Mastalgia, or breast pain, is extremely prevalent. Infections, improper bra fitting, and hormonal fluctuations are all potential causes of breast pain. Common causes of breast pain are various in numbers. Treatment for breast pain depends depend on what caused it, although in mild situations, medication and lifestyle modifications can often be helpful.
During their reproductive years, over two-thirds of females have breast pain, which is one of the most common complaints from people aged 15 to 40.
There are several clear-cut external causes of breast pain, including sports injuries and latch irritation from breastfeeding. But sometimes the reason might not be as obvious as this.
10 Common Causes of Breast Pain
Learn more about some of the potential reasons of breast discomfort and get management advice by continuing to read.
1. Hormonal changes
Usually, hormonal changes before to menopause, pregnancy, or the start of a period are the cause of tender or swollen breasts. This kind of breast discomfort may radiate to the armpit and typically results in tenderness in both breasts. Common causes of breast pain includes hormonal changes.
Cyclical breast pain is the term used to describe breast pain that is associated with the menstrual cycle. Cyclical breast pain can be isolated or present as part of a premenstrual syndrome (PMS) cluster of symptoms that precede menstruation.
Although PMS is a transient condition, people can manage its symptoms by applying mild heat to ease pain, utilizing over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers, and donning a supportive and comfortable bra.
2. Bra Fit
If a bra is excessively tight or has an underwire that pierces the skin or breast tissue, it may cause breast pain.
Many department stores provide free bra fittings to help customers select their ideal size. If ladies are hurting before their period, they might want to buy supportive, comfy, non-wired bras. Fit bra is also in common causes of breast pain.
When working out, supportive bras might be helpful as well. A 2021 article states that when women wear sports bras while exercising, 60–70% of them experience less breast pain (Trusted Source).
3. Fibrocystic Breast Changes
The benign but possibly painful symptoms of fibrocystic breast alterations result from hormonal fluctuations that make the breasts feel lumpy or have a different texture. The most prevalent kind of breast disorder that is not malignant is fibrocystic breast disease.
Among the possible symptoms are:
- Breasts that feel firmer or thicker than usual
- Tenderness
- Lumps or cysts
- Sensitive Nipples
The following procedures may be used to treat or manage fibrocystic breasts:
Using over-the-counter painkillers.
Using compresses that are warm or chilly.
Limiting one’s consumption of fat, salt, or coffee.
Beginning or discontinuing the use of birth control tablets.
Before adjusting the dosage, it’s crucial to see a doctor if the fibrocystic breast changes could be caused by a new contraceptive.
4. Mastitis
The word for swelling or inflammation in the breasts is mastitis. An infection is the typical cause (Trusted Source). While the illness primarily affects breastfeeders, it can also strike non-breastfeeders. Mastitis includes in common causes of breast pain.
Antibiotics are the treatment for an infection. It is also necessary for someone who is breastfeeding to empty their breasts. If there is an abscess, the doctors will use a needle to remove the pus or perform surgery to drain it.
5. Medications
Breast pain may arise as a result of taking certain drugs. Among them are:
Certain potassium-sparing diuretics, including eplerenone (Inspra) or spironolactone (Aldactone); digitalis preparations, like digoxin (Digox), which treat congestive heart failure and irregular cardiac rhythm; and chlorpromazine (Thorazine), a drug for mental health conditions.
Methyldopa (Aldomet), a medication for high blood pressure, and oxymetholone (Anadrol), a medication for low red blood cell count.
Individuals experiencing breast pain have to consult a physician to determine whether any of their prescribed drugs might be contributing to their symptoms.
6. Scar Tissue
Scar tissue formation is a possible side effect of radiation therapy and surgery for breast cancer. This may cause changes in the texture and appearance of the breasts as well as numbness and pain. Scar tissues includes in common causes of breast pain.
Options for treatment consist of:
Physical rehabilitation
Surgically eliminating scar tissue
Application of ointments and creams to minimize the look
7. Back, Neck, or Shoulder Sprains
It’s possible for breast pain to come from somewhere else than inside the breast. For instance, a person may have discomfort in their breasts from sprains or injuries to their back, neck, or shoulder.
Referred pain is the term for pain that people experience that is felt farther away from the site of origin. The therapy depends on identifying the underlying issue.
8. Costochondritis
The inflammation of the cartilage that joins the ribs to the breastbone is known as osteochondritis. Sharp chest discomfort and tenderness may be the symptoms of the illness, which may develop gradually or suddenly.
Possible course of treatment:
Staying away from things that make the discomfort worse.
Heating the region.
Over-the-Counter painkillers.
Injections of corticosteroids.
Receiving transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), a pain-reduction technique that involves applying an electric current to a specific location.
9. Chest Wall Pain
Chest wall pain can be caused by a variety of illnesses. Sometimes, despite not being coming from the breast, this discomfort can feel that way.
The extent of the pain can vary, affecting the breast in a narrow or broad area. One could encounter:
Among the potential reasons are:
- Bruising
- Fractured Ribs
- Gallstones
- Angina
- Autoimmune Diseases
Depending on the underlying cause, the course of treatment will change, but it may include managing discomfort and avoiding activities that exacerbate the pain until it has resolved.
10. Breast cancer
When cells in the breast undergo mutations and start proliferating out of control, breast cancer develops. Although it is not usually the cause, cancer can induce breast pain. Additional signs and symptoms could be reliable Source:
Breast lump
Discomfort in any area of the breast
Any kind of nipple discharge, including clear and bloody ones
Breast skin dimpling or discomfort
Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare but treatable condition with a variety of symptoms. Among them are:
- Pain and tenderness
- Skin discoloration
- Swelling
Breast cancer can be treated with radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, surgery, and biologic therapy. Individuals frequently get more than one of these therapies.
Managing Breast Pain
There are several actions people can take Trusted Source to ease mastalgia discomfort. Among them are:
Wearing a well-fitting, supportive bra.
Using over-the-counter painkillers.
Reducing consumption of chocolate, coffee, tea, and carbonated beverages.
Compressing the breasts with hot or cold compresses.
Exercising on a regular basis.
Practicing relaxation techniques to ease tension, anxiety, and stress.
To make sure self-care methods are acceptable, it is best to consult a healthcare provider before attempting them. There may be situations where medical assistance is required.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is critical for women’s health awareness and wellbeing to comprehend the frequent reasons of breast pain. Even while benign illnesses like hormone fluctuations, cysts, or muscular strain can frequently be the cause of breast discomfort, it’s important to visit a doctor if the pain worsens over time or is accompanied by other worrisome symptoms. In order to determine the underlying cause of breast discomfort and guarantee proper management and therapy, it is essential to regularly examine oneself and maintain open communication with medical professionals. People can effectively manage their breast pain and preserve their general health and peace of mind by being proactive and knowledgeable.