What Causes Sharp Pain Between Armpit And Breast Region?

Posted on Tue, 8 Sep 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 8 Sep 2015 Answered on

Tue, 29 Sep 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Was leaning and reaching into the bottom of our ice cream freezer at work. The opening came across my armpit breast area. I felt a sharp pain, almost a pop if you would call it and a warm sensation. Now for 3 days, I can't take deep breath, pain if I push on the area between breast and armpit,can't lift heavy on that side. Have not felt good since..beside the pain. Noticed my glands in neck on same side as injury are swollen. Pain goes up neck and around to the back also. Thoughts?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (37 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It may be a muscle pull or rib injury

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have studied your case and I think that it can be a muscle pull or a rib injury.In both condition there is pain between armpit and breast region. But as you are saying that it is going in neck and shoulder so most probably a muscle sprain. I have following suggestions for you.
1.Avoid any forward bending or weight lifting.
2.Hot water fomentation
3.Volini gel local application
4.Take rest, avoid travelling
5.Muscle relaxant like Myoril or Myospaz after discussing with your doctor.
I am not sure if it can cause lymphnode enlargement, most probably it is just a co incidence.
If your pain continues then you need to checka chest x ray to rule out a fracture of rib. Chances are high if you are haivng difficulty in lying on that side and also pain increases on coughing and sneezing.
In that case also treamtent remains same only it will need a little longer time.
I hope this answer will be useful for you. Let me know if there is any other followup questions.
thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar