Asymmetrical chest

Sternum Post Wow, I'm so glad I found this thread. I have been living with the same annoying asymmetrical sternum problem, for years!!! I too have been told the same lame-ass responses from the doctors, since I was 5. yeah, I remember my mom freaking out when I was that young, dragging me to the doctor's office, then him saying "she'll grow out of it". Which I never grew out of, Dr. Dickface!!! (Oh yeah, I see that most of you are male, I'm a girl) It happens to us girls too. My dad actually installed a steel bar in the basement because one doctor suggested that I hang with both my arms from the bar. I heard "she could get surgery but the surgery is very painful". I've heard about bracing...I've heard it all. From what I've learned from living with this for 3 decades is that, 1. It still sucks (mainly the physical pain) 2. It didn't ruin my life 3. My crooked spine is what caused it and I try to maintain spinal health by doing yoga. 4. We are not alone, there are many. It may be hereditary, I noticed that my four year old niece has a bump. I haven't mentioned it to my sister yet...she may not have noticed it but I know she will...eventually. I know she will be sad and upset because she knows what I went throught but I'm also hoping that she'll remember that I also turned out very happy and lived a normal life. OK, here's my life story in a nut-shell. So, my parents really tried to fix this. I was 5, I really didn't care at the time... it wouldn't be until high school that it bothered me to the point of depression. I'll get to that in a minute. My parents wanted me to feel normal so they put me in tons of activities, one being gymnastics - which I think helped keep my body "even". I was balancing my body by using both arms, legs etc. I really do think this helped but it was not a cure. I still had/have the "bump". I went thought years of schoolmates touching/poking my chest, saying "what's that?" As I got older, I hated & dreaded that question. Especially in high school. I tried to hide it by wearing layers & bulky sweatshirts which worked in the winter but the summer, not-so-much. I hated wearing bathing suits & T shirts. I felt like a freak. I cried daily. I felt alone. I felt that nobody would ever want me. I didnt know it at the time but I was wrong. (I went on to have a fabulous life, I'll get to that - I'm a girl...I like to talk a lot & drag things out for dramatic effect) Again, I am so glad my parents signed me up for so many athletic activities, I think that really pulled me out of my depression here and there. I was MVP on my JV Volleyball team, I was a cheerleader, I played other sports too. I appeared to most as "normal". I was voted on to homecoming court. Clearly I was too critical of myself. I also had a converstion with a teammate that changed my view on myself...well it helped. My schoolmate & I were sitting on the bus, on our way to a game when I noticed a ginormous scar on her leg. I mean it was about 8" long and a 1/2" thick. I did what any normal teenager would do and asked "what happened to your leg?!" She told me it was a scar from accidentally running through a glass door. I asked her if it bothered her and she said no. She said it was a part of her that makes her unlike anyone else. Wise words from a 16 year old. I started to accept myself a little bit more and realized, f*ck yeah, I'm totally unlike anyone I know!!! I went on to go to college, I played guitar in a band and even toured. I've had many successful relationships. I'm engaged to someone who loves ME for being me! I have a very succesful career as an art director & designer. I didn't miss out on anything. I think I'm just mad that I let it hold me back a bit when I was younger. Today, my back still hurts - more so than my chest. I go to a chiropractor, I belive it helps. I'm still doing yoga & don't laugh, pole dancing!!! It's an extremely challenging & vigorous workout, trust me....Google Zoraya Judd or Jenyne Butterfly - you'll see what I mean. Zoraya is ripped!! It keeps my body in shape (I'm not quite to Zoraya or Jenyne's level but one day hope to be). Anyway, I guess I may never be truly normal. I accept and love myself and realize that I'm better off than a lot of people. I have all my limbs and even if I lost a leg tomorrow, yeah - I'd be bummed for a while but I'd get right back up & continue doing the things I love. Always love yourself and if anyone were to love you less for something that is beyond you're control, then they're a shallow POS and totally not worth it. Don't ever put up with that. Stay strong! I hope this helps someone and I hope it helps my little darling niece.

Wow, I'm so glad I found this thread. I have been living with the same annoying asymmetrical sternum problem, for years!!! I too have the bump/lump on the right side. Ive been told the same lame-ass responses from the doctors, since I was 5. yeah, I remember my mom freaking out when I was that young, dragging me to the doctor's office, then him saying "she'll grow out of it". Which I never grew out of, Dr. Know-it-all!!! (Oh yeah, I see that most of you are male, I'm a girl) It happens to us girls too. My dad actually installed a steel bar in the basement because one doctor suggested that I hang with both my arms from the bar. I heard "she could get surgery but the surgery is very painful". I've heard about bracing...I've heard it all. From what I've learned from living with this for 3 decades is that, 1. It still sucks (mainly the physical pain) 2. It didn't ruin my life 3. My crooked spine/scoliosis is what causes it and I try to maintain spinal health by doing yoga. 4. We are not alone, there are many. It may be hereditary, I noticed that my four year old niece has a bump. I haven't mentioned it to my sister yet (it's her child)...she may not have noticed it but I know she will...eventually. I know she will be sad and upset because she knows the pain I went throught but I'm also hoping that she'll remember that I also turned out very happy and lived a normal life. OK, here's my life story in a nut-shell. So, my parents really tried to fix this. I was 5, I really didn't care at the time... it wouldn't be until high school that it bothered me to the point of depression. I'll get to that in a minute. My parents wanted me to feel normal so they put me in tons of activities, one being gymnastics - which I think helped keep my body "even". I was balancing my body by using both arms, legs etc. I really do think this helped but it was not a cure. I still had/have the "bump". I went thought years of schoolmates touching/poking my chest, saying "what's that?" As I got older, I hated & dreaded that question, especially in high school. I tried to hide it by wearing layers & bulky sweatshirts which worked in the winter but the summer, not-so-much. I hated wearing bathing suits & T shirts. I felt like a freak. I cried daily. I felt alone. I felt that nobody would ever want me. I didnt know it at the time but I was wrong. (I went on to have a fabulous life, I'll get to that - I'm a girl...I like to talk a lot & drag things out for dramatic effect) Again, I am so glad my parents signed me up for so many athletic activities, I think that really pulled me out of my depression here and there. I was MVP on my JV Volleyball team, I was a cheerleader, I played other sports too. I appeared to most as "normal". I was voted on to homecoming court. Clearly I was too critical of myself. I also had a converstion with a teammate that changed my view on myself...well it helped. My schoolmate & I were sitting on the bus, on our way to a game when I noticed a ginormous scar on her leg. I mean it was about 8" long and a 1/2" thick. I did what any normal teenager would do and asked "what happened to your leg?!" She told me it was a scar from accidentally running through a glass door. I asked her if it bothered her and she said no. She said it was a part of her that makes her unlike anyone else. Wise words from a 16 year old. I started to accept myself a little bit more and realized, f*ck yeah, I'm totally unlike anyone I know!!! I went on to go to college, I played guitar in a rock band and even toured. I've had many successful relationships. I'm engaged to someone who loves ME for being me! I have a very succesful career as an art director & designer. I didn't miss out on anything. I think I'm just mad that I let it hold me back a bit when I was younger. Today, my back still hurts - more so than my chest. I go to a chiropractor, I think it feels good and I believe it helps. I'm still doing yoga & don't laugh, pole dancing!!! It's an extremely challenging & vigorous workout, trust me....Google Zoraya Judd or Jenyne Butterfly - you'll see what I mean. Zoraya is ripped!! It keeps my body in shape (I'm not quite to Zoraya or Jenyne's level but one day hope to be). Anyway, I guess I may never be truly normal. I accept and love myself and realize that I'm better off than a lot of people. I have all my limbs and even if I lost a leg tomorrow, yeah - I'd be bummed for a bit but I'd get right back up & continue doing the things I love. Always love yourself and if anyone were to love you less for something that is beyond you're control, then they're a shallow POS and totally not worth it. Don't ever put up with that. Stay strong!

My friend i also have same problem :|

im also depressed 

my left side of chest bone stick out :-( 

i show to the doctor he tell me its normal but i don't think so 

its normal or naturally 

my mom was an nurse in hospital he also tell me its normal 

my mom tell me everyone body have different type of structure that i also have it 

its naturally comes he tell when u small i don't know my small age but my mom tell your chest little stick out very little

now im 14 years old that only problem i had

what to do leave it , don't think about it , its normal or naturally  

I just read your post, my son came to me today and asked me the same questioned about his chest. Like your sons, his left side sticks out a lot more than his right and I can see his pulse beating under his nipple. He said he doesn't have any pain or discomfort, however I am very concerned. I will be taking him to the doctor when we return home from our vacation, which is in a week. In the meantime I will be worrying. Did you go for your second opinion yet? If so could you kindly share it with me. Thanks! One concerned mom

I HAVE THE CURE!!!!!!    

i was also ignored by doctors and told it was common and nothing to worry about but we all know thats bullsh*t!

I have this problem too my right side is much bigger than the left and any exercise made it worse and the skin goes tight with this prickly feeling some of you also described. I had every symptom you guys do, and i bet if you check that on your bigger side (e.g my right) that one testicle is larger too! YOU CAN FIX THIS by exercise and draining the bigger testicle. First start by ONLY stimulating the side of the penis on the side of the bigger testicle until ejaculation, you will feel slightly more balanced straight away. repeat once a day. ALSO you need to get a heavy bag or join a gym that has one, do THIS exercise: two left hooks from mid to high (body to head) both with left foot in front then right foot, then with your right foot in front do a right jab (head) followed by left uppercut (body). THIS WILL FORCE YOUR BODY TO DEVELOP SYMMETRICALLY by increasing testosterone production in your weaker side, this will encourage muscle growth on this side and give it a chance to catch up. As im typing this i can feel the left side of my chest stretching to catch up with my right! i am feeling more balanced every day. i know its wierd but i promise you this is the cure! my posture has noticeably improved and i look and FEEL much more attractive! soon ill be able to take off my shirt with pride! PLEASE DO THIS NO ONE SHOULD HAVE TO SUFFER FROM THIS SPREAD THE WORD ON OTHER SITES! 

p.s using weaker hand for intricate stuff to improve dexterity also helps

MUCH LOVE GOOD LUCK BRUDDAS

thnak u sooooooooooooooo much...i m very happy to read this...u r really perfectionist...

i will try to follow u...

plz do contact with me...

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Hi I have the same as u but I am using a kindle and can't see pics please would u send to me, I have the lump on left side when I was at school I carried a duffle bag across my chest it used to rub here so I noticeable lump I also have the under breast like a protruding rib, and also the ribs below protrude, my right chest sides is pretty normal except dead centre chest where ribs meet sternum right side that should b attached is not and clicks, also because of this I wonder if my hip that also causes me pain is connected does anyone have any further info from professionals because I like u have been told its normal haven't even been offered MRI or CT scan 

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Hello,

i am 46 years old and have had this condition for as long as I can remember. My chest sticks to on the left side. It is called Pectus Carinatum which refers to the protrudence of the sternum. It's not caused by playing the guitar or masturbation, it's also not from scoliosis. It's just a chest deformity. Some stick out on the left, some on the right and some stick out dead center. Years ago there was a forum dedicated to this condition. i remember there was a couple of people that invented a chest brace that was said to help but from what I remember very few had good results. this condition is not to be confused with the condition Pectus excavatum which is the opposite where the sternum is pushed in not out. From what I know the only way to fix this is to have surgery. I met with one of the best thoracic surgeons in the country. I cannot remember his name but is was a hospital in Baltimore. I remember seeing many before and after Pictures with great results. what scared me was the huge scar that would be left. I decided not to have the surgery. I'm 46 and still feel weird taking my shirt off at the beach. most drs have never heard of this so you would have to see a thoracic surgeon . I think the only answer is to have the surgery or learn to live with it. I wish you all lots of luck. I know it sucks but it's not the worst thing.

Well, I have the same problem! And, I think I figured it out. Ask yourself, which hand do you use to perform "Self-love"? If it's the side of where your chest has the familiar 'lump', there's your answer. Just practice.. Doing it with the other hand.

Nice Explanation thanks for Sharing and Being Bold...............

i am the exact same as this however i have a few more things to add...i troo feel like my right rib cage is larger than my left and that my right is somehow pulling my left to protrude more, but theres more...my left arm doesnt straighten and my elbow goes towards my body if i try to, my right also does the same but not half as bad as my left, also the right side of my body as whole is bigger and more muscular than my left and i too feel like my left side has failed to develop, but i feel to blame for this as i cant use my left arm very well due to the deformity when i try strighten it out palms up? my left side also feels week and my left leg twists inwards towards my right leg wqhen i walk, i also feel like i have a whole group of muscles missing from my lwft side including my left shoulder blade and back muscles, maybe this is because ive never been able to exercise the left side properly due to the way my arm bends, i really dont know ( i amy right pec and abs also look bigger and more defined when i tense up, im currently seeing a doctor but the only thing ive had done so far is a x ray on my left arm, i feel like its getting worse and worse, may i also add that my right shouler is more forward than my left when i relax and my torso feels twisted to the right, if anyone has any ideas or advice on what this could be/ what i should do next please help me, this is the first time ive seen other people with similar problems, i also think i may have a curvature in ym spine but its difficult to see but my body certainly does feel twisted in general..; thank you for reading :)

Its probably because you guys sleep on the bed facing down and having your face lay down to the right or left. Asymmetrical chests are created due to this sleeping habit. For example lets say you sleep with your face down to the right, you would be putting all your body weight on the left side of your body (vice versa) and if you tend to sleep like this within many years, the pressure you add to the right side of your body will push in your chest (including the right side of your body), making the other side of your chest stick out. In order to fix this uneven chest problem you have to fix your sleeping habit so that your face is facing the ceiling when sleeping, and finally get some dumbells and work out your right chest more than your left (Or whichever chest is smaller than the other). One handed pushups are also very effective and make sure to work out the smaller chest more than the bigger chest. Well i hope i answered some of your questions now i know that this response may not apply to all of you but to the ones that can relate to this you know what to do now.

Also this sleeping habit of sleeping face down can also cause scroliosis this why the recommended way of sleeping is always facing the ceiling this is the perfect position to sleep in and will prevent the cause of any body deformities.

I have had the same problem since puberty, and I know some friends who have it too. After looking for things in common, I realised that all of us live near cell-phone antennas (less than 100 meters from them) . Of course it can be a coincidence, but people say those antennas are bad for the health. Do you guys also live near cell-phone antennas??

I have had the same problem since puberty, and I know some friends who have it too. After looking for things in common, I realised that all of us live near cell-phone antennas (less than 100 meters from them) . Of course it can be a concidence, but people say those antennas are bad for the health. Do you guys also live near cell-phone antennas??