If you’re experiencing sternum pain after a car accident, you’re not alone. This type of chest pain can be alarming—and for good reason. It may indicate a minor soft tissue injury or something more serious, like a fractured sternum or internal trauma. At Comprehensive Accident and Injury Center, we help patients throughout Delaware recover safely after a car crash with same-day evaluations, advanced diagnostics, and personalized treatment plans.
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What Causes Sternum Pain After a Car Accident?
The sternum, or breastbone, sits in the center of your chest and helps protect vital organs such as your heart and lungs. In a car accident, this area can be injured due to:
Seatbelt trauma (compression across the chest during impact)
Airbag deployment
Blunt force trauma from the steering wheel or dashboard
Sudden deceleration injuries causing internal strain
While a seatbelt saves lives, the force it applies during a collision can bruise or fracture the sternum. Even a minor accident can result in chest discomfort that should not be ignored.
Symptoms of Sternum Injury After a Crash
If you’re dealing with sternum pain after a car accident, you may experience:
Sharp or aching pain in the center of your chest
Pain when breathing deeply or coughing
Swelling or bruising over the breastbone
Discomfort when lying down or changing positions
Clicking or popping sensations in the chest
In more severe cases, you may also experience difficulty breathing or signs of internal bleeding—both of which require emergency medical attention.
Why Prompt Evaluation Is Critical
Because the sternum protects so many vital structures, any post-accident chest pain should be evaluated right away. Internal injuries such as cardiac contusions, pulmonary bruising, or even fractured ribs can mimic sternum pain and may worsen without treatment.
At Comprehensive Accident and Injury Center, we offer same-day diagnostic imaging, including X-rays and ultrasound, to identify the root cause of your pain. Our providers are experienced in trauma-related musculoskeletal injuries and can guide you through a tailored care plan focused on fast and effective healing.
What to Do If You’re Experiencing Sternum Pain
- Seek medical care immediately. Don’t assume your pain is “normal” after an accident.
- Avoid strenuous activity until cleared by a professional.
- Apply ice to reduce swelling and take over-the-counter pain medication if advised.
- Schedule a full evaluation at our Delaware clinic to rule out serious conditions.
We can document your injury thoroughly, which is also important if you’re involved in an insurance claim or personal injury case.
Expert Post-Accident Care in Delaware
Whether you’ve been in a major crash or a minor fender-bender, don’t ignore sternum pain. At Comprehensive Accident and Injury Center, we combine compassionate care with advanced diagnostics to support your recovery every step of the way. Let us help you heal quickly—and safely.
Call us today or use our online booking tool to schedule your same-day evaluation.
Dr. Jack Norsworthy
Dr. Jack Norsworthy is a Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine and Founder of the Comprehensive Accident and Injury Center. He's passionate about providing the highest quality of Chiropractic care in Delaware and surrounding communities. Check back for more updates from Doctor Norsworthy as he shares more information about musculoskeletal injuries, Chiropractic care, and healthy lifestyle habits.
Dr. Jack Norsworthy
Dr. Jack Norsworthy is a Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine and Founder of the Comprehensive Accident and Injury Center. He's passionate about providing the highest quality of Chiropractic care in Delaware and surrounding communities. Check back for more updates from Doctor Norsworthy as he shares more information about musculoskeletal injuries, Chiropractic care, and healthy lifestyle habits.
