Understanding why this discomfort occurs is crucial for preventing further injury and enhancing your workout routine.
When you feel that twinge in your armpit during bench presses, it could be related to a strain in your pectoralis major muscle.
This muscle plays a significant role in stabilizing your shoulder joint during pressing movements, and any strain or injury to it can lead to pain and discomfort, especially during exercises like bench presses.
The pain in your armpit could be a result of muscle strain caused by overloading or improper form during bench pressing. Ignoring this discomfort and pushing through the pain can exacerbate the injury.
In this article, we’ll delve deeper into the reasons behind armpit pain during bench presses and provide insights on how to address and prevent this issue for a more effective and pain-free workout experience.
Armpit Pain During Bench Press
Armpit pain during bench pressing can be concerning, but it’s not uncommon, and several factors could be causing it.
Here are some possibilities:
The Role of the Armpit in Bench Pressing
When bench pressing, your armpit area plays a crucial role in stabilizing the shoulder joint. The pectoralis major muscle, which spans across the chest and inserts into the upper arm, aids in movements like pressing.
However, if this muscle experiences a strain or tear, it can lead to discomfort or pain in the armpit region during bench presses.
Common Causes of Armpit Discomfort
Armpit pain during bench press can be attributed to various factors. One common cause is an overstretching or tearing of the pectoralis major muscle.
This can occur when lifting heavy weights or performing bench press exercises with incorrect form. Additionally, microtears in the muscle tissue due to excessive strain can result in a quick pinch or stinging sensation in the armpit.
Understanding these common causes can help you adjust your workout routine, focus on proper form, and take necessary precautions to prevent armpit discomfort during bench presses.
By being mindful of these factors, you can improve your exercise technique and reduce the risk of injury, ensuring a more effective and pain-free workout experience.
Muscle-Related Factors
Muscle-related factors that could contribute to armpit pain during bench press include:
Identifying a Muscle Strain
When you experience armpit pain while bench pressing, it could be a sign of a strain in your pectoralis major muscle. This muscle plays a crucial role in stabilizing your shoulder joint during exercises like bench press.
Strains can occur due to overstretching, tearing of the muscle fibers, or microtears from excessive strain. By understanding these potential causes, you can better identify a muscle strain and take appropriate steps to address it.
Importance of Proper Form and Technique
Maintaining proper form and technique during bench press exercises is essential in preventing armpit pain and muscle strains.
Incorrect form, such as lifting too much weight or performing the exercise too quickly, can increase the risk of muscle tears and injuries.
Focus on your technique, lower the weight if needed, and perform the exercise at a controlled pace to reduce strain on your pectoralis major muscle.
By prioritizing proper form, you can enhance your workout effectiveness and minimize the chances of experiencing armpit discomfort during bench presses.
Lymphatic and Nervous System Considerations
When experiencing armpit pain during bench press, it’s essential to consider lymphatic and nervous system factors as well:
Swollen Lymph Nodes and Armpit Pain
When experiencing armpit pain, swollen lymph nodes near the armpit can be a contributing factor.
Swelling in these lymph nodes, often caused by infections or other medical conditions, can lead to discomfort and pain in the armpit area.
Common causes of swollen lymph nodes include cold or flu infections, lymphedema due to fluid buildup, lymphadenopathy from infections, or even conditions like breast cancer that may manifest with pain and swelling in the armpit.
It’s crucial to pay attention to any changes in the armpit area and consult a healthcare provider if you notice persistent swelling or discomfort.
Nerve Compression Symptoms
In some cases, armpit pain during bench pressing may result from nerve compression. Nerve compression symptoms can include shooting or radiating pain, tingling sensations, numbness, or weakness in the affected area.
When nerves in the shoulder or armpit region are compressed or irritated, such as during specific movements like bench presses, it can lead to discomfort and pain. Proper form and technique during exercises are essential to prevent nerve compression.
If you experience persistent or worsening symptoms of nerve compression, it’s advisable to seek medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause and appropriate management.
Skin Conditions That Can Lead to Armpit Pain
Skin conditions that can lead to armpit pain during activities like bench pressing include:
Recognizing Contact Dermatitis and Rashes
If you experience armpit pain while bench pressing, it could be attributed to skin conditions like contact dermatitis or rashes.
Contact dermatitis occurs when the skin comes into contact with irritants or allergens, leading to redness, itching, and discomfort in the armpit area.
Rashes, on the other hand, can be caused by various factors such as allergic reactions, infections, or friction from clothing.
These skin issues can result in pain or sensitivity in the armpit region, especially when pressure is applied during exercises like bench presses.
The Connection Between Shingles and Armpit Soreness
Another skin condition that may lead to armpit soreness during physical activities like bench pressing is shingles. Shingles is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox.
When the virus reactivates, it can cause pain, burning, and a rash that typically affects one side of the body, including the armpit area.
If you have had chickenpox in the past, you are at risk of developing shingles, which can manifest as armpit soreness or discomfort, potentially aggravated by the repetitive movements involved in bench press exercises.
Addressing Armpit Pain
Addressing armpit pain during bench pressing involves several steps:
When to Seek Medical Attention?
If you experience chest pain or discomfort, pain in your upper body, shortness of breath, nausea, or lightheadedness during bench pressing, it’s crucial to seek emergency medical attention immediately. These symptoms could indicate serious underlying issues that require prompt evaluation.
To determine the cause of your armpit pain, a doctor may conduct a thorough medical history review, perform a physical examination, and order specific tests.
These tests may include swabs to check for infections, imaging scans like MRI or CT scans, and blood tests to rule out autoimmune conditions. Seeking medical help promptly can help diagnose the root cause of your pain and ensure appropriate treatment.
Treatment Options for Armpit Pain Relief
Treatment options for armpit pain relief may vary depending on the underlying cause. Rest and over-the-counter medication can help alleviate mild armpit pain caused by muscle strain or minor injuries.
In more severe cases, medical interventions such as physiotherapy may be necessary to address conditions like a pectoralis major strain.
Physiotherapy treatments for armpit pain may include hydrotherapy, electrotherapy, manipulation, mobilization, and soft tissue treatments.
These therapies can aid in healing muscle injuries, improving range of motion, and reducing pain. Consulting a healthcare provider is essential to determine the most suitable treatment plan based on the specific cause of your armpit pain.
Prevention Strategies for Bench Pressers
Prevention strategies for bench pressers to avoid armpit pain include:
Warm-Up and Cool-Down Exercises
To prevent armpit pain when bench pressing, it’s crucial to incorporate proper warm-up and cool-down exercises into your routine.
Before starting your bench press session, make sure to engage in light cardio or dynamic stretching to increase blood flow to the muscles and prepare them for activity. This helps reduce the risk of muscle strains and tears that can lead to armpit pain during your workout.
After completing your bench press sets, don’t forget to cool down with static stretching to help relax the muscles and prevent tightness from building up.
Stretching the chest, shoulders, and arms can alleviate tension and promote muscle recovery post-workout. By incorporating these warm-up and cool-down exercises consistently, you can maintain flexibility and reduce the likelihood of armpit discomfort while bench pressing.
Gradual Increase in Weightlifting Intensity
When it comes to weightlifting, including bench pressing, it’s essential to progress gradually to avoid overloading your muscles and causing unnecessary strain.
Rapidly increasing the weight you lift or pushing yourself beyond your limits can lead to muscle tears and microtears, resulting in armpit pain and discomfort.
Instead, focus on incremental weight increments and gradual progressions in your lifting routine. Listen to your body’s signals and only increase the weight when you feel ready and confident in your strength.
By allowing your muscles time to adapt to higher loads, you can build strength safely and minimize the risk of armpit pain associated with intense bench press workouts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my armpit hurt when I bench press?
Armpit pain during bench press could result from various factors such as muscle strain, nerve compression, or underlying conditions like tendinitis.
Could improper bench press form cause armpit pain?
Yes, improper form, including overextending the shoulders or using too much weight, can strain muscles and lead to armpit pain.
Are there specific muscles that might be causing the armpit pain?
Yes, the pectoralis major, deltoids, biceps, and serratus anterior muscles are commonly involved in bench pressing and could contribute to armpit pain if strained or overworked.
What role does the lymphatic system play in armpit pain during bench press?
Swelling or inflammation of lymph nodes in the armpit area can cause discomfort or pain during bench press, especially if they’re irritated due to an infection or other factors.
When should I seek medical advice for armpit pain during bench press?
If the pain persists despite correcting your form, reducing weight, and taking adequate rest, or if you experience other concerning symptoms like swelling, numbness, or tingling, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation.
Conclusion
Addressing armpit pain during bench pressing involves understanding the underlying causes and taking proactive steps to prevent discomfort.
By focusing on proper warm-up techniques, gradually increasing lifting intensity, and maintaining correct form, you can minimize the risk of experiencing pain in your armpits during workouts.
Remember, seeking medical advice for persistent or severe symptoms is essential for effective management.
Stay informed, listen to your body, and make adjustments as needed to ensure a safe and productive weightlifting routine. It’s crucial to pay attention to any discomfort in your armpits while bench pressing.
Ensure a proper warm-up, gradually increase intensity, and maintain correct form to prevent pain. Seek medical advice for persistent symptoms for effective management.
I am a supervisor at The Wright Fit, and I am always looking for ways to help my team members grow and develop. I have been in the fitness industry for over 10 years now, and I love it.
I started out as an aerobics instructor in 2008, then became a fitness specialist, and finally became a personal trainer. In the past few years, I have been focusing on strength training and functional movement.
I have been teaching classes at The Wright Fit since 2016.
