Xiphoid process is the smallest part of the breastbone or sternum. At birth, the xiphoid process is made up of cartilage which develops into a bone in adulthood. It is found at the point where the lower rib attaches to the sternum. It also serves as a point of connection for large muscles and organs at the base of diapgram.
Xiphoid process also serves as a point of insertion for transverse abdominis and rectus abdominis muscles that contract and relax abdominal muscles. It is used to determine the exact place to administer chest compressions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Causes of Pain in Xiphoid process
Several factors are responsible for causing pain in the xiphoid process such as –
Trauma or injury: Direct injury to your chest can cause pain in the xiphoid process. For instance a blow to your chest or abdomen can cause pain in the xiphoid process. Studies have shown that injuries to the chest while engaging in sports activities such as football can cause pain in xiphoid process and breastbone.
Another cause of pain in xiphoid process is during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. During this procedure, your doctor places hands on top of the xiphoid process and pushes down on the breastbone. This may break or cause the xiphoid process to snap thus causing pain.
Obesity: Being overweight can exert pressure on your sternum muscles causing pain in the xiphoid process. Lifting heavy objects can push on the xiphoid process and damage it causing pain.
Gastroesophageal reflux: Another cause of pain in the xiphoid process is gastroesophageal reflux. The esophagus is located close to the xiphoid process and pain caused in your chest by gastroesophageal reflux can also make xiphoid process painful.
Gastroesophageal reflux irritates nerves located in thoracic area that cause pain your chest and xiphoid process. The pain may be localized or generalized in your chest and xiphoid process.
Deformity of xiphoid process: Pain may also be as a result of deformity of your xiphoid process. In case the xiphoid process projects inwards, its tip may rub on the heart causing pain.
Inflammation: Inflammation of your breastbone can also inflame the xiphoid process causing pain in the front wall of your chest. This pain in the xiphoid process may be constant, dull or it could be sharp when you breathe deeply or cough.
Infection: Xiphoid process is affected by an infection known as xiphisternal tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and it affects your lungs and causes pain in the chest and coughing. Tuberculosis can also affect the xiphoid process and cause pain and swellings in the lower section of the breastbone.
Xiphoid Process – Pain
Pain is the main symptom of an affected xiphoid process. Pain that is caused by xiphoid process is known as xiphoidalgia. This may vary; it can be mild, moderate and severe. It is felt mostly in the lower portion of your breastbone. You may also feel pain in your back and abdomen. Other symptoms include swellings or lump in the xiphoid process.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of pain in the xiphoid process is based on your symptoms. Your doctor asks your symptoms and whether you have previous injuries on your chest.
The following tests can be ordered to diagnose your condition:
- X-ray test: X-ray of your breastbone will be done to reveal any damage to this bone and xiphoid process.
- Magnetic resonance imaging: Your doctor may recommend a magnetic resonance imaging scan of the inside of your body to find out if there is swellings and lumps in the xiphoid process.
- Another imaging test that can be ordered is computed tomography. CT scan is used to take different pictures of your breastbone and xiphoid process to look for problems in these bones.
Treatment
Pain in the xiphoid process can be treated using medications and natural remedies depending on the cause:
In case injury is the cause of pain in xiphoid process, you can use the following to alleviate pain:
- Cold and hot compress: You can use cold and hot compress to reduce pain. Apply ice packs on the affected area for about 20 minutes and switch to warm compress to provide relief.
- Use ginger: Ginger can also be used to reduce pain in xiphoid process as well as boost the general health of your digestive system. To use ginger, simply add dried ground ginger or fresh ginger root to your diet.
- Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy can help ease pain in xiphoid process. You need help from a physiotherapist to teach you exercises to help reduce pain. Your physiotherapist can teach various techniques to exercise the xiphoid process such as massage. Massaging the rib cage and around the breastbone can help lessen pain.
- Surgery: In case the pain is so severe, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove xiphoid process to ease pain.
- Eating habits: Modifying your eating habits can help reduce pain caused by reflux illnesses. You need to eat smaller amounts of foods daily and avoid foods such as alcohol and tomatoes.
