I have a weird crunching sound when I push the area where my ribs come together. I think its called the sternum or breastbone? It also hurts sometimes when taking deep breaths. Also, a few weeks I experienced some lower back pain and think that could be associated, but Im not sure. I just recently took and finished an antibiotic regement for a UTI, so I am not sure if that makes any difference.
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your concern. Sternum is attached with ribs by cartilaginous joint. It is not fixed and hard joint. It is somewhat mobile joint. This mobility is important in rib cage movements during respiration. On forceful movements, these cartilaginous joints can make noise. So you are mostly hearing this noise. No need to worry about this because this is normal. Better to avoid such forceful pressure because it can damage these joints. Since you recently had cold and pain on deep breathing, better to get done chest x-ray to rule out lung pathology. If chest x-ray is normal than no need to worry about this noise. Hope I have solved your query. Wish you good health. Thanks.