Expert: Dr. Paul Newhart - 10/17/2008

Question
A week ago today, I was at the gym and the last exercise my partner and I were doing were bench dips. On my second set, I was lowering myself down (arms were basically at a 45 degree angle at this point) when I felt and heard a huge POP! in my chest. It was very painful, and I felt like something had gotten stuck. I started yelling for my partner to take the 35 lb. plate off my lap, and I collapsed forward onto my knees. At that point, whatever popped out had popped back in. I have not worked out since that incident, nor have I done any heavy lifting. The entire week I have experienced intense, sharp pains directly below my collarbone, and I have been unable to sleep a full night because every time I go to roll over, the pain in my chest wakes me up. Any idea what I could have done? Should I get this checked out, or will it just heal over time? Thanks!

Answer
I would definitely have it checked to make sure you didn't cause a fracture.  It most likely is a misalignment in a rib, and a good chiropactor, after x raying to make sure there are no fractures, should be able to correct it and get it rehabbed to strengthen it.