What causes intermittent chest pain behind the sternum and what should be done?

Generally, intermittent sternal pain may be caused by factors such as pressure on or excessive movement of the sternum, psychological stress, costochondritis, fasciitis, pleuritis, and others. The solutions required depend on the specific cause. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention and follow medical advice for treatment. Details are as follows:

1. Pressure on or excessive movement of the sternum: Prolonged pressure on the sternum area, such as maintaining the same posture for long periods, poor sitting posture, or frequently performing chest-expanding exercises or heavy physical labor, may damage the soft tissues around the sternum, leading to intermittent sternal pain. Adjust sitting and sleeping postures, avoid maintaining the same posture for extended periods, take appropriate rest breaks, and allow the soft tissues around the sternum to recover.

2. Psychological stress: Long-term excessive psychological stress may cause the body to remain in a state of tension, thereby affecting the nerves and muscles around the sternum, causing intermittent sternal pain, often accompanied by insomnia. Adjusting your mindset, maintaining a pleasant mood, and engaging in appropriate outdoor activities or exercise, such as walking or yoga, can help relieve psychological stress.

3. Costochondritis: Costochondritis is a non-specific inflammation of the costal cartilage caused by various factors such as viral infection, chronic strain, or trauma. The inflammation irritates the costal cartilage and surrounding nerves, resulting in intermittent sternal pain accompanied by localized tenderness. Under a doctor's guidance, anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets, or penicillin V potassium tablets may be used.

4. Fasciitis: Fasciitis refers to inflammation occurring in the myofascia, which may be related to long-term strain, dampness, and other factors. The inflammation stimulates the fascia and nerves around the sternum, causing intermittent sternal pain accompanied by muscle tension. Under medical guidance, medications such as acetaminophen tablets, eperisone hydrochloride tablets, and mecobalamin tablets may be used to reduce inflammation and relieve muscle tension.

5. Pleuritis: Pleuritis is an inflammation caused by bacterial infection, autoimmune diseases, and other factors. The inflammation affects the pleura and surrounding nerves, causing intermittent sternal pain accompanied by chest pain. Following medical advice, medications such as rifampicin capsules, streptomycin sulfate for injection, and aspirin enteric-coated capsules may be used for anti-tuberculosis and pain-relieving effects.

In daily life, patients should maintain healthy lifestyle and dietary habits, avoid excessive fatigue and emotional fluctuations, to help prevent sternal pain.