Many conditions can cause pain when the sternum is pressed. According to Minnesota State University, the sternum, also known as the breastbone, is a flat, dagger-shaped bone in the middle of the chest. The sternum, in conjunction with the ribs, forms the rib cage, which protects the heart, lungs and several important blood vessels from injury. Pressing the sternum can cause considerable pain in individuals with certain medical conditions or chest wall injuries.
Fractured Sternum
A fractured sternum can cause pain when the sternum is pressed. According to the FreeMD.com, a fractured sternum, also known as a broken breastbone, is usually caused by blunt-force trauma to the front of the chest. One of the most common causes of sternum fractures is a motor vehicle accident in which the driver's chest strikes the vehicle's steering wheel or column. Common signs and symptoms associated with a fractured sternum include pain over the middle of the chest that's made worse with movement or when taking in a deep breath, pain when the sternum is pressed, bruising, swelling and tenderness in the affected area, breathing difficulties and an observable chest deformity. Possible treatments to reduce pain and other symptoms associated with a fractured sternum include rest, cold compresses, pain medication, cold laser therapy and Kinesio taping techniques.
Costochondritis
Costochondritis can cause pain when the sternum is pressed. MedlinePlus, a medical information resource established by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, states that costochondritis is an inflammation of a rib or the cartilage that links a rib to the sternum. Costochondritis is a common cause of chest pain. In most cases, the cause of costochondritis is unknown, although certain factors such as fibromyalgia, an upper respiratory illness or blunt-force trauma to the chest might contribute to the development of this condition. Costochondritits is usually harmless and self-resolves over time. MayoClinic.com states that common signs and symptoms associated with costochondritis include sharp, dull or gnawing pain when the ribs and sternum are pressed, pain with deep breathing, pain when coughing and difficulty breathing. According to MedlinePlus, costochondritis-related pain usually goes away after several days.
Pectoral Muscle Trigger Points
Pectoral muscle trigger points can cause pain when the sternum, especially the edges of the sternum, are pressed. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, trigger points are discrete, focal, hyper-irritable nodules or knots within a tight band of muscle. Trigger points generate localized pain and referred pain, which is pain that originates in one part of the body but manifests elsewhere. Among the most common causes of trigger points, including pectoral muscle trigger points, are acute trauma or repetitive micro-trauma to the anterior or front side of the chest wall. Trauma can place stress on the affected muscle fibers and lead to trigger point formation in the involved muscle. The pectoral muscles, including pectoralis major and minor, are located on the front of the chest and are common locations for trigger points. In some cases, trigger points form along the edge of the muscles, where they attach to the sternum.
