[34F] Experiencing sternum pain with movement

Patient Description

A 34-year-old female is experiencing a dull pain in the sternum that began last night. The pain is rated as a 7 out of 10 in severity and is exacerbated by certain movements but is alleviated when the patient remains still. The area is tender to touch. There is no associated difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath, or worsening of pain with deep breathing or coughing. The patient has a history of kidney disease diagnosed at birth and has allergies to aspirin and ibuprofen. She is not currently on any medications.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, the most likely causes of your sternum pain include:

  • Costochondritis: This is an inflammation of the cartilage in the rib cage. It often occurs after heavy lifting or strenuous exercise, and can cause chest pain. The pain is typically worsened by physical activity or certain movements.

    • Treatment typically involves rest, avoiding activities that make the pain worse, and over-the-counter pain relievers. However, since you have allergies to common pain relievers like aspirin and ibuprofen, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for appropriate alternatives.
  • Musculoskeletal Strain: This is a strain or injury to the muscles and ligaments of the chest. This can cause pain in the sternum and surrounding areas.

    • Treatment typically involves rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Again, due to your allergies, please consult with a healthcare professional for appropriate pain relief options.

Please note that these are potential causes based on the information you've provided. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

What you can do

  1. Rest and avoid activities that worsen the pain.
  2. Apply a warm or cold compress to the painful area.
  3. Consult with a healthcare professional for appropriate pain relief options, given your allergies to aspirin and ibuprofen.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

  • Severe chest pain
  • Chest pain that spreads to your jaw, left arm, or back
  • Chest pain that's accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, or nausea
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat or sudden difficulty breathing

These could be signs of a more serious condition, such as a heart attack, and require immediate medical attention.

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People Also Ask


What is costochondritis and how is it treated?

Costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the sternum. It can cause chest pain that worsens with movement or physical activity. Treatment typically involves rest, avoiding activities that exacerbate the pain, and using pain relievers. However, for those with allergies to common pain relievers, consulting a healthcare professional for alternatives is important.


What are the symptoms of a musculoskeletal strain in the chest area?

Symptoms of a musculoskeletal strain in the chest area include pain in the sternum and surrounding areas, tenderness to touch, and pain that worsens with certain movements. Treatment usually involves rest, applying ice, and taking pain relievers, but alternatives should be sought if there are allergies to common medications.


What alternative pain relief options are available for someone allergic to aspirin and ibuprofen?

For someone allergic to aspirin and ibuprofen, alternative pain relief options may include acetaminophen or consulting a healthcare professional for other suitable medications. It's important to discuss any allergies with a healthcare provider to find safe and effective pain management options.


When should someone with sternum pain seek immediate medical attention?

Immediate medical attention should be sought if sternum pain is severe, spreads to the jaw, left arm, or back, or is accompanied by symptoms like shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, nausea, or a rapid or irregular heartbeat. These could indicate a more serious condition, such as a heart attack.


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