Breast pain – Types and ways to manage it
Breast pain is the feeling of discomfort and tenderness in the breasts and the region that surrounds the breast. Symptoms of several reasons may cause this pain. Contrary to popular belief, breast pain is not always caused by or is not a sign of breast cancer.
Most women experience breast pain, at least once in their lifetime. However, a tiny percentage discover to be a symptom of a major problem.
Breast pain is categorized under two types: One is cyclic breast pain, and the other is noncyclic pain
Cyclic breast pain is one that is related to the menstrual cycle. This pain occurs a week before a woman’s period cycle. Tenderness is felt in both breast and even around the underarms. Women between the age of 20 to 40 years are likely to experience cyclic breast pain. However, the pain subsides after menstruation.
Noncyclic pain, on the other hand, is likely to be experienced by older women. This kind of pain is nowhere related to one’s menstrual cycle. The pain can be described as burning or soreness. Noncyclic breast pain causes include injuries and trauma to the muscles in the past.
If the breast pain does not resolve in a few days, consulting a doctor and determining the cause of the pain is essential. Here are a few practices that will help manage breast pain:
One should stop or limit the intake of caffeinated foods as it can worsen the trauma. These include products like chocolates and drinks such as tea, coffee, and soft drinks. Also, consumption of sodium should be reduced to the minimum.
Practice relaxation methods such as yoga and meditation as these activities reduce stress and tension.
Maintaining a healthy body weight is necessary. Being underweight or overweight can worsen the pain that comes with different breast pain causes.
Using the right kind of bra is extremely important as the correct bra supports the breast well. Avoid wired bras and wear sports bras during workouts or exercising.
A cold press can lessen the burning sensation and soreness. One can also use a hot press as it aids in better blood circulation.
Speaking to a medical professional before using any self-administrative technique is a good precaution. Also, in cases of severe trauma that goes beyond 2 weeks, undergoing a few test will help determine the breast pain cause.
