Question
Hello I have arthritus of the rib cage and the sterdurm and the more I more my arms sometimes it gets worst.  When in a store and I am looking at clothes when moving the hangers just a bit the back of my chest seems like someone is in the back and twisting me someone how. Its a weird feeling like someone is using a screw driver or a wrench and turning me , sometimes it gets me so scared.  Is this from the arthritus of the rib cage and sterdum or is this from something else.  Thanks so much for your help.  Diana

Answer
Diana,

There is no such thing a arthritis of the rib cage or sternum. Arthritis is inflammation of a joint or joints. The ribs or sternum are not joints. There are inflammatory conditions that can cause this type of pain in the sternum and ribs. The main posibilities are Costochondritis, Pleurisy or strained muscles.

The bones in the sternum are held together with cartilage. Chostochondritis is when this cartilage becomes inflamed.

Pleurisy is inflammation of the the membrane that lines your chest cavity.

Both can cause a lot of pain when you move.

Strained muscles in this area can do the same thing.

There are some heart and lung problems that can cause similar symptoms.

The best thing to do is to have it check out to rule out something serious. Most likely it is not and treatment with anti-inflammatories will have you back to normal quickly.

Rusty