What does it mean if your chest cracks? (sternum)?

5 Comments

1. Ronin says:

   November 29, 2011 at 12:25 pm

   No, mine does that just like my spine, knuckles, ankles, etc. No big deal
2. formerly_bob says:

   November 29, 2011 at 1:09 pm

   The sternum needs to move in and out when breathing, so the sternum is connected to the ribs by the sternocostal joints. These joints can stick (fixate) or they can slip out of place (subluxate). Both problems cause a popping or cracking sound when the joint releases or slips back into place.

   These joints can become arthritic, but subluxation usually is a result of injury, muscle tightness, muscle weakness, or sleeping in a position that separates the joints. Fixation occurs mostly from inactivity. If the joints are not injured, both problems can usually be managed by stretching chest, shoulder and lateral muscles.

   Chiropractors are helpful for correcting these types of problems.
3. cross says:

   November 29, 2011 at 1:17 pm

   sternum is along bone located in the mid line and is attached to the ribs.
   it is composed from three pieces, it is connected to the clavicle too
   it has a role in respiration ( as muscles of respiration is attached to it) and weight distribution of body
4. LifeIsPassion says:

   November 29, 2011 at 1:33 pm

   If it “cracks” like you crack your knuckles… it is the same thing. The sternum attaches to the clavicles and the ribs… lots of joints to be cracking. The crack is a phase change from the fluid inside joint to a gas, and when released is the pop.
5. Duane says:

   November 29, 2011 at 2:18 pm

   I know what you mean, mine used to all the time. The joint at the top of the Sternum is the SternoClavicular joint. It is a synarthroidal joint, with is to say that it should be a fixed joint, secured by cartilage. However, in young adults and others who may have increased elasticity in their joints, the SC joint will pop from time to time. It is not something to be concerned with unless you feel pain in the joint area itself, this will be a sign of cartilage damage.