Pain in the middle of the costal arch
The connection of the costal arches represents a bony structure, the sternum (medical term: sternum). Pain can also occur there, which may be connected with the costal arch. In general, it is important to distinguish between two different types of pain.
If the pain can be modulated by changing the body position or by applying pressure to the painful area, an organic cause is generally unlikely.However, if this is not the case, and the pain may even radiate into the jaw, left arm or back, this is called angina pectoris. There are various possible causes for existing angina pectoris. A common reason is the existence of coronary artery disease, which can trigger pain in the middle of the chest due to the heart no longer being supplied with sufficient oxygen.
It can also be a so-called aortic dissection, in which the wall of the aorta is damaged. Finally, a pulmonary embolism can also be the reason for the pain. In any case, if there is pain in the chest that cannot be explained by disorders of the musculoskeletal system, a doctor should be consulted as soon as possible.
Especially if the pain radiates into the jaw, arm or back, it can be the symptom of angina pectoris and thus a serious illness. Other organs located in the middle upper abdomen can also trigger the pain in the middle of the chest or costal arch. The stomach or intestine in particular, but also the pancreas, may be the cause of the pain in this area.
For example, a reflux of the stomach can be responsible for the pain. However, if the symptoms can be modulated by movement or pressure on the affected area, the presence of angina pectoris is at least unlikely. The reason for the existing problem in these cases is usually a skeletal or muscular cause.
Thus, problems of the spinal column can also cause pain in the middle of the chest. Muscle strains or pain after an injury are also typical of the problem. It is also possible that the joints that connect the ribs to the sternum or spine have to be repositioned and a dislocated joint is therefore the cause of the pain. Even in cases where joints or muscles are the cause of the pain, a doctor should be consulted to examine the problem and provide a suitable therapy to remedy it.
