Therapy
The pain is treated with NSARs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen or diclofenac. Ibuprofen and diclofenac are not only analgesic but also anti-inflammatory. Diclofenac is also available as an ointment, better known as Voltaren®.
One plant-based ointment that helps well is Arnica Ointment. If the pain is very severe, there is the possibility of injecting a local anesthetic, possibly with glucocorticoids (cortisol) directly. Physiotherapy or physiotherapy helps with massages and exercises against tension or muscle shortening.
Strained regions can be taped and stabilized. Techniques are also learned that can be used alone at home. Acutely, heat relieves tension.
With the right posture, muscle tension and nerve entrapment, which lead to pain in the sternum, can be prevented. It is important to maintain an upright posture, with shoulders hanging loosely and not being pulled up. The chest should be stretched out and the head held straight.
There should be no hollow back. The sitting posture should be changed frequently to avoid one-sided strain. Occasional loosening exercises are important for predominantly sedentary activities (computer workstation). It is useful to familiarize yourself with back exercises, which are mainly aimed at office workplaces. Before a physical activity that you are not used to or sporting activities, make sure to warm up and stretch the muscles well beforehand.
Prognosis
The prognosis for pain in the sternum is usually good. If the therapy (medication and physical therapy) is carried out consistently, the symptoms will improve more quickly. Of course, it depends on the cause of the pain whether complete healing occurs or not. If, for example, there is a Tietze syndrome, it is not impossible that the symptoms will reoccur.
