Ongoing Sternum Pain Post-Car Collision
I am a 33-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing approximately 115 pounds. Since giving birth six months ago, my weight has fluctuated quite a bit. Currently, I am on a daily regimen that includes Effexor, Topamax, and an iron supplement, with Sumatriptan taken as necessary for migraine relief. I have been diagnosed with migraines and anxiety. On February 20, I was involved in a car crash where I was traveling straight at a speed of around 45 miles per hour when another driver, failing to yield while turning, collided with my vehicle. The impact caused my airbag to deploy, and it struck me directly in the chest. Though a medic checked my condition at the scene and found my vitals stable with no immediate distress, I chose not to go to the hospital due to my high-deductible health insurance, which makes emergency visits costly. Since the accident, I have been managing reasonably well, but the discomfort in my sternum persists without signs of improvement. Activities such as laughing, hiccupping, lifting my six-month-old baby, twisting my body, or even taking deep breaths trigger significant pain. I am contemplating whether it would be beneficial to consult with my primary care physician, given the possibility that my sternum may be severely bruised or potentially fractured as a result of the airbag impact. I have been self-treating with ibuprofen and applying ice while attempting to avoid heavy lifting. Any guidance or suggestions would be highly valued.
Answers (1)
3/4/2026, 11:00:45 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with ongoing sternum pain after your car accident, which is understandably concerning, especially when it affects your daily activities and responsibilities as a new parent. Here’s a breakdown of your situation and the steps you can take to manage your symptoms.
Main Points:
- Persistent sternum pain post-collision may suggest bruising or injury.
- It's important to monitor symptoms and consider further evaluation if pain persists or worsens.
Explanation:
After a significant impact like the one you experienced, chest pain can arise from various causes, including bruised ribs, soft tissue injury, or even a fracture. Since your symptoms have not improved and are exacerbated by normal activities like lifting and deep breathing, it indicates that this issue needs to be addressed more thoroughly.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on your pain levels. If you experience new symptoms such as difficulty breathing, increased swelling, or any signs of infection (like fever), this would escalate the urgency of seeking medical attention.
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Continue Self-Care:
- Pain Relief: Continue taking ibuprofen as directed for pain management, ensuring you're not exceeding the recommended dosage.
- Ice Therapy: Ice the area for 15-20 minutes a few times a day to reduce any swelling and pain. Ensure you have a barrier between the ice and your skin.
- Activity Modification: Arising from your activities that worsen pain (laughing, lifting, twisting), try to avoid these until you feel more comfortable.
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Consult Your Physician: Since the pain has persisted for more than a few days without improvement, it is advisable to make an appointment with your primary care physician. They can evaluate your sternum properly, and if necessary, they may order imaging studies (like an X-ray) to rule out fractures and provide a clearer diagnosis.
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Pain Journal: Consider keeping a journal of your symptoms, noting when the pain occurs, its intensity, and any activities that worsen or improve it. This information can be very useful for your doctor.
It’s great that you're proactively managing your health. Don’t hesitate to seek further medical support, especially since this pain affects your ability to care for your baby comfortably. Remember, addressing your concerns early can help prevent further issues down the line.
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