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What Causes Cramps Under The Arms In Left Side Below The Breast?

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Posted on Wed, 18 May 2016
Question: Hi, I am having cramps under my arms along my side. Mostly it happens when I'm in bed and stretch and yawn but today, I was dressing, putting on my bra and a cramp caught in my left side, near my breast. It moved into my breast which has never happened before. The cramping subsided then came back and subsided and came back, several times. I had to hold my breast through it all. What could have caused this? It was very scary and finally let up when I ate two tablespoons of yellow mustard.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (25 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

Welcome on HCM!

Regarding your concern, I would explain that your actual clinical symptomatology doesn't seem to be cardiac related.

A chest pain that is modulated by posture, non-specific in nature (cramping), and of migratory characteristic is unlikely to be causes by any cardiac ischemia disorder.

Instead, other possible causes may be responsible, such as a musculoskeletal disorder (inflammation), pleural inflammation (the layers surrounding the lungs), a possible backbone degenerative disorder, also any possible breast lesion, etc.

Coming to this point, I recommend discussing with your attending doctor, for a possible physical exam and additional tests:

- chest X ray study (lungs and spinal cord views),
- resting ECG,
- complete blood count,
- PCR,
- a careful breast examination (palpation),
- mammography and breast ultrasound (if suspicions are raised by physical breast palpation),

You need to discuss with your on the above mentioned issues.

Hope you find my answer helpful!

Feel free to ask me again, in case of any further uncertainties!

Kind regards,

Dr. Iliri


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (17 minutes later)
Thank you for your quick response Dr. Sharka. As it happens, I am scheduled for my annual GYN exam on March 24th and my annual mammogram on March 23rd. I will definitely discuss my concerns at my appointment. Also, I have degenerative disc disease which I treat with exercise and meloxicam. So, it sounds like I am on the right track to finding out why this is happening. Thank you once again. Jackie
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (48 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Opinion as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hi again, dear XXXXXXX

Seems that the reasons are out there, half on the horizon. It is necessary to make them completely visible by a comprehensive diagnostic work up.

You have to discuss with your doctor on the above mentioned issues.

Please, let me know how things are going on!

Regards,

Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Ilir Sharka

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 9545 Questions

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What Causes Cramps Under The Arms In Left Side Below The Breast?

Brief Answer: I would explain as follows: Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXXXX Welcome on HCM! Regarding your concern, I would explain that your actual clinical symptomatology doesn't seem to be cardiac related. A chest pain that is modulated by posture, non-specific in nature (cramping), and of migratory characteristic is unlikely to be causes by any cardiac ischemia disorder. Instead, other possible causes may be responsible, such as a musculoskeletal disorder (inflammation), pleural inflammation (the layers surrounding the lungs), a possible backbone degenerative disorder, also any possible breast lesion, etc. Coming to this point, I recommend discussing with your attending doctor, for a possible physical exam and additional tests: - chest X ray study (lungs and spinal cord views), - resting ECG, - complete blood count, - PCR, - a careful breast examination (palpation), - mammography and breast ultrasound (if suspicions are raised by physical breast palpation), You need to discuss with your on the above mentioned issues. Hope you find my answer helpful! Feel free to ask me again, in case of any further uncertainties! Kind regards, Dr. Iliri