Brief Answer: There is nothing worrisome about it. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for your query. A popping or cracking noise emanating from the sternum (breastbone) is usually associated with the joints between the breastbone and ribs. It can happen due to a physical strain like weight lifting, inflammation like costochondritis, muscle spasm or rheumatoid arthritis. It seems that your episodes are inflammatory in nature. Such episodes are usually self limiting and do improve on taking mild pain killers like ibuprofen and doing a hot fomentation. You can also apply a local analgesic gel for an earlier relief. There is nothing worrisome about it. In case the symptoms are persistent, then stronger prescription analgesics like naproxen might be needed after consulting the orthopedician. I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query. Take care

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