What causes xiphoid process pain?
Inflammation, digestive issues, or injury can cause xiphoid process pain which doctors refer to as xiphoid syndrome, xiphoidalgia, or xiphodynia. Xiphoid process pain is a common source of chest pain that can also cause abdominal discomfort and pain that radiates to other areas of your body. The symptoms of xiphoid process pain can be difficult ...
What happens if your xiphoid process is broken?
A broken xiphoid process increases inflammation, which leads to pain and tenderness in the chest. You may also experience xiphoid process pain with acid reflux. This is when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus.
Why does my xiphoid process stick out after losing weight?
Xiphoid Process Protruding (Sticking Out) After Losing Weight – Tender On Touch. A common cause of this fracture is trauma, but it can also be caused by a vigorous physical activity where the rectus abdominis pulls on the xiphoid process and causes fractures and/or dislocation. A more likely cause of this protrusion, however,...
How do you get rid of xiphoid process fast?
Fill a hot water bottle with hot (not boiling) water and wrap in a towel. Hold to the middle of your chest for 15-20 minutes to help increase blood circulation, reduce pain, and speed up healing. Apply 2-3 times a day until any pain from your xiphoid process has gone.
What is it called when xiphoid process sticks out?
Pectus carinatum is a condition in which the sternum (breastbone) protrudes, or sticks out, more than usual. It is the opposite of pectus excavatum, in which the breastbone is depressed inward and gives the chest a sunken appearance.
Why does my sternum bone stick out?
The cartilage between the ribs and the breastbone, or sternum, grows too much, causing the middle of the chest to point out. The protruding sternum becomes more noticeable during puberty as children go through a growth spurt. In fact, 90% of all cases of pectus carinatum are diagnosed after age 11.
Should I be able to feel my Xiphoid?
Xiphoid Process - Normal Lump at Bottom of Breastbone: The small hard lump at the lower end of the sternum (breastbone) is normal. It is called the xiphoid process. You can feel it. It is more prominent in babies and slender children.
How do you fix xiphoid process?
Treatment for xiphoid process pain depends on the underlying cause and the severity of your symptoms. If symptoms occur after a recent trauma, your doctor may prescribe a prescription anti-inflammatory to relieve pain, or recommend alternating between hot and cold therapy throughout the day.
How do you fix a protruding sternum?
Surgical treatment for pectus carinatum often includes a procedure in which a surgeon removes the cartilage that is pushing the breastbone outward. This is done via incision in the middle chest area. Afterward, struts are placed across the chest to support the front of the breastbone and later removed via surgery.
Can xiphoid process be removed?
The xiphoid process can be removed using an electrosurgical dissection of the lower sternum. This is typically referred to as a xiphoidectomy. The procedure is considered safe, with a low risk of complications. The area can feel tender for several weeks postsurgery until the wound has healed.
Why is my xiphoid process getting bigger?
Anterior displacement of the xiphoid process may be the result of significant weight gain. Repeated trauma of the afflicted area, unaccustomed heavy lifting, exercise, and perichondritis are, amongst other causes, believed to contribute to the development of xiphodynia.
Does the xiphoid process change with age?
In newborns and young (especially slender) infants, the tip of the xiphoid process may be both seen and felt as a lump just below the sternal notch. By age 15 to 29, the xiphoid usually fuses to the body of the sternum with a fibrous joint. Unlike the synovial articulation of major joints, this is non-movable.
Is your sternum supposed to be flat?
The bottom line. The sternum is a long, flat bone that's located in the middle of your chest. It provides both support and protection for your torso. Several conditions can directly affect your sternum, leading to chest pain or discomfort.
Can pectus carinatum go away?
Treatment options and prevention for pectus carinatum Pectus carinatum is a long-term condition that will not go away on its own. By itself, pectus carinatum is not dangerous. It does not cause any symptoms other than the abnormal appearance of the chest, and having it will not make you sick or shorten your lifespan.
Why does one side of my sternum stick out?
Pectus excavatum It's the most common developmental condition affecting the sternum, resulting in about Pectus carinatum , also known as pigeon chest, is believed to be caused by the abnormal growth of cartilage between the ribs and breastbone. This causes the chest to curve outward.
What is the lump on my chest bone?
An exostosis, also called a bony spur, occurs when a bony growth extends beyond a bone's usual smooth surface. Exostosis can cause chronic pain or irritation, depending on its size and location. See chest wall pain. Sometimes, cartilage will grow over an area of exostosis, which is called osteochondroma.
Why does the xiphoid process hurt?
Xiphoid process pain has several possible explanations. Pain can occur after an accident that causes chest trauma. This damages the structure of the xiphoid process, causing it to bend or break off. Damage can also occur from incorrect cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or resuscitation with too much force.
What is the pain caused by the xiphoid process?
Pain caused by the xiphoid process is called xiphoidalgia. Xiphoid process pain occurs for varying reasons. Pain — which can be mild, moderate, or severe — is typically felt in the lower part of the sternum. The sternum is the bone that makes up the middle front of your ribcage.
How does a surgeon perform xiphoid surgery?
To perform this surgery, a surgeon makes an incision along the base of the xiphoid process. Using electrosurgical dissection, the surgeon cuts and releases the exposed xiphoid process from the sternum, and then uses electrocoagulation (electric currents) to stop bleeding.
How to treat xiphoid pain?
Modifying eating habits can treat xiphoid process pain associated with acid reflux disease. Eat smaller meals five to six times a day and avoid certain trigger foods (e.g., alcohol, chocolate, peppermint, and tomatoes).
How long does it take for a xiphoid to heal?
In one study, a 53-year-old surfer was able to resume surfing 26 days after xiphoid process removal.
What to do if xiphoid doesn't resolve?
If you develop pain, a lump, or swelling in the xiphoid process that doesn’t resolve in a few weeks, you should speak with your doctor. They can help you uncover the underlying cause and then discuss your treatment options.
What happens if you break your xiphoid?
Although the xiphoid process has a specific role in anatomy, a broken xiphoid process can cause serious problems, such as puncturing internal organs. Your doctor may recommend surgical removal for breaks or fractures. This is a last resort procedure when other therapies fail. To perform this surgery, a surgeon makes an incision along the base of the xiphoid process. Using electrosurgical dissection, the surgeon cuts and releases the exposed xiphoid process from the sternum, and then uses electrocoagulation (electric currents) to stop bleeding.
What causes xiphoid process pain?
Inflammation, digestive issues, or injury can cause xiphoid process pain which doctors refer to as xiphoid syndrome, xiphoidalgia, or xiphodynia. Xiphoid process pain is a common source of chest pain that can also cause abdominal discomfort and pain that radiates to other areas of your body. The symptoms of xiphoid process pain can be difficult ...
Why is xiphoid process pain so difficult to diagnose?
The symptoms of xiphoid process pain can be difficult to diagnose because it can mimic symptoms of other health issues. Your chest contains many important organs protected by your rib cage. Sometimes xiphoid syndrome discomfort can be mistaken for heart-related pain, breastbone or rib pain, or chest infections.
Why is my xiphodynia so painful?
Gastroesophageal reflux is another common reason for xiphodynia. The esophagus is found close to the xiphoid process and chest pain caused by GERD can also make the xiphoid process painful.
What is the pain of a xiphoid?
For example, pressing on the xiphoid process may cause sharp pain at the lower part of the sternum. However, pain may also radiate to the shoulders, arms or back.
Can xiphoid process pain cause nausea?
In some instances, patients mistake xiphoid process pain for cardiac pain and they may even have nausea, vomiting, and diar rhea. Advertisement. Sometimes the pain can resemble a dull ache that causes discomfort in the chest or the pain can be severe, especially when moving the upper body or lifting heavy items.
Can xiphoid pain be relieved by cold?
Also, hot and cold treatment for xiphoidalgia can help to relieve pain caused by inflammation, infection, or trauma.
Can being overweight cause xiphoid pain?
Being overweight can cause xiphoid process pain that is constant or comes and goes. Pressure caused by carrying around too much weight can push on the xiphoid process or damage it.
Why does my xiphoid process hurt?
Causes Of Xiphoid Process Pain. Most common causes of pain in and around the xiphoid process are physical injury, GERD disease, and xiphoid syndrome.
What is the Xiphoid syndrome?
Gallbladder disease. Bone disease. The main characteristics of the xiphoid syndrome are intense, sharp xiphoid process pain when pressed, intensifying pain when bending over or twisting and tenderness to touch. In more severe cases, the pain can radiate to back, neck and shoulders and become so intense patients will feel nauseated 9.
What causes a protrusion of the rectus abdominis?
A more likely cause of this protrusion, however, is visceral fat (fat found within the body).
What was the X-ray of the Xiphoid?
The X-ray revealed an abnormal elongation of the xiphoid process. It was later determined that the xiphoid process was broken, pulled down by the abdominal muscles, elongated and later reconnected with the sternum. The patient then underwent surgery and the process was shortened. Xiphoid Process.
What happens if you place your hands too low on the sternum?
Wrong hand placement – if you place your hands too low on the sternum, you might fracture xiphoid process , even if the pressure is optimal. You need to move your hands towards the center of the sternum, between the nipples.
Why does GERD happen?
GERD usually occurs when stomach acid starts flowing back up the food pipe (esophagus) because a band of muscles at the end of the esophagus does not close properly. This irritates the lining of the esophagus and causes GERD 10.
Is it normal to feel pain from XP?
And as the person loses more and more weight, the XP becomes more noticeable. Most doctors agree that this is not the cause for any concern, on the contrary – its completely normal; but if you experience any sort of pain or tender xiphoid process on touch, you should talk to your GP for just in case.
Why does my xiphoid process hurt?
Causes of xiphoid process pain. Lifting heavy objects may cause xiphoid process pain. A common cause of xiphoid process pain is acute chest trauma that has damaged the structure. The xiphoid process is not protected or supported by surrounding structures, making it vulnerable to damage.
How to remove xiphoid?
The xiphoid process can be removed using an electrosurgical dissection of the lower sternum. The procedure is considered safe, with a low risk of complications.
Why does my lower sternum hurt?
Xiphoid process pain can be triggered by many different causes and is most commonly a result of acute chest trauma.
How to treat xiphoid pain?
Treatment for xiphoid process pain depends on its cause. A doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain. They may also recommend that a person experiencing pain from xiphoid process avoids high-intensity exercise or activities that put a strain on the area. Damage to the xiphoid process itself is not severe.
What kind of imaging is used to diagnose xiphoid pain?
Given the difficulty in confirming xiphoid process pain, doctors may recommend an X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI ), or computerized tomography (CT) scan. With the help of these images, it is possible to assess any damage to the structure and the extent of any inflammation.
What is the name of the structure that has a sharp tip?
The name xiphoid derives from the Greek word for “straight sword” as the structure has a sharp tip, resembling a sword. It is also known by other names including the metasternum, xiphisternum, and xiphoid cartilage. In this article, we discuss symptoms, causes, and treatment options for xiphoid process pain.
Can xiphoid cause pain in lower sternum?
Symptoms tend to come and go, making it a challenge to diagnose. It is also possible for the area to become inflamed, causing a lump to develop around the lower sternum.
