Does Fibrocystic Breasts cause back pain?
Hi, my name is Mary and I have had fibrocystic breast (mainly left) for a few years now. I am 37 years old. I was just wondering if any of you experienced upper back pain (between the shoulder blade and spine) in regards to your fibrocystic breast? I have daily pain in the left breast, along with left rib pain, and armpit pain and now the left upper back. Mostly dull, achy, and sometimes burning pain. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated:)
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Hi Mary, I am glad you are asking about this as I'm wondering the same thing. I also have fibrocystic breasts and last few months my right side seems to be worse with pain it ranges between aching to burning sometimes pinching feeling some days worse than others. I have it mostly upper outer breast where the breast meets the shoulder, below the collar bone and shoulder but higher than where the armpit joins the breast. Sometimes the armpit hurts and the shoulder blade and upper back on the right . I worry about this as it isn't getting better after my period ends but my breast pain does get better. It feels tender to touch sometimes. Did you get checked? Does it feel better after you finish your period?
I had a mammogram and u/s as I have cysts on my breasts 6 months ago, but will have another u/s next week to check on them. I will ask them to check my painful area.
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Hi there:) My symptoms sound fairly similar to yours. My left breast pain does somewhat subside after my period but it still comes and goes and to be honest, I don't know what triggers it. I almost feel like the dull, achy, burning feeling jumps from place to place in my left side area...whether it is my left breast, left armpit, left arm, left shoulder, or left upper back. It is never constant...makes sense? I have not had recent imaging done but plan to. I've been more worried than usual:( please keep me posted.
I should mention that I recently changed my diet to vegan and caffeine free and I hope that this will have some effect. I'm also taking Vit D, Vit E, Vit B complex. Praying that this will alleviate some of the symptoms. Have you tried any dietary or lifestyle changes? I was just wondering. Best wishes to you
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Hi Mary, I am sorry that you're here worried about your pain. I'm not sure about whether fibrocystic breast disease can cause pain between the shoulder blade and spine, hopefully someone else will come along who knows more about that. What I can say, is that if you are 'guarding' the areas on the front of your body, in an attempt not to experience pain, you may be repetitively causing stress to certain parts of your back. I carry stress in my neck and shoulder area, and starting having some pain in one shoulder when I did certain activities. So I restricted those activities in order not to feel the pain. Makes sense, huh? The result was that it started to get worse. So why not get your shoulder blade/back pain checked out?
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Hi again, Yes, I have almost cut out caffeine still weaning myself
I have also cut out red meat, eating a lot of whole foods, a lot of vegetables and cut back on sugar. I also am taking all the same vitamins you mentioned. I do feel like it's helping my usual breast pain right around the breasts, but I still have pain in one area I mentioned below shoulder/collar bone but slightly above where armpit meets breast. I do get the pain move from shoulder blade, back, armpit, arm on that side. I also feel sensitive to touch and my bra hurts my shoulder blade and back too, so I have to wear a strapless bra. I have been dealing with a lot of stress and always did have some pain in my shoulder blades but this feels different. I think I am so worried about this it's making it worse. I keep feeling for lumps and maybe I am making it more painful or causing my lymph nodes to swell.Glad you are getting it checked. You are only 37, have you had a mammogram before? I am having a follow up u/s in a week as I have cysts. I am so nervous. Keep me posted as well.
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MTwoman. Thank you for the reply and input!I think I agree with you. I am more guarded in that area and may have unknowingly put stress on my shoulder and entire left side.
Andia. So due to my being overly worried and not sleeping, I went in to see my PCP and she was not at all worried. She has been doing breast exams her entire long career and knows what cancer tumors feel like and she knows what thickening vs fibrocystic tissues feel like. She believes my neck and shoulder and back pain is completely unrelated...more so due to stress and misalignment of the vertabrae. I have another appointment with her next month for a follow up. For the mean time, she wants me to see a chiropractor. I'm scheduled for an appt next Wednesday and I will keep you posted and let you know if that alleviates any of my symptoms. I hope this was somewhat helpful. Please keep me posted also on your next visit! Take care!
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Hi! I have the same symptoms. This is the first feed I’ve came across that was relatively recent. Did you ever find out what is causing your pain
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Hi, Sunrise, since my last post, I went to see another doctor to get a second opinion. My paranoia peaked around late November, being that the pain was now unbearable and has also moved into my spine. We did every type of blood work under the sun. All normal. Felt for every possible lymph node. All normal. Had the most thorough breast exam I've ever been given and the second doctor also said I had fibrocystic breasts and that my left back, shoulder, neck, and spine pain were due to myofascial pain...essentially it's a muscle knot that causes spasm and referred pain. Since then, I've cut out all caffeine and started vitamin E daily. I've also started massage therapy for my back. I have to say that my back pain has lifted a lot and so has the majority of my breast pain. I now have days without any pain at all and it is continuously lessening everyday. I hope this was somewhat helpful to you. Keep us posted if you can.
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thanks so much!! Glad to know you are starting to feel better. I go tomorrow to get a breast exam and I’m so terrified.
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Sunrise, I am sending you positive vibes and prayers! I know the feeling. Take care and get some rest!
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Hey! My breast exam went well. She said everything looked good. She went ahead and scheduled me for a mammogram Thursday to make sure and said my pain is most likely hormonal or could be a cyst due to my age (33). So I guess this is good news?
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To me, it sounds like good news! Cysts, as I've learned, are so common in women our age. Hormones definitely play a key role in how they fluctuate throughout the month. The cysts also get worse before they get better and it takes years! For me, my left breast is more fibrocystic than the other. I'm so glad they are doing a mammogram on you just to be sure. Keep us updated! Now enjoy the rest of your day! Nothing to worry about
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Hi Mary, I'm 25 and I have fibrocystic breasts too. I actually have it in my left breast and I've had cysts, nipple discharge and a dull burning pain whenever my period rolls around so it's not fun. I have never noticed any back pain though, I don't think I have ever even heard about that but I wouldn't be surprised? I mean our chests (armpits, shoulders, back) are all connected so if you are concerned check it out with your doc but I really wouldn't worry about it.
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Hi Mary! My MG came back good!! And now that my cycle is over my breast pain has gotten a little better. It’s more of a constant come and go ache in my lower back around the bottom of my left shoulder blade. Ughhhhh now I’m stressing out again. Do you experience this??
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Hi, Sunrise! I'm so glad your mammo was clear! Great news. Yes, I still get back pains around my left scapula region, particularly towards the bottom and inner part of the shoulder blade. I've now seen two doctors and both have said it was more of a muscle issue. My massage therapist said the same bc my muscle knot on my left shoulder blade area is so tight that she could barely get under it to massage it. I've seen a doctor of osteopathy who specializes in this and he said my left and right shoulder blade muscles are so different and he too had problems massaging out the knotted muscle. I've been given muscle relaxants and that's proven no help. The only thing that helps are hot showers, biofreeze, and most importantly, reducing my stress. Every time I felt an ounce of pain, which would come and go without warning, I would make it far worse by simply stressing about it and thinking the worst:( Since I've been doing yoga, clean eating, no coffee, Vit E, and turmeric capsules, I've seen great improvement. I completely feel for you. I've been there! But you are doing all the right thing and it sounds like great results from your doctors:) Look up myofascial pain or even costochondritis. I will pray for your worries to subside!
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thanks so much for all of your help! Let’s keep in touch
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I would love to keep in touch! It helps SOmuch hearing from others who have or are going through the same thing! Take care and I'll chat with you soon!
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hi Mary I'm going through the same thing and I'm really worried about it I'm 24 years old and don't really know what to do anymore I been to the hospital but the doctor thinks it's muscular and gave me tramadol but I'm still going through the same thing. My pain seems to worsen before my period comes and then it feels a little better after that,it feels like it comes and goes its almost been a year and a half and I'm feeling the same
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Hi, Arianny, I am so sorry you are going through this:( I am not trying to be dismissive of your symptoms but at your age, it is highly unlikely that this is breast cancer related, especially bc you say there is a pattern of it getting worse before your period and easing off after. This doesn't sound too unusual. Ask your doctor for maybe a muscle relaxer, it may be helpful for you. Again, I am not trying to minimize your pain and worries by I'm so happy to hear you are taking the initiative to be seen! You are your best advocate! Keep us posted. Also look I intofibrocystic breasts and costochondritis. Both can cause similar symptoms. Take care!
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thank you so much and to be honest I feel scare but seeing that you had the EXACT SAME symptoms as me makes me feel a little better. But I’m not sure if I have fibrocystic breasts I keeps feeling for lumps but don’t find any it’s just that nagging pain in my upper left back that comes and goes. I feel everything on my left sid
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This is my first time posting on any forum like this but seeing other women going through something similar, helped me a lot. A few months ago I developed breast pain in my right breast. It got worse before my period and sometimes just randomly for some reason. I've been freaking out. I don't currently have insurance but should get it within a week or two. I now feel pain in my chest on the right side, shoulder blade, and upper spine. I really hope it's nothing. Years ago after a breast exam, (I am now 31) my OBGYN said it felt like I have Fibrocystic breasts but it was nothing to worry about. I'm hoping that is all that it is. How do you stay calm when you worry about cancer and have pain reminding you of it? haha. Any advice would be great. I am planning on getting imaging done asap just in case! But in the meantime, I hope I don't make myself too sick with worry.
Also, has anyone else ever gotten mild swelling of the breast occassionally?
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Hi Forestq - Welcome to Breastcancer.org! Our general recommendation is that any change in your breasts should be checked by a doctor, because even if it's some benign condition it may need a treatment or a follow up program. Till you get your appointments or tests done, here is a thread from our boards that may help you ease your concerns and manage your anxiety: Topic: Anxiety
Best wishes, and let us know how you're doing!
The Mods
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Hi Forestq,
I was reading your post from last year. I have similar symptoms and was also told I have fybrocystic breast. I have pretty much constant pain mainly in my right breast (worse around my period)....sore to the touch (and my bra never feel comfortable anymore), sometimes light burning sensation and tightness. Occasionally I will feel a dull ache when I breath in deep and am sitting in a certain position....in addition to some burning in arm and armpit area.
I have been having these symptoms for about 3-4 years and bout 3 year ago got a mammogram...they said everything was fine....but sent me to a breast specialist.....who also said everything was fine. Since then I have had regular breast exams and they say everything seems normal.
Sometimes I get worried because my right breast never feel 100%. Also you mentioned breast sweating, I get this a couple times a month....almost always when I sleep.
Does any of this sound similar to what you are experiencing.....and how are you doing currently?
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Coniglio - there has been no activity on this thread for almost two years so it's unlikely the original posters will answer. However someone else may pop in.
Since you are getting regular exams & images, you should be OK. But if the pain is continuous for over two weeks, you might go see your GYN.
I started having mammograms 35 years before I developed BC (no joke, thirty five years) I had dense, fibrocystic breasts with resultant pains & aches. Worse during my period and because my breasts were big, yes back aches too. So for 35 years, everything was fine. Then at age 67 they recommended an ULS and a biopsy - and diagnosed DCIS
One thing that made all the difference to the ongoing discomfort & pain over the was giving up coffee entirely. I was like a new woman. You might give that a try.
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Hello, I know you were asking a different person a question but because I was the one that started this thread, it alerted me. I know it can be so worrisome to have those sensations, especially when it is mainly in one breast. For me, it is the Left. After many months and many doctor visits, I convinced my GP to refer me for a diagnostic mammo...I was 37 at the time. Everything was negative and the radiologist reassured me there was nothing troubling that he saw and that many times, the pain women feel in their breast can’t be traced to a specific cause.
With that said, I started taking vitamin E and iodine and also limit my coffee intake. It did not make all the breast pain go away, HOWEVER, they are no longer daily. In fact, I go many days straight without feeling anything whereas before there was always some kind of burning or dull or stabbing pain anywhere in that breast, in that armpit region, and in my back behind the breast.
I wish you well
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Mary what were the dosages of those that you took? Thank you for coming back and responding to this thread.
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Not sure of this situation, fibrocystic breasts are denser and thus can cause some postural changes leading to streching of back muscles causing pain but it should not be admirable. I guess its time you see your doctor and know the real reason that has been bothering you.
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Gosh, no problem. I’m a bit of a worry wart (that is putting it lightly) so I am happy to help if I can.
The vitamin E I take is 400 IU and it is mixed with tocopherols (it says it on the label). You can actually break this softgel and apply it directly on your breast.
The iodine I take I order from amazon. Iodoral (IOD 12.5) High potency Iodine/Potassium Sulfate. (I take selenium with this bc apparently it goes hand in hand). Read the reviews and you may even find something better out there.
Also, I used to constantly do a breast and underarm exam...like all day...anytime I felt anything. After the negative results, I had to mentally take charge of my fear and limited my self breast exam to once a week at first and now I only do every other week. It was such a scary couple years and all I did was stare at my kids and worry I wouldn’t see them grow:( So I would have to say the combination of supplements and the reduction of the constant manipulation of my breast and underarm, as well as reducing my caffeine, has helped!
Take it easy and I pray you find relief soon!
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Mary what were the dosages of those that you took? Thank you for coming back and responding to this thread.
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Atarenah, look at the post above your question. I answered it for you this morning:)
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Hi....new to all of this. Hoping someone can ease my mind. I have a dr. Appointment for Monday morning to check things out. About 10 years ago (I’m 38..almost 39) I found a lump in my left breast, had an ultrasound, was told everything looked ok. Fast forward to just before Christmas this year, I found another lump and thickening around the previous area. All seems to move under my fingertips. New lump is smooth and about the size of a grape. My breasts are constantly paining, burning. Finding pain in my shoulder/back/neck. Sometimes it’s prickly/itchy feeling above my breast/chest area. Pain in my armpit and arm as well at times. I’m guessing it doesn’t help that I’m constantly feeling my breast to see if the lumps are gone. Feeling pain all over breast really. Sometimes in right one as well. Pain didn’t go away with period. My mother suffered from fibrocystic breast as well.
This morning I found out my first cousin has to go for a biopsy on her breast, and it doesn’t look good for her. My stress level is on bust right now. I can’t function....so worried.
All this happened to me just before Christmas, at the same time I found out I have a cyst on my cervix and I had a mole removed which turned out to be very displastic and I need to see a plastic surgeon to have more skin removed. The past month has been an extremely stressful roller coaster.
Anyone experience anything like this?0
