Why is my chest pushed in

However, anyone who wonders about the cause may wish to see a doctor. This is especially important when any other symptoms, such as pain or swelling, accompany the sound. These may indicate an injury or another health issue in the area. Symptoms that can accompany a popping sound in the sternum can resemble those of a heart attack. Anyone who experiences indications of a heart attack or other troubling chest symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.

Symptoms may include:. These issues can indicate angina or a heart attack, and they require immediate medical attention. The experience of a heart attack can vary by sex — learn about heart attack symptoms in females here.

However, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute note that any chest pain is a sign to see a doctor and that anyone experiencing symptoms of a heart attack should seek emergency medical attention, even if they are uncertain of the cause.

Sternum popping can be a discomforting symptom. However, the sound alone is typically not a cause for concern.

If a person experiences any additional symptoms, such as pain, inflammation, or stiffness, they should see a doctor. When minor injuries are responsible for these symptoms, simple home remedies, such as NSAIDs and rest, may be enough treatment. Costochondritis is a condition where the cartilage in the breastbone becomes inflamed, causing severe chest pain. The condition is also referred to as…. Sternum pain can result from a variety of causes.

These range from medical conditions, such as acid reflux or costochondritis, to traumatic events…. A look at the xiphoid process, a tiny bone structure within the sternum. Included are details on the symptoms in this area and how to treat the…. Fibromyalgia causes widespread pain and tenderness. While symptoms differ, many people report intense pain in the chest and ribcage.

Right-sided chest pain can be caused by many different conditions, illnesses, and injuries. Seek immediate medical care if you experience persistent chest pain.

The exact cause of costochondritis in most people is unknown. But conditions that may cause it include:. Costochondritis occurs more often in women and people over age You may also be at a higher risk for this condition if you:. Improperly handling heavy loads can stress chest muscles.

Younger people should lift heavy bags and backpacks with care. Adults should perform manual labor with caution. See your doctor right away if you have trouble breathing or are feeling intense chest pain. Always seek immediate emergency care when you have abnormal and debilitating pain in your chest. It can indicate something serious, such as a heart attack. Getting care as soon as possible limits the possibility of complications, especially if an underlying issue is causing your costochondritis.

Your doctor will perform a physical exam before making a diagnosis. During the physical exam, your doctor assesses pain levels by manipulating your rib cage. They may also look for signs of infection or inflammation. Your doctor might order tests, such as X-rays and blood tests , to rule out other conditions that may be causing your symptoms.

The Healthline FindCare tool can provide options in your area if you need help finding a primary care doctor or a rheumatologist. Most cases of costochondritis are treated with over-the-counter medications. If your pain is mild to moderate, your doctor will probably recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs such as ibuprofen Advil or naproxen Aleve.

A forceful blow to the chest can injure organs in the chest or upper abdomen. You may have chest wall pain after a less serious injury. This pain can occur with movement of a shoulder, an arm, the rib cage, or the trunk of the body. Even a minor injury can cause chest pain for days after the injury. Deep breathing, coughing, or sneezing can increase the pain, as can pressing down on or lying on the injured area.

Minor injuries often do not require a visit to a doctor. Home treatment can relieve the pain and discomfort. An injury to the chest may break or crack a rib or injure the cartilage of the rib cage. Symptoms of a bruised rib or broken rib include:. Rib fractures are painful but often can be treated at home if no other symptoms develop.

This wearing down of the cartilage can cause the popping sound you may be hearing. Learn more about calcification. In many cases where there is popping of the joint, swelling and inflammation may also be present. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen Advil and naproxen Aleve or a painkiller such as acetaminophen Tylenol , may be used.

Popping may go away along with the inflammation over time. Rest can also help, though this is difficult to achieve with the joints associated with the sternum. Your doctor will usually be able to help you determine the underlying cause of the popping, and treating that will help with your popping symptoms.

In many cases, a popping sternum is no cause for alarm and may even go away on its own with time. Here's what may be causing your pain and when to see your doctor. Slipping rib syndrome occurs when the cartilage on the lower ribs slips and moves, leading to pain in the chest or upper abdomen. Your intercostal muscles lie between your ribs. A strain in this area can cause pain and difficulty breathing. Here's how to treat it. A recessed maxilla can cause cosmetic issues like flat cheekbones and a prominent jaw, and lead to dental problems, speech issues, and obstructed….

If you do tear a meniscus, you might be tempted to "walk it off. A lateral pelvic tilt is when one hip is higher than the other.