My intercostal muscles are said to be the problem but it feels like my sternum is about to split in half

[ananamas]

Im 17 195 lbs 6'1" and rather athletic. So what basically happens is im about to lift myself up onto something with my arms outstretched relatively far so the stress is focused on the area around my sternum. When i lift myself up onto let say a ledge to sit with my back facing the ledge there's a really quick pain that shoots through the area and it feels like somebody just whacked me there with a sledgehammer. It quickly causes me to lose my breath and the pain is excruciating, i can't lean over in certain directions or breathe heavily for about 2-3 weeks. The sternum and about 4 inches side to side of it are tender to the touch and very sensitive. I've seen the doctor about it and he tells me its strainging the intercostal muscles, but i want to know what i can do to keep it from happening again. And if you feel there is any other helpful information i would appreciate it.

[Momtoteenboys]

My 15 yr old is 6'3" and 195 lbs.  He has had similar pain recently, though not as intense as what you describe.  We were told it was costal chronditis (sp?) and is related to the bones hardening as his growth is nearly done.  Hopefully for you, that is the case too and this will soon pass.

[AZbby]

This could be coused from a cyst or testicul cancer. My cuzin has it what you need to do is check your testiculs to see if you have any lumps. If so you need to tget an appointment ASAP becouse they can help if its detected early

[ananamas]

yea jsut a little recap for you guys..i found out its mainly cuased when you do the workout called the dip..nobody really seems to know why it happens, but the theory runnin around it is that the back muscles are weaker than the chest muscles..but that just doesnt seem right to me haha. it hasnt happened in a while cuz i know what to avoid doing after hurting it 3 times.
but if any of you know anything further lemme know.