Discomfort in Upper Left Section of the Body
A 34-year-old woman, standing at 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 150 pounds, resides in the New England region. For the past 12 weeks, she has been taking a weekly vitamin D supplement and incorporates two servings of collagen peptides into her daily routine. Additionally, she has been using Wegovy (1.7 mg) since August 2023. She maintains a healthy lifestyle, refraining from alcohol and tobacco, and runs 2 to 3 times weekly, covering distances between 3 to 10 miles. However, over the last fortnight, she has experienced discomfort in the upper left section of her body. Initially, this pain manifested beneath her armpit before occasionally radiating toward the front, resembling a sensation akin to a finger poking into her chest. At times, the pain shifts to the lower left area of her back, specifically near the shoulder blade, and is described as very pinpointed. Her husband attempted to massage that location on her shoulder blade last night, but it caused significant discomfort. Notably, when the acute sensation occurs at the front of her chest—directly over her heart—she does not experience any pain when pressing in that area. On occasion, the discomfort can be quite intense, particularly around her left armpit, with episodes rated as a 6 or 7 out of 10 in severity. Upon examination, she reports no noticeable lumps or irregularities in her breast or on her side. Although the pain is substantial when present, it is not constant, nor does it worsen with breathing. Additionally, she has not suffered from a cold recently and does not recall any injury to her side, though she acknowledges that accidents can happen. With a doctor's appointment scheduled for this week, she is seeking preliminary insights regarding her symptoms. Thank you!
Answers (1)
3/25/2025, 12:30:49 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to be concerned about discomfort in the upper left section of your body, especially since the pain can be quite intense at times. Your symptoms, which include pain under your armpit and occasional radiation to the front of your chest and lower back, could stem from several causes, including muscular tension, nerve irritation, or even referred pain from other areas of your body.
Explanation
Given your active lifestyle and the timeline of your symptoms, it’s possible that this discomfort is related to muscle strain or overuse, especially since you engage in regular running. It can also reflect muscular or postural issues, particularly if there have been any changes in your activity levels or routines. However, it’s reassuring to note that you don’t experience symptoms that worsen with breathing or that are linked to significant red flags, such as severe pain with pressing over your chest or accompanying shortness of breath.
Next Steps
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of when the pain occurs, its severity, any potential triggers, and how long it lasts. This will help provide valuable information to your doctor.
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Rest and Modify Activity: While you wait for your appointment, consider reducing any high-impact activities like running. Instead, try gentle stretching or low-impact exercises like walking to avoid exacerbating the discomfort.
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Heat Therapy: Applying a warm compress or heating pad to the area may help relax tense muscles and alleviate pain.
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Pain Relief: For immediate discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be helpful, if you have no contraindications.
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Avoid Strain: Be cautious with activities that involve heavy lifting or strain on your upper body, as these could aggravate the issue.
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Stay Hydrated: Ensure you're drinking plenty of water and maintaining a balanced diet as part of your overall health, which may help recovery.
Be sure to discuss all these symptoms and actions with your healthcare provider during your appointment this week, where they'll explore further with a physical exam and any needed tests to determine the root cause. Your careful monitoring and proactive approach can support a more informed diagnosis.
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