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Sternum Popping, Cracking and a lot of PAIN!


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Hi,

 

I've had a problem with my sternum since my early 20's when I was a dancer. Certain moves added a lot of pressure on the chest area.

 

Ever since I've had discomfort. It used to be easily relieved by stretching my arms back and I'd hear a loud pop/crack then the pain would go away immediately. So every time the pain came where it felt like the bone in my chest was locked I just stretched my arms back and cracked it.

 

There were times where it got really bad that I decided to go see my GP to be referred for an MRI. I also saw an orthopedist, some other specialists and yoga to boot.

 

Today the pain is unbearable, can't turn sideways, my whole body is affected by it and nothing is relieving it, not even the stretch aforementioned.

 

I know it will subside, it always does - usually after a loud pop. Or maybe this will be permanent..

 

Does anyone else have this problem? I've not had any conclusive diagnosis yet and I'm getting pretty fed up really.

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Have you had the MRI done? Your sternum is solid and shouldn't be popping at all..that's not normal. I work with cardiothoracic surgery and popping/cracking is common with our patients who have had a sternotomy [where the sternum is cut in half and then wired shut after the procedure]..but it shouldn't be happening to you unless you have a possible fracture from your previous history with dancing. Typically if a patient comes in experiencing those symptoms we would order a CT rather than an MRI. I would follow up with your doctor or possibly get a second opinion.

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I am not making assumptions, but if there was an eating disorder at that time, you may have affected your calcium levels, etc. and you may have very brittle bones....second the suggestion of Dangle to get another opinion. That level of pain may be a cracked rib....

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I'm writing to let you know that I have the same exact problem. Mine started happening after a rugby game when someone fell straight on my chest. It doesn't happen as frequent as you though it sounds but it is painful. I'm curious as to what this is, so I'll be keeping my eye on this thread I'm sorry I can't offer more than my empathy!

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No, your chest can crack, it's technically normal but like cracking your back it isn't really good for you. It isn't the actual sternum or bones cracking, but the ligaments between it and the ribs, which can become inflamed. The sound is from bones rubbing though, so it can lead to forms of arthritis if left alone/done frequently long enough. See a doctor or chiropractor, they'll be able to help more than any of us.

 

I've cracked mine a few times, happens a lot if you are sitting in a chair for a long period.

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Have you had the MRI done? Your sternum is solid and shouldn't be popping at all..that's not normal. I work with cardiothoracic surgery and popping/cracking is common with our patients who have had a sternotomy [where the sternum is cut in half and then wired shut after the procedure]..but it shouldn't be happening to you unless you have a possible fracture from your previous history with dancing. Typically if a patient comes in experiencing those symptoms we would order a CT rather than an MRI. I would follow up with your doctor or possibly get a second opinion.

 

I missed my MRI Appointment date was so far away that my chest felt better so I ignored it. Not good I know. So I'm going to try get referred for a CT scan rather than MRI as you said (i'm a bit funny about the whole radiation thing though must admit).

 

I really hope its not serious. Last thing I want is a scar from an operation near me cleavage area..

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I am not making assumptions, but if there was an eating disorder at that time, you may have affected your calcium levels, etc. and you may have very brittle bones....second the suggestion of Dangle to get another opinion. That level of pain may be a cracked rib....

 

No eating disorder, love food too much Calcium levels, you may have a point. I know for a fact my calcium intake isn't that great. I don't drink milk..mainly soya milk, but I do eat a lot of sardines and humous which are apparently calcium rich. May have to start taking calcium tabs though as a back up plan.

 

Yea the pain is unbearable. It's like I can't breathe and it affects my posture in that split second.... couldn't even turn my head earlier on today.

 

It seems to be wearing off very slowly, but I'll still go for the CT to rule out any issues which could be serious.

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No eating disorder, love food too much Calcium levels, you may have a point. I know for a fact my calcium intake isn't that great. I don't drink milk..mainly soya milk, but I do eat a lot of sardines and humous which are apparently calcium rich. May have to start taking calcium tabs though as a back up plan.

 

Yea the pain is unbearable. It's like I can't breathe and it affects my posture in that split second.... couldn't even turn my head earlier on today.

 

It seems to be wearing off very slowly, but I'll still go for the CT to rule out any issues which could be serious.

 

my mum was totally anti milk (and therefore calcium) until later in her life -- but she tripped on stairs last year and cracked a verebrate in her back....same pain.

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No, your chest can crack, it's technically normal but like cracking your back it isn't really good for you. It isn't the actual sternum or bones cracking, but the ligaments between it and the ribs, which can become inflamed. The sound is from bones rubbing though, so it can lead to forms of arthritis if left alone/done frequently long enough. See a doctor or chiropractor, they'll be able to help more than any of us.

 

I've cracked mine a few times, happens a lot if you are sitting in a chair for a long period.

 

I've heard that it could be an inflammation. God I wonder what arthritis looks like in the chest area? Hope it doesn't cause me to become the hunch back of London..

 

I'm quite active, don't sit in chairs or anywhere for that matter too long. It definitely begun when I started doing challenging moves in dance sequences, mostly hand stand positions. I think the weight of my body put a hell of a lot of pressure on the chest area and has caused it to 'fracture' possibly...i really hope not because the pain is excruciating.

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my mum was totally anti milk (and therefore calcium) until later in her life -- but she tripped on stairs last year and cracked a verebrate in her back....same pain.

 

Oh God! Well thanks for the wake up call. Chemist - calcium tablets -tomorrow.

 

Hope your mum is ok now.

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