Published on: 3/5/2025
Sharp, come-and-go pain in your left armpit could be due to nerve irritation, muscle issues, or, in rare cases, a small mass pressing on nerves. These causes may make the pain feel sudden and temporary.
There are several reasons you might feel sharp pain in your armpit that comes and goes. One possibility is that a nerve in the upper chest or back is being irritated or pinched. Nerve irritation can send sudden, sharp signals that hurt for a short time. Sometimes, a condition called complex regional pain syndrome can occur when a small growth, like a lipoma (a fatty lump), presses on nerves. Even if you do not feel the lump, it might cause brief bursts of pain. Stretching or movement can also put pressure on sensitive areas in that region, leading to temporary sharp pain. Another possibility is that the pain is linked to a general nerve issue without a clear lump or injury. Most of the time, these conditions are not serious, but they can be annoying when they happen. If the pain continues or worsens, it is important to talk to a healthcare provider who can make sure that there isn’t an underlying problem that needs treatment.
(References)
Rubin DI, Shuster EA. Axillary pain as a heralding sign of neoplasm involving the upper thoracic root. Neurology. 2006 Jun 13;66(11):1760-2. doi: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000218165.93659.6c. PMID: 16769959.
Mikolajczyk AE, Zhang L, Zaman A. Atypical cause of axillary pain. _Am J Med_. 2016;129(2):e29-e30. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2015.09.039
Patel RH, Sheth R, Hus N. Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Caused by an Axillary Lipoma. Cureus. 2020 Dec 25;12(12):e12280. doi: 10.7759/cureus.12280. PMID: 33510987; PMCID: PMC7828746.
We would love to help them too.
For First Time Users
We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.
Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor’s Note is a service for informational purposes, and the provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical practice. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.