Underarm Pain: Causes and Treatment Options Explained - Oncology

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Underarm pain, particularly when associated with tightness and discomfort in the shoulder and neck region, can be attributed to several underlying causes. In your case, it seems that the pain may be related to muscle strain or tension due to poor posture, as suggested by your rehabilitation physician. This is a common issue, especially in individuals who spend long hours in front of computers or engage in activities that require repetitive shoulder movements.


Possible Causes of Underarm Pain
1. Muscle Strain: The muscles around the shoulder and upper back can become strained due to improper posture or overuse. This strain can lead to referred pain in the underarm area.

2. Nerve Compression: Conditions such as thoracic outlet syndrome can occur when nerves or blood vessels are compressed in the space between your collarbone and your first rib. This can lead to pain, numbness, or tingling in the shoulder, arm, and underarm.

3. Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa (a small fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between tissues) in the shoulder can also cause pain that radiates to the underarm.

4. Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons in the shoulder can lead to pain that may extend to the underarm area.

5. Referred Pain: Sometimes, pain in the underarm can be referred from other areas, such as the neck or upper back, due to interconnected nerve pathways.

6. Skin Conditions: As you mentioned that the pain is less noticeable when dry and more pronounced when sweating, it could also be related to skin irritation or conditions such as eczema or contact dermatitis.


Treatment Options
1. Physical Therapy: Continuing with physical therapy is a good option. A physical therapist can provide targeted exercises to strengthen the muscles around the shoulder and improve posture, which may alleviate pain.

2. Massage Therapy: Since you experienced relief after receiving massage therapy, continuing with this treatment may help reduce muscle tension and improve circulation in the affected area.

3. Heat and Cold Therapy: Applying heat can help relax and loosen tissues and stimulate blood flow to the area. Cold therapy can reduce inflammation and numb sharp pain.

4. Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation.

5. Ergonomic Adjustments: Assessing your workspace and making ergonomic adjustments can help prevent further strain. This includes ensuring your computer screen is at eye level and your chair supports your back properly.

6. Consultation with Specialists: If the pain persists despite conservative treatment, consider consulting a specialist such as an orthopedic doctor or a neurologist. They can perform further evaluations, including imaging studies like an MRI or ultrasound, to rule out any underlying conditions.


When to Seek Further Help
If you experience any of the following symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly:
- Severe pain that does not improve with rest or over-the-counter medications.

- Numbness or weakness in the arm or hand.

- Swelling or visible deformity in the shoulder or arm.

- Symptoms that worsen over time or do not respond to treatment.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may be related to muscle strain or tension, it is essential to monitor your condition and seek further evaluation if necessary. Continuing with physical therapy and considering additional treatments like massage or ergonomic adjustments may provide relief. If symptoms persist, consulting with a specialist will help identify any underlying issues that may require more targeted intervention.