The xiphoid process is the shortest part of the sternum. Moreover, its shape is individual for each person. Often people are interested in what diseases are associated with unpleasant sensations in this part of the body.
When the xiphoid process hurts, we can talk about the presence of pathologies in the organs located near it, which include the heart, gall bladder and stomach. Moreover, if the pain behind the process intensifies after each meal, with sudden movements and even slight physical exertion, then it is worth examining the heart muscle.
Uncomfortable sensations in the area where the xiphoid process is located may be associated with the syndrome of sliding costal cartilage. Its origin is associated with any injuries. As a result, the patient experiences dull pain in the sternum with any movement or muscle tension, it worsens when coughing or sneezing. Excessive mobility of the cartilage can lead to damage to the fiber, and inflammation of the xiphoid process is formed. When seeking help from a specialist, angina pectoris or pneumothorax may appear as a primary diagnosis, since their clinical pictures are very similar.
Another disease with which the xiphoid process is associated is considered intercostal neuropathy syndrome. Its occurrence may be associated with a hernia of the intervertebral discs, overgrowth of bone tissue in the joint area, which leads to compression of the thoracic roots. In this case, the patient experiences acute girdle pain, which with a sudden movement or uncomfortable posture only worsens. And physical activity, coughing and sneezing hold an uncomfortable feeling for a sufficiently long time.
Myelopathy or, as this disease is also called, myeloscemia occurs due to dysfunction of the sternum arteries. This disease belongs to the category of rare. The presence of blood clots in the arteries can provoke its manifestation, especially if this source is supplemented with kyphoscoliosis, since it provokes tension and vascular compression. In rare cases, it occurs as a complication after an unsuccessful puncture of the spinal cord. Other symptoms include a decrease in sensitivity and a partial impairment of motor function.
Another disease that affects the functioning of such a part of the body as the xiphoid process is caudopathy. It occurs with the formation of a tumor or intervertebral hernia, which is located in the area of the dural sac. A dural sac is a hermetically sealed capsule that is covered with a hard shell of bone tissue and is designed to protect the spinal cord. Recognizing caudopathy can be extremely difficult, as it is often supplemented by myelopathy, and this, in turn, erases the clinical picture.
A variety of the above disease is considered sacred caudopathy. This disease is also commonly called Emdin's Sacred Fir-tree Syndrome. The development of the syndrome occurs due to the formation of a tumor of mainly benign nature. At the same time, the patient feels a decrease or a complete loss of sensitivity, however, he can move without restrictions.
Often pains in the xiphoid process indicate the presence of serious problems in the gastrointestinal tract. For example, a stomach ulcer during an exacerbation causes regular cramping of the esophagus and stomach. Such acute pain can seriously scare a person, and for recovery he is ready to go for any treatment and any diets. The causes of ulcers lie in the state of the human nervous system. If he daily gets into a particular stressful situation, then the disease will not take long. Among the main factors include improper nutrition, that is, excessive consumption of fatty, salty, too sweet or spicy foods, as well as alcoholic beverages.