When the heart is not in it: precordial cord syndrome
Little known to the general public, precordial cord syndrome (or Texidor pinch) is one of the most common causes of acute chest pain in young people. It manifests as a sudden, painful stab in the chest, often on the left side, accentuated by deep breathing .
But rest assured : it is neither the heart nor the lungs that are the cause. This syndrome is linked to an irritated intercostal nerve , and has no serious consequences for health.
Tip: Stand up straight and breathe slowly. Within a few minutes, the pain will disappear naturally.
Why does this happen?
Doctors believe that this benign phenomenon may be linked to:
- Poor posture, especially a slumped position
- A slight physical effort
- Muscle tension
- Temporary stress or nervousness
This syndrome particularly affects adolescents and young adults , often in full growth. It tends to disappear with age .
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