Can workouts trigger pain for a female under the right armpit?

Pain under the right armpit can happen for many reasons, and yes, workouts are one common trigger—especially in women, whose shoulder and chest muscles may respond differently to exercise stress than men’s. Below is a detailed look at why this pain occurs, how to tell if it’s workout-related, other possible causes, and when to get medical advice.

Anatomy of the Right Armpit
The armpit (axilla) is a busy junction of:

• Muscles
  • Pectoralis minor and major (chest)
  • Serratus anterior (side of ribs)
  • Latissimus dorsi (back)
• Nerves
  • Brachial plexus (arm nerve bundle)
• Blood vessels
• Lymph nodes

Because so many structures pass through this small area, pain can arise from muscles, nerves, glands or skin.

How Workouts Can Trigger Pain

1. Muscle Strain or Micro-tears

   • Overloading your pectoralis minor, serratus anterior or latissimus dorsi can cause tiny tears.
   • Common after new exercises (e.g., push-ups, chest flyes, pull-ups).
   • Feels like a dull ache or sharp twinge under the armpit during or after the movement.

2. Pectoralis Minor Syndrome

   • According to Sanders & Annest (2007), the pectoralis minor can compress nerves and vessels under the coracoid process, leading to axillary pain.
   • Symptoms:
     • Pain radiating from front of shoulder into the armpit
     • Worse with overhead reaches or heavy lifting
     • May feel numbness or tingling down the arm

3. Improper Form and Overuse

   • Rounding the shoulders, flaring elbows, or arching the back can place extra stress on the armpit muscles.
   • Repetitive movements without adequate rest lead to inflammation of muscles or tendons.

4. Muscle Imbalance

   • Strong chest muscles but weak upper back/shoulder stabilizers shift load to smaller muscles under the armpit.
   • Correct this with balanced strength training and proper stretching.

Other Workout-Related Nerve Irritations

• Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

  • Compression of nerves/vessels between collarbone and first rib.
  • Causes pain, tingling, or weakness in the shoulder and arm.

• Intercostal Muscle Strain

  • Strain of muscles between ribs can refer pain under the arm, especially on twisting movements.

Non-Workout Causes to Consider
While exercise is a frequent culprit, don’t overlook other possibilities:

1. Enlarged Lymph Nodes

   • Often from infections (cold, skin infections) or, rarely, more serious conditions.
   • Feels like a soft lump under the arm; may be tender.

2. Breast Tissue and Mastitis

   • Inflammation or cysts in breast tissue can radiate to the armpit.
   • Watch for redness, swelling or nipple discharge.

3. Skin Conditions

   • Folliculitis, hidradenitis suppurativa or rashes in the crease of the armpit.
   • Itchy, red or bumpy skin.

4. Referred Pain from Organs

   • Gallbladder or liver issues typically refer to the right shoulder blade, but sometimes discomfort can be felt under the arm.
   • Unlikely to be workout-related; would accompany abdominal symptoms.

5. Nerve Root Compression (Cervical Spine)

   • A herniated disc in the neck can send pain along the arm into the armpit.

When to Be Concerned: Red Flags
Seek prompt medical attention if you experience any of these:

• Severe, sudden pain or loss of arm function
• Fever, chills or night sweats
• Unexplained weight loss
• A hard, fixed lump under the arm that doesn’t improve in a week
• Numbness, tingling or weakness in your hand or arm

Free Online Symptom Check
If you’re unsure what’s causing your pain, you might consider doing a free, online symptom check for guidance on possible next steps and whether to see a doctor. You can try this WebMD tool:
symptom check for

When to See a Doctor or Physical Therapist

• Pain persists more than 1–2 weeks despite rest and gentle stretching.
• You have any red-flag symptoms (see above).
• Pain worsens during everyday activities (reaching, lifting a grocery bag).
• You’d like a professional assessment of your exercise form and muscle balance.

Preventing Workout-Related Armpit Pain

• Warm up thoroughly: arm circles, light band pull-aparts, chest openers.
• Focus on proper form: keep shoulders down and back, engage core.
• Balance your routine: include pulling exercises (rows) to offset chest work.
• Progress gradually: increase weight and reps in small increments.
• Stretch and mobilize: gentle pectoral stretches and foam-rolling for the chest and shoulder blades.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, workouts can trigger pain under the right armpit in females, most often from muscle strain, pectoralis minor syndrome or improper technique.
• Other causes include enlarged lymph nodes, breast tissue issues, skin conditions or referred organ pain—though these are less common in athletes.
• Watch for red-flag symptoms (severe pain, lumps, systemic signs) and seek medical care if they appear.
• Use balanced training, proper form and gradual progression to prevent recurrence.
• Try a free, online symptom check for preliminary guidance, but always remember:

Speak to a doctor about any pain that’s severe, persistent or accompanied by concerning symptoms—especially anything that could be life threatening or serious.