A sharp pain in the right sternum radiating to your shoulder and breast could be caused by a number of things, and it’s important to consider both benign and more serious possibilities. Given that you also experienced a similar issue on the left side previously, it could point to musculoskeletal issues such as costochondritis, where the cartilage connecting the ribs to the sternum become inflamed. This type of pain can radiate and is often worsened by certain movements or palpation. Another possibility might be a pinched nerve or muscle strain from physical activity or posture, which can cause referred pain radiating to the shoulder or arm. However, it’s also crucial to rule out more serious conditions like cardiac concerns, especially if you have risk factors such as a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or smoking. Although this pain is less typical for heart issues, as they usually manifest more on the left side and are accompanied by other symptoms, it’s not impossible.
Given that the pain has occurred multiple times and is now sore, a visit to a healthcare provider would be wise to properly assess your symptoms—chest pain can sometimes mask more serious issues, so it’s not something to ignore. They might perform a physical examination or order tests such as an EKG or X-ray to rule out cardiovascular or respiratory causes. Meanwhile, gentle stretching, hot or cold packs, and over-the-counter NSAIDs may provide temporary relief for musculoskeletal issues if allowed by a physician. Make sure to take note of activities or positions that seem to exacerbate your symptoms. If you experience any new symptoms like shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, or if the pain becomes more severe, seek medical attention immediately as this could indicate something more urgent. So, best to err on the side of caution and have a professional evaluation soon.
