, "chest expansion" refers to a protruding chest shape. A protruding chest may be caused by improper bra wearing, poor posture, obesity, rib fractures, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other factors. Treatment options include radiofrequency skin tightening, breast augmentation surgery, breast lift surgery, and medication, which should be conducted under a doctor's guidance. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly.
avatar
Dr. Wang Lei
View Full Answer
What is chest pain
The location of chest pain can vary, including behind the sternum, in the precordial area, or in the left or right side of the chest. The nature of the pain is diverse and may present as dull pain, stabbing pain, distending pain, etc. The severity of chest pain ranges from mild to severe. Mild chest pain may manifest only as occasional discomfort, whereas severe chest pain can be excruciating and may be accompanied by symptoms such as shortness of breath, profuse sweating, and palpitations.
avatar
Dr. Xiao Ning
View Full Answer
Which incision site is better for breast augmentation with implants?
Breast augmentation with implants involves surgically placing implants made of materials such as silicone or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) into the chest to achieve breast enhancement. The general reference price for breast augmentation with implants ranges from 12,000 to 200,000 yuan per procedure, and noticeable improvement is usually seen within 15 to 40 days. Multiple incision options are available, including incisions in the armpit, around the areola, along the inframammary fold, vertically along the cleavage line, or alongside the sternum.
avatar
Dr. Chen Lu
View Full Answer
Pain in the middle of the chest when lying down, slightly improved when sitting up
In general, pain in the middle of the chest while lying down that improves slightly when sitting up may be caused by factors such as excessive pressure, soft tissue contusion, reflux esophagitis, myocardial ischemia, or acute left heart failure. If you experience any discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical attention at a hospital promptly and undergo symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. It is also advised to visit a reputable hospital and receive appropriate treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician.
avatar
Dr. Xiao Ning
View Full Answer
What causes intermittent chest pain behind the sternum and what should be done?
Prolonged pressure on the sternum, such as maintaining the same posture for extended periods, poor sitting posture, or frequently performing chest-expanding exercises or heavy physical labor, may cause damage to the soft tissues around the sternum, leading to intermittent sternal pain. It is recommended to adjust sitting and sleeping postures, avoid maintaining the same posture for long periods, take appropriate rest breaks, and allow the soft tissues around the sternum to recover.
avatar
Dr. Chen Jian
View Full Answer
Be cautious of what if there is a dull pain in the solar plexus area?
The epigastric region refers to the area behind the sternum and the precordial region. In general, dull pain in these areas may be related to overeating, anxiety, gastritis, costochondritis, angina pectoris, or other causes. It is recommended that patients promptly visit a hospital for examination and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a physician. In daily life, it is important to develop healthy living habits.
avatar
Dr. Tian Hongbo
View Full Answer
What are the symptoms of insufficient blood supply to the heart in young people?
In young people, symptoms of insufficient blood supply to the heart may not be obvious in general. However, some patients may experience chest pain behind the sternum or in the precordial area, reduced exercise capacity, syncope, nausea and vomiting, palpitations, and other symptoms. It is recommended to maintain a healthy lifestyle, ensure adequate sleep, improve dietary habits, adjust physical condition, and safeguard overall health.
avatar
Dr. Tian Hongbo
View Full Answer
Why does pneumothorax produce Hamman's sign?
Hamman's sign in pneumothorax occurs when air accumulates in the pleural cavity and rubs or collides against the pericardium and pleura during cardiac contraction and relaxation, producing a characteristic crunching or crackling sound near the sternum. This sign is often more prominent when lying on the left side or during inspiration. If sudden chest pain and dyspnea occur along with Hamman's sign, prompt medical evaluation is recommended.
avatar
Dr. Ren Yi
View Full Answer
彩牛养生

Your trusted source for health information and wellness guidance.

Quick Links

Resources

Connect

© 2024 HealthPortal. All rights reserved.