What causes discomfort behind the sternum? Sternum pain is usually caused by problems with the muscles and bones near the sternum and not the sternum itself. Pain felt just behind or below the sternum is
What causes discomfort behind the sternum?
Sternum pain is usually caused by problems with the muscles and bones near the sternum and not the sternum itself. Pain felt just behind or below the sternum is called substernal pain and is sometimes caused by gastrointestinal problems. Some of the most common causes of sternum and substernal pain are: costochondritis.
Can you have muscle spasms in your sternum?
A muscle spasm is a sudden and involuntary contraction of a muscle. A muscle spasm can move the joints associated with the sternum out of place, because the tight muscles limit the flexibility of the joints. This can cause pain as well as popping.
Can costochondritis cause chest muscle spasms?
If fibromyalgia-related inflammation affects the cartilage that connects the upper ribs to the breastbone, this can result in costochondritis. Fibromyalgia can also cause inflammation, pain, stiffness, and muscle spasms anywhere in the chest.
Do you get spasms with costochondritis?
The pain may mimic the pain associated with diseases of the heart or lung, leading victims to falsely believe they are having a heart attack. – Hyperventilation, leading to shortness of breath. – Muscle spasms in the chest area. – Tenderness to the touch in the afflicted area.
What is under my breastbone?
Under and around the left breastbone are the heart, spleen, stomach, pancreas, and large intestine. And that’s in addition to the left lung, left breast, and left kidney, which actually sits higher in the body than the right one.
How do you relieve chest muscle spasms?
Here are some things to try:
- Stretching. Stretching the area that has the muscle spasm can usually help improve or stop the spasm from occurring.
- Massage.
- Ice or heat.
- Hydration.
- Mild exercise.
- Nonprescription remedies.
- Topical creams that are anti-inflammatory and pain relieving.
- Hyperventilation.
How do I stop muscle spasms in my chest?
In cases where the spasms are persistent, it can help to stretch or put pressure on the surrounding muscles. For example, gently pushing into the affected muscle using the fingers can help to relieve discomfort. Holding one hand over the head can also help, as it stretches the chest muscles.
Can you get a hernia under your breastbone?
Symptoms of an epigastric hernia An epigastric hernia usually causes a bump to occur in the area below your sternum, or breastbone, and above your belly button. This bump is caused by a mass of fat that has pushed through the hernia. The raised area may be visible all the time or only when you cough, sneeze, or laugh.