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Published on: 3/5/2025

What Could Cause Pain under My Right Armpit That Radiates Towards the Back?

Pain under your right armpit that radiates to your back could be due to issues like inflammation near the shoulder blade (scapulothoracic bursitis), nerve irritation from surgery, or problems after lymph node removal.

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Explanation

There are a few possible reasons you might feel pain under your right armpit that travels toward your back. One possibility is scapulothoracic bursitis. This is when the small fluid-filled sacs (bursae) near the shoulder blade become swollen and hurt. It can create discomfort that spreads from the armpit toward the back. Another cause might be related to nerve injuries. Sometimes, surgery involving the neck or spine can affect nerves, which can send pain signals along their path to your back. Additionally, if you have had surgery in the armpit area, such as an axillary lymph node dissection, the nerves in that area might be affected. This can lead to pain that starts in the armpit and radiates backward. Each of these conditions affects your tissues and nerves in different ways. If your pain keeps coming or begins to interfere with your daily activities, it is important to discuss it with your healthcare provider so they can help find the best way to make you feel better.

(References)

  • Boneti C, Arentz C, Klimberg VS. Scapulothoracic bursitis as a significant cause of breast and chest wall pain: underrecognized and undertreated. Ann Surg Oncol. 2010 Oct;17 Suppl 3:321-4. doi: 10.1245/s10434-010-1232-8. Epub 2010 Sep 19. PMID: 20853053.

  • Warmuth MA, Bowen G, Prosnitz LR, Chu L, Broadwater G, Peterson B, Leight G, Winer EP. Complications of axillary lymph node dissection for carcinoma of the breast: a report based on a patient survey. Cancer. 1998 Oct 1;83(7):1362-8. doi: 10.1002/(sici)1097-0142(19981001)83:7<1362::aid-cncr13>3.0.co;2-2. PMID: 9762937.

  • Joaquim AF, Makhni MC, Riew KD. Post-operative nerve injuries after cervical spine surgery. Int Orthop. 2019 Apr;43(4):791-795. doi: 10.1007/s00264-018-4257-4. Epub 2018 Nov 29. PMID: 30498911.

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