What causes pain in the sternum or mid chest area?

According to the Mayo Clinic, chest pain may have multiple causes, ranging from stress and digestive tract problems to heart attacks. Sternal pain is a chronic or acute pain felt in the region of the sternum.

Finding the cause of pain in the sternum or mid chest area may be challenging, especially in the case of patients who experience it for the first time. According to WebMD, thoracic spinal stenosis, heartburn, broken ribs, muscle strain, esophagitis and a broken or fractured breastbone may all cause pain in the sternum area. First aid is required when the chest pain does not get better.