Breast pain is always a concern for any woman, since although most cases of discomfort are not indicative of a serious health issue, sometimes pain inside the breast or nipple can be a sign of a truly problematic condition. It is crucial that any woman who endures acute or chronic breast soreness visits her doctor for assessment of the concern. She will require diagnostic evaluation to be sure there is no potentially significant health condition responsible for the symptoms.
The technical medical terms for painful breasts are mastalgia, mastodynia or mastitis.
Normal Breast Pain
Pain in the breast can occur from many known and a countless number of idiopathic reasons. Some of the possible sources of generally harmless breast discomfort include:
Pain before or during the menstrual cycle.
Pain or sensitivity during ovulation.
Pain or sensitivity during pregnancy.
Pain or sensitivity during breastfeeding.
Pain after vigorous massage or sexual activity.
Pain due to vigorous exercise, particularly in large breasted women without proper athletic support bras.
Pain after wearing garments which may be ill-fitting or constrictive, particularly underwire bras.
Discomfort may be a sign of menopause or the beginning of perimenopausal activity.
Some cases of pain have been linked to fatty diets and emotional stress.
Most of the time, these types of pains will not mean there is something wrong inside the breast, although recurrent conditions of discomfort should always be checked by a qualified doctor.
Problematic Breast Pain
Here are some of the many possible known causes of breast discomfort which may be linked to potentially serious health concerns:
Breast cancer may cause pain in the breast or nipple.
Hormonal imbalances can cause chronic breast discomfort.
Breast infection can certainly cause pain and other related symptoms.
Breast injury can cause pain. Injury may occur from trauma to the soft tissues or glands of the breast.
Fibrocystic breast disease can be painful.
Fibromyalgia, or other widespread pain syndrome, can affect the breasts.
Breast Pain Advisory
The breasts are very responsive to anatomical and emotional stimulus and most women are likely to experience times of heightened sensitivity, and even pain, without cause for alarm.
That being said, it is never wise to take chances with serious or recurring pain conditions. These may be indicators of potentially dire heath issues and time is always a consideration for accurate diagnosis and subsequent treatment.
When in doubt, go get it checked out.
These are words to live by.
Remember that the mind can cause and cure many pain conditions. So, if serious heath issues have been ruled out, but discomfort remains, it may be a great idea to consider some mindbody therapy, rather than simply acquiesce to some pharmaceutical answer for the pain.