Bench press aggravating healed broken ribs and sternum

[xgunx]

Does the bench press ever bother your sternum or ribs? I have recently had a spot or two bothering me after benching. One is where I broke a ribs years ago, like 7 years ago. The other is near the sternum. What can I do or should I do to prevent it?

 

[MindlessWork]

Maybe adjust grip width? I have to do that due to a poorly set clavicle tip that I broke as a kid digs into the delt muscle from below.

 

[xgunx]

I can go a little narrower but risking pinching fingers. Maybe an inch on each side. Then I am on the inside of the frame.

Not at max, doing 5 sets of at least 10 reps.

 

[xgunx]

So apparently this is kind of a common issue. Cartilage around the sternum where ribs connect can tear or get stretched. The term is costochondral separation. Not stretching and starting out with heavy weight among other things can also cause it.

It wasn't very noticeable the first few weeks. Only when getting off the bench. But now it is worse and I can feel it doing several exercises. Recovery can be very slow, almost like a broken rib. Guess I need to really stretch better and take some weight off for now. Maybe slower reps instead of trying to crank em out fast.

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[MindlessWork]

If it is bad enough you might need to consult with the doc and get an MRI done to check the extent of damage. You certainly don't want to have it tear completely...that has to be a tough place to fix.

 

[xgunx]

If it is bad enough you might need to consult with the doc and get an MRI done to check the extent of damage. You certainly don't want to have it tear completely...that has to be a tough place to fix.

I've had a broken rib before and man that sucked. Currently it is not bad, but it did progress some this month as I added weight.

It was only noticeable after I benched and went to sit up. Then this past week I went a little harder as my strength had gone up and I noticed it was during lifting and certain other exercises. If I continue it will certainly be bad.

I was not taking any joint supplements or fish oil which I am now. Also I switched from prison style routines to real weights a couple months ago. Gains are so much better but I'm afraid at my age and sort of the first real time training right I may be slightly over doing it for my old man bones.

Thank you for the advice I am letting this heal and making some adjustments so hopefully I don't lose much time.