Function
The ribs and the costal arch in general serve to protect and function the lungs and the heart, represent an anatomical boundary and are the starting point for important muscles. As a component of the lower thoracic literature, the actual anatomical costal arch serves as a boundary between the thoracic and abdominal areas. This means that important organs such as the stomach on the left and the liver on the right are located below the costal arch in the abdominal cavity. The costal arch also serves as a starting point for muscles such as the diaphragm or one of the abdominal muscles, the straight vertical rectus abdominis muscle. The width and shape of the ribcage determines the angle in the costal arch.
Pain in the ribcage
Pain in the costal arch can have many causes. In most cases, the pain goes away by itself after a short time and has no life-threatening consequences. However, if the pain persists for a longer period of time, a doctor should always be consulted for clarification.
It is important that the actual bow, which consists of bone or cartilage, is not innervated by nerves. This means that the pain is only caused by the irritated overlying skin, which receives and transmits the pain from the abdomen or other areas. Many organs are located in close proximity to the costal arch.
On the left side, the spleen or the stomach can cause pain, such as an irritated stomach or an enlarged spleen. On the right side, the liver, gallbladder, pancreas or even the intestine can cause pain. The pain can be triggered by inflammation of the individual organs or constipation (constipation) in the intestine.
Furthermore, the muscles attached to the costal arch can be irritated. For example, a sore muscle or a torn muscle fibre may be present. Swelling of the organs or the abdomen itself can also cause pain.
Pain after an accident can range from bruising to multiple rib fractures. Common to these is that injuries to the ribs are often extremely painful and can be aggravated by deep breathing. In most cases, the pain can also be intensified by applying pressure to the painful area.The so-called intercostal neuralgia is a pain in the nerves that run between two ribs in the intercostal space and also in the nerve below the last rib.
The pain is typically sharp and can be localized very precisely by applying pressure. Pain peaks occur during certain movements. In some intercostaluralgia, a cause can be found (for example, a nerve root irritation near the spinal cord, shingles or a fracture that pinches the nerve. Often, however, the cause remains unknown. Muscle tensions can also occur in the region of the costal arch, for example in the case of a severe, severe cough.