Question
Hey Dr. Paul,
I dont know where else to turn, so I jumped on the internet for some answers. A few months ago I was going to the gym quite regularly ( every 2nd day) sometimes on the in between days too. I started to build muscle and put on a few Kg's, lift heavier weights etc. So was upping the weight, as you do and really getting into the swing.

One day I woke up with a pain around my sternum area, the day after doing my chest workout. I had been doing benchpress, incline bench, fly etc etc everything chest related as I always did. It got progressively worse over the next few days and the pain got really sharp, I found it hard to bend over or even drive my car. I hadnt gone to the gym since it happened so I went to see my local gp. He said it was the cartlidge where the ribs meet the sternum after quite literally 5 seconds of pushing on my chest. He said common in people working out at gym. Give it 2 weeks off, Take FELDENE tablets once a day then you will be fine.

2 weeks later I was back in and I felt fine. I was going every second day for maybe a month, as I was before and it was going great. Till the day I did my 6km run I was lying on the floor that night, stood up and felt the horrible sharp pain again. So back to the doc's. They looked up my old file, rescripted me more feldene and sent me on my way.

It was fine once again so went to gym but this time I only lasted 1 days workout before the pain has returned.

Im quite concerned and would love another opinion. I really dont want to stop working out at the gym, and cant stop working chest forever! Is there anything you suggest I do, I really need some advice on which way to go about it, and if this injury could possibly be worse than they think it is?? Long term or short term injury? Should I get x rays? Can I continue gym work? PLEASE HELP!

Jamie

Answer
I would suggest you seek out a good chiropractor to help with this.  In the process of lifting weights, a misalignment may have occurred.  This would lead to a mechanical change and make it easier to injure yourself.  The meds and rest would help, but it sounds as if the cause may still be there.  A good chiropractor should be able to assess and treat this, as well as refer you to the proper specialist should the need arise.