You can have pain in this area because of infection, inflammation, injury, or the breakdown of cartilage affecting the sternum itself. Problems with nearby organs like the heart, lungs, and esophagus can also cause pain in this area. This includes a heart attack, pleurisy (a lung inflammation), and acid reflux.

Sternum pain can result from problems with muscles and bones near the sternum, as well as the sternum itself. Substernal pain is discomfort occurring behind or below the sternum. It often results from gastrointestinal conditions.

Several conditions can directly affect your sternum, leading to chest pain or discomfort. This is often due to musculoskeletal issues such as injuries, arthritis, or infections. Treatment often involves rest and medications for easing pain and swelling, although surgery may be needed in severe cases.

Sternum pain can have many causes, including joint strains, muscle injury, and acid reflux. Chest pains can also be a symptom of a heart attack, and you should not ignore them. Your sternum, or breastbone, connects the two sides of your rib cage. It sits in front of many major organs in your chest and gut, including your heart, lungs, and stomach.

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.