Symptoms

The funnel chest has quite different shapes: there are wide and pointed indentations. Depending on how deep the indentations are, complaints occur.Deep funnels, for example, can constrict the mediastinum. The mediastinum is the space behind the sternum where the heart is located.

The spinal column is not affected, but over time it can become deformed and lose its function due to incorrect loading. However, children and adolescents are usually free of symptoms, as the thorax is very elastic at a young age. In addition, the organs have time to adapt as the disease gradually progresses.

During physical exertion (such as sport), symptoms become more frequent with increasing age (tachycardia). The heart is restricted in its space and cannot provide the full, increased pumping capacity. The lung volume may also be restricted, resulting in shortness of breath and shortness of breath.

Pain can certainly occur with a funnel chest. The bones of the rib cage, i.e. the sternum and ribs, as well as the spine and also the shoulders can be affected by the malposition. For example, pain can occur when breathing deeply.

Pain can also occur when the upper body is moved. If the affected person has a poor posture overall, pain can also occur when sitting for long periods or even lying down. The pain caused by incorrect posture, tension and malposition should definitely be treated by means of postural exercises and muscle building training as well as physiotherapy.

Back pain can occur with a funnel chest and is not uncommon. The thoracic spine is connected via the ribs to the sternum, where the depression and the actual malformation are located. The malposition can cause pain in the bones of the spine. In addition, a so-called kyphosis (curvature of the spine to the back) often occurs in the thoracic spine, which can lead to tension in the muscles and pain in the back. In order to counteract these, muscle building exercises should also be performed regularly.