Causes and Treatment for Breast Ache
At some point or another, most women will experience a sensation which can only be described as a breast ache. Initially, this may not seem like anything worth worrying over, but recurring pain in one or both breasts could be a sign of a serious issue. Although pain in the breast is not always a sign of cancer or another serious problem, it's always a good idea to educate yourself about the variety of conditions that could crop up. We are going to talk about some of the most prevalent causes behind breast ache and what can be done to treat them.
Contrary to what many people believe, breast pain, or mastalgia, is typically not one of the early signs of breast cancer. Sometimes a lump in the breast can be the root of the pain in one's breast, but oftentimes this sort of lump is benign, or non-cancerous. Of course, any time one believes they have developed a lump in their breast or in the underarm area, they should see a doctor as soon as possible to obtain a proper evaluation and diagnosis. Again, breast cancer usually does not produce a painful sensation, however it's important to rule out the possibility just to be on the safe side.
The most common time for a woman to feel breast ache or tenderness is about a week before the menstrual cycle is due to occur. This is called cyclical breast pain and is due to the changes in hormone levels that menstruation causes. The pain is often felt in both breasts and generally the upper portion and the outer area near the armpit are most affected. The pain may or may not continue on through menstruation, but usually disappears when menstruation is complete. In most cases, a supportive bra and general pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) can help to relieve the soreness until menstruation passes. Caffeine and chocolate (a woman's best friends during menstruation) can, unfortunately, contribute to breast ache and should be avoided if breast pain is very strong. These stimulants can actually cause breast pain even when menstruation is far off.
Breast ache can also be caused by the actual breast itself. This is often a result of trauma that the breast has sustained from an injury. Although the breasts do serve their own special purpose in human nature, they are still just another part of the body made up of flesh, fat, muscle, and blood vessels. Just like knocking your arm against the kitchen table, excessive pressure against the breast can cause a similar injury. Bruising, tenderness, and outright pain can result. Treatment consists of painkillers and the application of ice or cold compresses to reduce the swelling and manage the pain until the tissues heal.
Breast pain can also be caused by severe anxiety. As women are much more prone to stressing out, this is a very likely culprit for breast pain. Worry and stress can often lead to an excessive amount of muscle tension which can occur all over the body. The most common areas are in the neck, shoulders, and back, but severe tension can cause the muscles around the breasts to strain which can result in painfulness. Relaxation therapy is the recommended treatment for anxiety-related breast pain. Taking a half hour each day to read a book, take a nap, pursue a hobby, or to simply chill out with some relaxing music can work wonders to reduce one's stress level. If the anxiety starts to interfere with one's quality of life, such as having frequent panic attacks, then a consultation with a doctor would be the best path to take.