HomeAnswersMedical Gastroenterologyradiating painWhat could be the cause for my right armpit pain that aggravates by touch and movement?

How to get rid of armpit pain that aggravates by touch and movement?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At May 4, 2023
Reviewed AtDecember 12, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have been experiencing pain in my right armpit for about two months. I did an ultrasound, MRI, and CT and they did not find anything abnormal (no lymph nodes, cysts, or lumps). I did a breast examination and it is normal. I experience pain when a particular point in the armpit is touched or while moving my right arm, especially in certain positions. About two months back, just before the onset of this pain, I had a very strong acid reflux episode that I have never had before. I had continuous burping, a sense of nausea, a sour taste in the mouth, and a feeling of emptiness in the stomach which may be due to prolonged use of NSAIDs. However, the reflux went away after 10 days. Is there a possibility that some form of reflux has remained silent in me and that the armpit and pectoral pain are due to this? The only manifestation that I have now is a slight meteorism, but I do not know if this is a part of the symptoms of reflux. I have burping sometimes, but not as strong as it was two months back. Should I take something for the acid reflux and see if my armpit pain gets better? What could be the cause?

Kindly help.

Answered by Dr. Ghulam Fareed

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for your query. I will review your case history in detail and will get back to you.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

Your suggestion was very precise. I will start using vitamin B12. So from your review, I understand that it is probably not related to the acid reflux episode. It might be related to some ligament or tendon. I have already done an osteopathy session thinking that it might be related to tendons. I have gone on a trip in the car two months back. I do not know if staying in the car for three hours would have caused any nerve-related issues. If it is a neurological problem, is there any test that could prove that? Would this symptom eventually go away? I am worried that it is a neurological issue and I feel neurological issues are very complex. What would be the best solution?

Kindly help.

Answered by Dr. Ghulam Fareed

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I will respond to your questions one by one.

  1. Yes, I do not think that this is related to stomach or acidity. This seems to be coincidental that both stomach upset and right armpit pain occurred together or one after the other.
  2. Armpit anatomy is a bit complex as it has one of the most mobile joint shoulder along with the brachial plexus, a network of nerves supplying the arms. So this seems to be related to ligaments, tendons, or nerves as these can cause pain at certain specific points and with certain specific movements.
  3. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is one of the best investigations that has already been done. As there is no numbness or weakness in the arms, nerve conduction studies will not reveal anything.
  4. Yes, it will go away but may take some time.
  5. There are certain neurological conditions with totally different clinical symptoms, which might be difficult to manage. Do not worry about neurological problems as your issue is different and localized.

I hope this has helped you.

Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Ghulam Fareed
Dr. Ghulam Fareed

Medical Gastroenterology

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