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left breast pain 3yrs
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MedHelp Member's Question

left breast pain 3yrs

by gobler, Aug 24, 2006 12:00AM
3yrs ago, I started having sharp pains in my left breast along with pain in back shoulder and heaviness in chest area. I went to ER and was checked out for heart problems (ekg,stress test) no problems were found. Other doctors visits - possible pulled muscle or torn cartilage. Pain pills given - but pain still returns. Was told "cancer is not painful" so no need to do tests.

After 3yrs of ongoing/reoccuring pain, I am concerned it could be more than a pulled muscle. Just curious to have another opinion!
Doctor's Answer

by CCF-RN,MSN-rf, Aug 24, 2006 12:00AM
Dear gobler:  Pain that travels to the shoulder and back and that causes heaviness in the chest is not a "typical" presentation of breast cancer.  Without evaluation, including a physical examination, we cannot speculate as to the cause of your pain.  You need to see your doctor for evaluation.  

Member Comments (11)

by cyn17, Aug 24, 2006 12:00AM
How interesting to hear this. I experienced the same thing about a year ago...went to ER twice in 2 days, had ALL the tests, and...nothing. The doctor decided that it must have been a tight muscle in the back that was pinching nerves that wrap around to the chest. I did have a specific area near my shoulder blade that was sensitive to touch. Good luck figuring this out!

by healthcareguerilla, Aug 26, 2006 12:00AM
To: gobler
A couple of things to try.  Cut out caffeine.  Also have someone check for trigger points -- those hard knots one gets -- no, don't see just 'someone' -- pay to see a massage therapist - someone who knows about myofascial release.  



There are exercises which will help tremendously.  Also, if there's a lot of congestion in the muscles, a saline injection is sometimes used, and that you would get from a physician who is clued into myofascial release, if called for.



I did not have the saline injection, but cut out caffeine, had a friend work on the trigger points, mine in the left trapezius, muscles in my back, and did the exercises.

by healthcareguerilla, Aug 26, 2006 12:00AM
To: gobler
PS With myofascial release, as with any action, including massage, that 'gets things moving', be sure to assist by drinking plenty of water immediately afterwards, and throughout the next few days.  (We should all drink lots of water, anyway).

by cyn17, Aug 27, 2006 12:00AM
Good point regarding massage therapy. I failed to mention that I did follow up with weekly massage for a few months (my insurance covered it) and it did help loosen things up in my back. Tight muscles in the back can affect so many areas of the body, including causing pain in the chest and breasts.

by boninclyde, Aug 29, 2006 12:00AM
Is there any swelling in the breast or is one larger than the other?

by boninclyde, Aug 29, 2006 12:00AM
Is there any swelling in the breast or is one larger than the other?

by volsfan, Oct 03, 2006 12:00AM
I too have reoccuring pain in the left breast and shoulder and even down into the arm at times.  When this happens I usually find that my heart rate goes up.  I have been to the er several times.  The last time they kept me for two days and did bloodwork, echocardiogram, heart cath, and ekg.  All came back normal. When this happens I usually have burning in my esophagus also.  The doctors said they believed it to be possibly a muscle coupled with stress and acid reflux.  Still get the pain but if I massage on the shoulder will go away.  (Even been to a chiropractor)

by jodixonmsn, Oct 07, 2006 12:00AM
I am very interested in what everyone is saying.  For the past 10-12 days I have been experiencing pain in the side of my left breast.  The pain is also in my lower left shoulder blade.  It seems to wrap around in a sense and feels very muscular.  I have been asking my husband to rub my back and the muscles are obviously twisted up.  

I do have breast implants and was wondering if it could somehow be related.  

Ironically, I was just diagnosed with GERD as well.  I am 34 years old and other than muscle aches and pains am relatively healthy.  I must admit I do always fear the worst; so I have been a little paniced about breast cancer or some other form of muscular cancer.  I would love any insight any of you could provide.  I am trying to avoid running to the ER.

by Haileys Mom, Oct 08, 2006 12:00AM
Hi, I too, have been having left shoulder pain