I feel the exact same thing when I smoke weed only. It happens every single time I smoke weed and went on for two days when I did shrooms. I don't know why it's only related to drugs, but it hurts. I'd describe it as my organs are too big for my rib cage and my sternum is cracking to relieve the pressure. SO WEIRD. I also get faint when this happens, but my breathing's always regular.

I have the exact same problem and I have to crack my chest a few times a day

I've had the same problem for over a year. It's really uncomfortable when you can't quite get your chest to crack and can't relieve the pressure. I am very tall and slim, and slouch quite a lot when I'm sat down for a long time. I just hope it doesn't last forever as it's quite a weird thing to do all the time! It feels like the more you do it the more it needs doing.

I'm sure it's got something to do with the cartilage in the sternum 'setting' and 're-setting' when you adjust your posture.

IF U THINK THATS WIERD TRY HAVING TO CRACK YOUR CHEST & NECK AT THE SAME TIME .. IVE HAD IT FOR OVER A YEAR , I HAVE TO TWIST A CERTAIN WAY TO RELIEVE THE PREESURE & ITS NOT A PRETTY SIGHT HAHA! ONCE IT CLICKS THE TENSION AND TIGHTNESS HAS GONE ,, ID JUST PUT IT DOWN TO POSTURE OR GETTING OLDER X

Man I have the same thing but i haven't figured out how to crack my ribs yet though i need to we need to get someone who actually know something to reply to this thread so we can figure out what the heck is going on haha

I have had the exact same chest pain described above for about 8 years now. It started early in Highschool when I started growing, and I still have it(I am now 24). My main concern is that I used to crack my chest once every few months, and now I seem to be doing it 5-10 times a day. I have tried to leave it alone, but the pressure just seems to build up and I feel I have to crack my chest to releive it.

I feel bad for those people who havn't figured out how to crack it yet, I know how much that sucks. Heres what I do: I take a deep breath and fill my upper chest with air, then arch my back(while standing) and try to push my shoulders as far back as possible, while sticking my chest out foreward as far as possible. Then I give a little down on my lower ribcage with my hands, and CRACK!

Hope it works. I'm also curious to see if thats what other people do, or if all of us "Chest Crackers" have our own styles. Let me know.

By the way, I think we should all say a little about ourselves so we can find a common denominator. I am also sort of tall and fit(someone above mentioned that), but not overly so. I also tend to slouch forward when sitting, especially while typing, and I think that makes it worse. I think the most important trait to mention is that I have a concave chest. You know... it kind of looks like a cereal bowl where the middle of my chest should be flat. I am not a smoker, never have, but I typed in "crack my chest" and found this blog.

Let's get to the bottom of this!
Kevin

People that lift weights or do other certain activities, and those with poor posture (slouching), often have this condition. It's not dangerous, but things are out of alignment and/or are inflamed. The costosternal joints between the ribs and sternum pop just as knuckles do. Gentle full-body stretching (don’t forget the hamstrings), good posture, and even diet will make the sensation lessen or go away completely. A chiropractor or doctor may be necessary in realigning the joints. If the pain increases into your chest, neck or arm, check with the doctor - it could be Tietze Syndrome or Costochondritis.