Pain in the armpit - causes, symptoms and therapy

Pain generally always indicates that something is wrong in the body. In the area of ​​the armpit, for example, they can be signs of an overload on the muscle and joint structures located there. But more serious pain causes such as lymph node or breast cancer are sometimes the trigger. For persistent symptoms, it is therefore important to have the pain symptoms clarified by a doctor to be able to respond to serious health problems in time with appropriate countermeasures.

contents

• The armpit
• Emergence of pain in the armpit
• Harmless causes
• Painful armpits due to stress
• Diseases of the musculoskeletal system
• Inflammation and infections
• Pain in the armpit in vascular diseases
• Armpit pain as an indication of tissue abnormalities
• Associated symptoms
• diagnosis
• therapy
• medicinal herbs
• drugs
• surgery

The armpit

As armpit (axilla) is colloquially referred to that Oberkörpereinbuchtung located in the cavity between the chest, shoulder and upper arm. Their shape is largely determined by the inner surface of the shoulder joints (Articulatio humeri), the shape of which is defined more precisely by different muscle components. These include:

• Large pectoral muscle (pectoralis major muscle),
• Small chest muscle (pectoralis minor muscle),
• Unterschulterblattmuskel (Musculus subscapularis),
• Large back muscle (latissimus dorsi muscle),
• Large round muscle (teres major muscle),
• Sawtooth muscle (serratus anterior muscle),
• Rabenschnabel upper arm muscle (coracobrachialis muscle),
• Arm flexor / biceps (biceps brachii muscle).

In case of pain in the armpits, the symptoms should definitely be clarified by a doctor, so timely appropriate countermeasures can be started. (Image: nareekarn / fotolia.com)

In addition, there are numerous anatomical structures with functional tasks within the armpit. For example, the armpit houses a variety of human sweat glands (Glandulae sudorigerae apocrinae). These are not only necessary for perspiration and thus for the regulation of body temperature.

At the same time sexual messengers are secreted via the glands, better known as pheromones. In addition, the underarm lymph nodes (Nodi lymphatici axillares) are located in the armpit. They are responsible for the cleaning of the axillary lymph, which flows through the tissue and has a decisive influence on the nutrient exchange with the bloodstream, but also on the function of the immune system.

The armpits also contain numerous blood vessels and nerve tracts. Among the vessels, the axillary vein (axillary vein), as well as its counterpart, the axillary artery (axillary artery) and its numerous adjacent branches should be mentioned here. The blood supply to the arms takes place through them, which illustrates the important tasks that are assigned to the vessels of the armpit.

The brachial plexus (brachial plexus), a network of nerves that emerge from the nerves of the arms, shoulders, and chest, also shows how well the armpit acts as a hub for major structural patterns in the upper body tissue. In addition, the occurrence of complex nerve structures also explains why the armpits emit pain stimuli relatively quickly, even in small inconsistencies.

The source of pain does not necessarily have to be localized in the armpit itself, but may also be located in neighboring body regions, from where the pain radiates through the braid into the armpit.

Emergence of pain in the armpit

Since the armpit is made up of so many different structures and types of tissue, the causes of pain in the axillary region can also be very diverse and harmless as well as dangerous. Muscular aches and pains are the most common, resulting from over- or under-loading of the armpit muscles during training. For this reason, pain in the armpit is often the subject of sports medicine.

However, the anatomical accumulation of lymph nodes and lymph vessels predestines the area of ​​the armpit even for pain caused by lymph node swelling. Such swellings can occur in many diseases and often indicate a health complaint concerning the immune system or cell tissue. Particularly dreaded in this context is the lymph node cancer. But even less dangerous diseases such as inflammation of the lymphatic vessels are conceivable as triggers.

Harmless causes

Although painful armpits may well be preceded by very serious illnesses, in the majority of cases harmless backgrounds for the pain can be identified.

Of course, there are also innocuous causes of pain in the armpits, such as the removal of armpit hair by shaving. (Image: TASPP / fotolia.com)

Even after mere cosmetic interventions, such as the removal of underarm hair by a conventional shave, improper use may lead to local irritation, leading to burning pain. Such a scenario is all the more likely when the shaved armpits come into contact too early with aggressive substances, such as perfumed deodorants. In addition, the combination of local irritation, hair regrowth and invading bacteria can lead to small foci of inflammation. In most cases, these are harmless and usually form back in a few days without much effort. Until then, however, a slight pain can persist.

Useful information: In some cases, bumpy pimples can be the result of shoulder flaps, improper body hygiene or friction in the armpits. They too can lead to pain with further pressure or movement stimulus.

Another, rather harmless cause of pain in the armpit is wearing too tight clothing. Women in particular have to deal with this problem relatively often if they choose a too tight bra, which causes pain on the shoulder due to too tight straps or in the armpit due to pressing bra straps. Incidentally, the same applies to too tightly laced corsets.

Painful armpits due to stress

The armpits are also very prone to pain because there are many structures in this area that are sensitive to over- and under-loading. Especially in sports, an incorrect loading of muscles and shoulder joints can easily lead to aching armpits. Classic discomfort is caused by muscle soreness, muscle tension, dislocations of the shoulder joint, but also by tangible sports injuries, such as muscle fiber tears.

A weakened rotator cuff can cause pain in the armpit, especially in arm and shoulder-heavy sports. (Image: bilderzwerg / fotolia.com)

The cause of such causes of pain is often an inadequate build-up training of the muscles in combination with incorrect or too intensely executed movement sequences during training. Just a weakened rotator cuff is in this regard again and again to identify as the cause of armpit pain by athletic overload. Said muscle tendon plate is formed in large part of muscle sections, which are located in the armpit area and extend from there to the shoulder or in the upper arms. Consequently, weaknesses in the rotator cuff, especially in arm- and shoulder-heavy sports such as

• weight training,
• tennis,
• rowing,
• To ski
• and swim

painful problems. There are also some sports that increase the risk of injury and thus the risk of pain in the armpit area due to their special focus on shoulder and arm movements. In addition to shoulder- and arm-weighted strength training (for example, weightlifting), martial arts in particular, in which punches on the arms and chest or considerable pressure loads on these body areas are common. This applies, for example, to boxes, kickboxing or races.

On the other hand, joint and muscle-related underarm pains are more likely to be due to postural mistakes in everyday life. This is usually a lack of exercise behind the symptoms, which in many cases has a shortened muscles result. If the shortened, sometimes completely stunted muscles are particularly required, muscle pain can hardly be ruled out. Typical scenarios that cause armpits in this way, for example, a monotonous arm and shoulder posture when working in front of the PC or while playing computer and console games. With exercise or extra effort, the pain in this context is usually stronger, whereas they often quickly fade away at rest.

Important: That under-challenged muscles calmly relieve their pain symptoms quickly does not mean that they should be less demanding. On the contrary, shortened muscles need to be specifically stretched and strengthened to avoid repeated pain during exercise.

Diseases of the musculoskeletal system

Occasionally, pain in the armpit is also a serious disease. Especially damage to elements in the musculoskeletal system, which are located in this area, can be seen here as a possible source of pain. For example, the pain can be an indication of the following diseases:

• Shoulder osteoarthritis:
  As a result of degenerative signs of wear, underarm pain is not uncommon. Under certain circumstances, the arthrotic processes here are not limited exclusively to the shoulder joint, but also affect other joint sections. The pain occurs in such a case significantly on movement or stress on the diseased joint.
• Shoulder joint arthritis:
  Degenerative processes in joints can sometimes be accompanied by inflammation of the joint parts. The pain is particularly pronounced in such a case and can occur in addition to stress and movement pain in peace.
• vertebral blockages:
  As a result of injury or permanent stress (for example, also by obesity) may lead to a wedging of the small articular surfaces between the vertebral bodies and ribs or to a prolapse of the intervertebral discs in the neck and thoracic spine. As a result, the pain radiating right down to the armpits is not uncommon.
• Muscle or muscle fiber tear:
  Injury can most likely occur as a result of trauma to the armpit, humerus, and shoulders leading to severe muscle tears or complete tendon ruptures of bony structures. The "torn shoulder" is a common term here. Although the symptoms usually only cause minor fiber tears on the muscle, it can also lead to very intense muscle damage in severe accident scenarios or physical disputes, which greatly increases the pain potential.
• Impairment of the brachial plexus:
  Also most commonly caused by accidents or falls, is an entrapment of the nerve plexus in the area of ​​the armpit. This can not only lead to sensory abnormalities and pain in the armpits, but also to motor failures and paralysis in the area of ​​the fingers. Because the nerves that extend in the armpit area, mainly in the Armextremitäten and hands, where they shape the motor skills. If the entrapment is not adequately repaired, permanent damage can result, causing irreversible nerve disorders with recurrent pain.

Inflammation and infections

In the context of infectious diseases axillary pain predominantly indicate the activity of the immune system. In the course of immunological defense reactions, there is a growth in the size of the axillary lymph nodes, which try in this way, by the massive production of immune cells to stop the infectious agents. This process can be caused on the one hand by local inflammations, on the other hand also in cross-organ infections. Examples of corresponding local inflammation and infectious agents, which painfully call the axillary lymph nodes on the plan, would be here:

• Inflammation of the sweat or sebaceous glands (acne inversa),
• Inflammation in the context of infected venous access,
• Infectious cuts of the upper extremities,
• Mastitis (mastitis),
• HI viruses (HIV infection),
• Epstein-Baar viruses (Pfeiffer's glandular fever),
• Mycobacteria (tuberculosis),
• Toxoplasma (toxoplasmosis).

Pain in the armpit in vascular diseases

Also some vascular diseases are able to provoke painful armpits. Thrombosis is not nearly as common in the upper limb area as it is in the legs, but it can also be found there, including pain in the armpits, redness, swelling and functional impairment of the affected arm.

However, it is far more common in connection with intravenous infusion therapy to the clinical picture of thrombophlebitis. Due to non-compliance with hygienic guidelines, the superficial vein in which the venous indwelling cannula was located is ignited. If the local inflammation is not detected and treated in time, the invading pathogens can ascend along the vein towards the armpit and cause further inflammatory reactions, accompanied by pain, swelling and redness. A hygienic way of working with medically necessary interventions on the veins is therefore essential.

Armpit pain as an indication of tissue abnormalities

Pain in the armpits may also occur in the total absence of potential pathogens and, in combination with markedly palpable lymphadenopathy, unclear weight loss, and performance decline, provides a worrying indication of malignant disease.

If there is a cancer happening, it can happen, for example, that degenerated cancer cells settle in the lymphatic vessels. Although there are corresponding lymph nodes in each body region, it is precisely at locations where the body has indentations such as the armpit that such cell deposits accumulate with preference.

As a rule, a sentinel lymph node causes no pain, but if it is swollen due to its filtering function, pressure on the neighboring tissue can be painful due to its size. (Image: Henrie / fotolia.com)

A further complicating factor in the armpit is the fact that there are so-called sentinel lymph nodes (sentinel lymph nodes), which are the first filter station to examine the tissue water flowing through with regard to pathogens and even degenerated cells. If they find it, they alert the body's immune system and swell up. A sentinel lymph node swollen in this way generally causes no direct pain, but due to its size can exert pressure on the surrounding neighboring tissue and still be painful.

A typical cancer that often causes swollen axillary lymph nodes and, later on, irritable pain is breast cancer. Women, in particular, are often affected by this near-axis cancer and become alert as soon as cancer cell deposits lead to nodules, discomfort and pain in the armpit area. Likewise, the lymphatic cancer can make itself felt by corresponding complaints in the area of ​​the armpit.

If a corresponding swelling occurs and does not return within the following two to a maximum of three weeks, it should definitely be clarified by a doctor. Because such a swelling of sentinel lymph nodes can indicate two different oncological events:

1. Degeneration of other organs or organ systems with metastasis to surrounding lymph nodes:
   In this type of cancer, the primary tumor is to be found in another organ or organ system. Lymph node swelling is the result of remote colonization with degenerated cells from other organs. In this case, the sooner such a finding is recognized, the better the expected prognosis. Lymph node swelling in the armpit area is most commonly the following cancers:
   • Breast cancer (breast cancer),
   • Thyroid cancer (Struma maligna),
   • Blood cancer (leukemia),
   • Stomach cancer (gastric carcinoma),
   • Lung cancer (bronchial carcinoma).




2. Degeneration of the lymphatic system:
   Even the cells of the lymphatic system itself can degenerate. Depending on the cell type, a distinction is made between:
   • Hodgkin's disease,
   • Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Both forms begin with a nonspecific and painless swelling of lymph nodes, especially around the neck or armpits. Hodgkin's disease is usually treatable with early detection and shows a very good prognosis with a ten-year survival rate of almost 90 percent. Whereas non-Hodgkin's lymphoma has a very early and high rate of spread and therefore does not provide such a good prognosis.

Now there are several other, but also some other, rather benign tissue anomalies, which can also lead to underarm pain. There is often a collection of secretions in the tissue cavities of the armpit, such as:

• cysts,
• pimple,
• edema,
• or abscesses

he follows. Again, an unusual pressure is exerted on the axillary tissue, which finally causes the pain by nerve stimuli. Such complaints are usually not dangerous. However, appropriate measures should be taken to clear the secretions and restore the affected tissue to normal.

Associated symptoms

Depending on the cause, the pain in the armpit can be perceived as oppressive, dull, piercing or burning. They can occur from permanent, but only with certain movements. If the pain is caused by swollen lymph nodes, painful sensations sometimes occur only when the pressure increases by pulling the arm towards the trunk.

If a local inflammation is involved as a cause, the pain is usually accompanied by a localized swelling, overheating and redness.
However, functional limitations, feelings of numbness and abnormal sensations (especially in the area of ​​the fingers) are also possible, as well as numerous, unspecific concomitant symptoms that can lead to the following:

• Fever and fatigue.
• Nausea and vomiting,
• Flu-like symptoms,
• Throat problems and dysphagia.

To clarify any causes of underarm pain, you should have a comprehensive check-up with a doctor. (Image: Parilov / fotolia.com)

diagnosis

The causes of aching armpits can sometimes be determined only by a thorough physical examination. Although patients can determine certain clues such as swollen lymph nodes or pimples by private palpation by themselves, but a medical examination is still urgently needed.

Doctor or doctor will first make a careful medical history to discover possible accident and disease scenarios based on patient information on existing concomitant symptoms, everyday habits or pre-existing conditions. Following a physical examination is carried out depending on suspicion. Conceivable, for example, X-ray or ultrasound examinations. Exercise tests to check muscle and joint health are also an option. If there is a suspicion of cancer, blood and lymphatic water tests are also possible.

therapy

Depending on the particular cause, underarm pain can be treated either by simple home remedies and herbal remedies (for example, in case of painful pimples) or by medical or surgical treatment. Which approach is appropriate must be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Overall, however, the following approaches come into question:

home remedies

If the underarm area has been damaged by overwork or injury, the body section must of course first be spared. Avoid lifting heavy loads or being overburdened by disproportionate force or overtraining. Depending on the severity of the lesion, sports breaks of one to several weeks are conceivable. This is especially true for very strong muscle and joint injuries.

In addition to the protection, cooling can also help to relieve the pain in the shoulders. A cold envelope, quark wrap or cool packs offer good opportunities. However, it is important that patients pay attention to their personal well-being, because not everyone likes such a cold treatment equally.

movement measures

For pain caused by weakened muscle, for example, in the course of bad posture, lack of exercise or demanding training sessions, only helps a lasting strengthening of the muscles.

In addition to strengthening the muscles against pain in the armpit, stretching exercises, such as through yoga are as important as strength training. (Image: fizkes / fotolia.com)

Stretching exercises are just as important as strength training, so that the tissue is more flexible and resilient at the same time. In addition to targeted muscle growth, such as pushups, dumbbells or arm-heavy sports such as swimming, so are also movement measures such as yoga a good way to prevent armpit pain from over- and Fehlbelastung.

In everyday life, it is also recommended in particular for people who have a lot to sit for work, take regular breaks. Again, the small break can be used to perform stretching and movement exercises of the arms.

Anyone who has taken on sports training, should also attach importance to a sufficient warm-up training to prepare his muscles well. The subsequent training should then be individually adapted to the current load limits of the body.

medicinal herbs

Not only abscesses, boils and pimples can sometimes be treated very reliably with medicinal herbs. Muscle and joint complaints also respond well to treatments that Mother Nature provides. To help:

• valerian,
• mugwort,
• comfrey,
• chili,
• Spruce,
• St. John's Wort,
• chamomile,
• pine
• and marigold

for example very well at existing muscle strains, muscle tension and muscle injuries. They can be used for this purpose, for example in the form of a tincture, ointment or herbal compresses for the armpit. Similarly one can also proceed with joint complaints, whereby here beside Comfrey especially the following herbs are recommended:

• Horsetail,
• arnica,
• stinging nettle,
• Heublume,
• Fighter,
• rosemary,
• devil's claw,
• juniper,
• pasture.

Highly recommended for muscle and joint-related pain in the armpit is the so-called Tiger Balm. (Image: Brad Pict / fotolia.com)

A special tip, both for muscle and joint complaints, is also the so-called Tiger Balm. A balm that is made from extremely sharp extracts of herbs of traditional Chinese medicine. It contains menthol, for example. Camphor and cajeput oil, which commonly have an extraordinary effect on any muscle and joint pain.

By the way: Field horsetail, chamomile and marigold are also a good choice for cysts and pimples.

drugs

Painkillers such as diclofenac, ibuprofen or paracetamol are certainly the most important remedies for underarm pain. These should only be used for harmless causes, if it is really necessary. If severe underlying diseases are present, it is also conceivable to use other medications (for example cytostatics in the case of cancer or vein remedies for thrombosis symptoms).

surgery

Surgical measures become necessary especially during tumor removal. However, larger cysts and edema may need to be drained by surgical drainage. When such steps are appropriate, decides the attending physician or the treating doctor.

Possible health problems with underarm pain:

• aching,
• muscle tears,
• Torn muscle fibers,
• trapped muscles,
• tension,
• contortions,
• Weaknesses on the rotator cuff,
• shoulder osteoarthritis,
• shoulder arthritis,
• vertebral blockages,
• Sweat or sebaceous inflammation,
• phlebitis,
• thrombosis,
• thrombophlebitis,
• wound infections,
• Mastitis,
• cysts,
• abscesses,
• pimple,
• edema,
• HIV infection,
• Pfeiffer's glandular fever,
• tuberculosis,
• toxoplasmosis,
• breast cancer,
• lymphoma,
• Hodgkin's disease,
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma,
• leukemia,
• Stomach cancer and lung cancer.

(Ma)