Sternum Popping: Causes, Treatment, and Concerns

Overview

• Sternum (breastbone): A long, flat bone in the middle of the chest.
• Joints: Connected to the first seven ribs by cartilage, forming:
  • Sternocostal joint: Sternum and cartilage.
  • Costochondral joint: Cartilage and ribs.
• Popping sound: Often from sternocostal and costochondral joints.
• Key symptoms: Pain, swelling, or discomfort; seek medical attention if present.

Causes of Sternum Popping

1. Fractures

• Cause: Direct trauma to the sternum, causing joint swelling and popping.
• Action: Seek medical attention; surgery may be required.

2. Joint or Muscle Strain

• Cause: Straining joints or muscles associated with the sternum.
• Action: Rest is often advised, but seek a doctor to confirm diagnosis.

3. Costochondritis

• Cause: Inflammation of the cartilage connecting ribs to the breastbone.
• Action: Seek immediate medical attention.

4. Anxiety

• Effect: Aggravates popping sounds and increases pain/swelling during panic attacks.
• Action: Discuss with a doctor if anxiety hampers daily activities.

5. Muscle Spasms

• Effect: Moves sternum joints out of place, causing pain and popping.
• Action: Rule out heart/lung pain by seeking medical attention.

6. Bone Dislocation

• Effect: Separation from clavicle or ribs causes popping.
• Action: See a doctor to rule out serious injuries.

7. Tietze Syndrome

• Cause: Inflammation of cartilage attaching ribs to the breastbone, often in young girls.
• Action: Medical consultation if pain persists.

8. Arthritis

• Effect: Possible at the sternoclavicular joint, causing popping as cartilage wears down.
• Action: Seek medical advice for arthritis complications.

9. Sternal Instability

• Effect: Post-surgery instability may cause clicking sounds.
• Action: Medical review to prevent complications.

10. Calcification of Cartilage

• Effect: Calcium deposits cause cartilage wear and popping.

Treatment Options

• Medications: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen or painkillers like acetaminophen.
• Rest: Difficult for sternum joints but can help.
• Doctor's Advice: Identifying and treating the underlying cause.

Outlook

• General prognosis: Often not a cause for alarm, may resolve over time.
• When to seek treatment: If the popping is bothersome or accompanied by other symptoms.

These notes capture the key points about sternum popping, including its causes, symptoms, treatment options, and when to seek medical advice. Use this as a reference when studying the topic or preparing for medical consultations.