Doctors Note Logo

Published on: 7/15/2026

What could cause pain under both armpits without any lumps?

Pain under both armpits without any lumps is often caused by muscle strain, nerve irritation, or shoulder joint problems. Less commonly, it may stem from swollen lymph nodes, skin conditions, or referred pain from the chest or upper back.

Because armpit pain can have many overlapping causes, identifying the right one on your own can be difficult. A fast, personalized symptom check can help you pinpoint likely causes based on your specific symptoms, medical history, and risk factors. It's free, takes only a few minutes, and gives you clear guidance on what to do next—whether that's home care, seeing a primary care doctor, or getting urgent evaluation. Taking a moment now can save you time, worry, and unnecessary appointments later.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

answer background

Explanation

There are several reasons why you might feel pain in both your armpits without any lumps:

  • Shoulder Injuries: Problems like rotator cuff tears or tendonitis in the shoulder can cause pain that spreads to the armpit area. When the shoulder muscles are injured, the pain can move to nearby places, including the armpit.
  • Nerve Issues: Nerves that run through the shoulder also pass through the armpit. If these nerves are pinched or irritated, it can cause pain in both areas. Conditions like a pinched nerve in the neck can lead to pain that travels down to the shoulder and armpit.
  • Muscle Strain: Straining muscles in the shoulder or upper back can create discomfort in the armpit as well. Overusing or injuring these muscles makes them sore and can lead to pain in connected regions.
  • Joint Problems: Issues with the shoulder joint, such as arthritis, can cause widespread pain that includes the armpit. Inflammation in the joint affects the surrounding tissues, leading to discomfort in multiple areas.
  • Referred Pain: Sometimes, pain from one part of the body is felt in another. Conditions affecting the heart or lungs can sometimes cause pain that appears in the shoulder and armpit, although this is less common.

If you are experiencing pain in both your armpit and shoulder, you can use our free AI symptom checker to better understand your symptoms and determine whether you should talk to a healthcare provider for further evaluation and treatment.

(References)

  • Greenberg DL. Evaluation and treatment of shoulder pain. Med Clin North Am. 2014 May;98(3):487-504. doi: 10.1016/j.mcna.2014.01.016. Epub 2014 Mar 22. PMID: 24758957.

  • Lowry V, Lavigne P, Zidarov D, Matifat E, Cormier AA, Desmeules F. A Systematic Review of Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Diagnosis and Management of Various Shoulder Disorders. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2024 Feb;105(2):411-426. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2023.09.022. Epub 2023 Oct 11. PMID: 37832814.

  • Dean BJ, Gwilym SE, Carr AJ. Why does my shoulder hurt? A review of the neuroanatomical and biochemical basis of shoulder pain. Br J Sports Med. 2013 Nov;47(17):1095-104. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2012-091492. Epub 2013 Feb 21. PMID: 23429268.

Thinking about asking ChatGPT?Ask me instead

Tell your friends about us.

We would love to help them too.

smily Shiba-inu looking

For First Time Users

What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?

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.

Was this page helpful?

Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor's Note is a service for informational purposes. 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.