What causes a cracking sound in the ribs?
Nov 23, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lin Yunfei
Introduction
Maintaining a single posture for a prolonged period may cause clicking sounds in the ribs accompanied by pain. Sleeping prone or bending over for extended periods can lead to compression and friction of the joints between the sternum and ribs, resulting in local inflammatory exudation and joint stiffness. Subsequently, when straightening the chest, it may trigger localized pain and audible friction of the joint synovium.
Rib popping sounds may be caused by local soft tissue inflammation due to prolonged posture, twisting, or heavy lifting, or by injury to the sternum. Specific causes are as follows:
1. Prolonged twisting: Maintaining the same posture for a long time may lead to audible rib sounds accompanied by pain. Prolonged lying face down or bending over can cause compression and friction between the joints of the sternum and ribs, resulting in local inflammatory exudation and joint stiffness. When straightening the chest, this may produce localized pain and a rubbing sound from joint synovial friction.
2. Rib injury: A direct blow to the central chest area in the past may have caused rib fractures. When the patient performs chest-expanding movements, abnormal motion at the fracture site may generate unusual noises, possibly causing severe pain due to traction on the fractured ends.
To manage rib popping, avoid prolonged sitting. After sitting for an hour, stand up and engage in appropriate physical activity to strengthen the resilience of surrounding muscles and fascia. Supplementing with calcium appropriately may also help. This condition generally has no significant impact on health, so there is no need to worry excessively.
