Between the shoulders and the elbow are the armpits, commonly referred to as the axilla. They protect our arms from the elements and minimize friction with clothing, making them a crucial component of our body. This region has its own set of issues, particularly in terms of pain and discomfort.
There are numerous trigger points in the armpits that cause pain. We’ll talk about these points and where they are in this article.
We must examine the architecture of the armpit muscle in order to comprehend what trigger points in the armpits feel like. A complex collection of muscles surround the shoulder joint in the shoulder and serve as stabilizers for motion in all directions.
Muscle Anatomy of the Armpit
One of the body’s most frequently disregarded places is the armpit. Although it may appear to be a little space, it actually contains several large muscle groups that, if overworked or agitated, can lead to pain and discomfort.
The deltoid and triceps brachii, which are found at the top of your shoulder blade, are the first muscles in the region. They cause your arm’s rotation and your fist’s upward and outward movement.
The pectoralis minor, which comprises the chest muscle, is a collection of smaller muscles that lie beneath these two larger muscles. Finally, there are a group of muscles that work to raise and lower the shoulder girdle: Levator scapulae, infraspinatus muscles, and trapezius. Let’s see some details about these last three muscles.
Trapezius muscles are a group of three muscles that sit on top of the shoulder and run from the back of the neck to the shoulder blade. The trapezius is a large triangle-shaped muscle that splits into three parts: upper, middle, and lower trap. Trigger points in these muscles can cause pain in any one or more areas of the neck, shoulders, and upper arms. Trigger points in the trapezius are also known as Traps trigger points or Trapezii trigger points. Athletes that routinely hold their arms over their heads or adopt an unnatural stance while participating in sports frequently have this issue.
The levator scapulae muscle runs between the superior angle and the root of the scapular spine, from C1-4 to the medial part of the scapula. Its purpose is to support a variety of neck, arm, and shoulder motions like shoulder elevation and cervical side flexion. Levator scapulae trigger points can cause pain precisely where they are, but they can also refer to other, seemingly unrelated parts of your body. There are two trigger points in the lower portion of the Levator Scapulae muscle that can cause pain. The upper trigger point is 1-3 inches above the lower trigger point, which is located immediately above the superior angle of the scapula. Both trigger points are located deep within the upper trapezius muscle and both send pain down the medial side of the shoulder blade and laterally to the shoulder.
The Infraspinatus muscle is one of the four muscles of the rotator cuff. The posterior portion of the head of the humerus (upper arm) bone is where the infraspinatus muscle attaches after extending laterally from the back of the shoulder blade. It has two important jobs: Stabilizing the shoulder joint and laterally rotating the arm.
Three trigger points that are positioned in a triangle configuration within the muscle’s belly may be present in the Infraspinatus muscle. You are more likely to experience issues with your infraspinatus if you frequently work in a bent-over position, spend a lot of time at a desk, or raise your arms over your head.
Painters, rock climbers, and office employees are among the professions that frequently suffer. Additionally, trigger points in this muscle are frequently developed by musicians who must play their instruments with their arms or shoulders raised.
Location and Activators of Armpit Triggers
Armpit trigger points are a common source of arm pain for many people. These trigger points are located in the area just beneath the armpits, as well as on the sides and back of the arm.
People who frequently lift heavy weights or spend all day in front of a computer are more likely to acquire arm pit trigger points as a result of those actions. However, practically any action that results in wear and tear and overuse might cause anyone to get them.
Dehydration, improper sleeping or sitting positions, misuse of the armpit muscles, and other factors can all contribute to the development of trigger points in these muscles.
These trigger points can cause discomfort in this area as well as headaches, neck pain, shoulder pain, arm numbness or tingling (neuroma), shoulder stiffness and soreness, and/or shoulder pain.
Conclusion: Armpit Trigger points
Armpit trigger points are a common cause of pain in the armpit region. If you see the discomfort getting worse or if it interferes with your ability to engage in daily activities like sports or routine exercise, you might want to consult a doctor.
MD, PhD. Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Physician from São Paulo - Brazil. Pain Fellowship in University of São Paulo.