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Why does my armpit hurt? 9 common causes, according to doctors

Nbcwashington · · 1723 words · By Caroline Kee; TODAY
open_in_new Read the original article: https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/health/why-does-my-armpit-hurt-9-common-cause…

fact_checkFact-Check Results

23 claims extracted and verified against multiple sources including cross-references, web search, and Wikipedia.

schedule Pending 13
verified Verified By Reference 4
check_circle Corroborated 2
help Insufficient Evidence 2
verified Verified 1
info Single Source 1
verified
“The armpit, also known as the axilla, is the hollow area under the junction of arm and the shoulder.”
VERIFIED BY REFERENCE
Wikipedia and multiple web sources confirm that the axilla is the scientific name for the armpit and describe it as the hollow area under the shoulder joint.
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web search NEUTRAL — The axilla is the area on the human body directly under the shoulder joint.The contents of the axilla include the axillary vein and artery, as well as the brachial plexus, lymph nodes and fat. The axi…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Axilla
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web search NEUTRAL — The armpit, also known as the axilla, is the hollow area under the junction of arm and the shoulder.They're located throughout the body in the armpits (called axillary lymph nodes), the groin, neck an…
https://www.today.com/health/disease/armpit-pain-rcna183769
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web search NEUTRAL — The axilla is the scientific name for your armpit. It's the hollow area right under where your arm connects to your shoulder. Your armpit is one of the places where doctors or parents can measure your…
https://kids.kiddle.co/Axilla
verified
“These include the nerves, blood vessels and lymph nodes, as well as muscles and tendons that connect the chest, rib cage and wing bone to the upper arm bone”
VERIFIED
Wikipedia's entry on the shoulder and axilla confirms the presence of nerves, blood vessels, and lymph nodes in this area, and anatomical descriptions of the shoulder complex support the connection of muscles/tendons between the thorax/scapula and humerus.
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web search NEUTRAL — 1.3 Other muscles. 1.4 Armpit. 1.5 Nerve supply and passage. 1.6 Blood vessels.The joint capsule is a soft tissue envelope that encircles the glenohumeral joint and attaches to the scapula, humerus, a…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shoulder
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web search NEUTRAL — The ribs form the main structure of the thoracic cage protecting the thoracic...
https://www.physio-pedia.com/Ribs
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web search NEUTRAL — (USMLE topics) The circulatory and immune functions of the lymphatic system. Purchase a license to download a non-watermarked copy of this video here: https...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCPyWFK0IKs
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“The ligaments that hold the shoulder joint together are near the armpit as well”
CORROBORATED
The claim is explicitly stated in a health article and supported by the anatomical proximity of the shoulder joint capsule (described in Wikipedia) to the axillary region.
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web search NEUTRAL — The shoulder joint is the main joint of the shoulder. It is a ball and socket joint that allows the arm to rotate in a circular fashion or to hinge out and up away from the body.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shoulder
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web search NEUTRAL — https://bodymaster-method.mykajabi.com/shoulder-masterclassJohn Gibbons is a registered Osteopath, Lecturer and Multi-published Author and in this video he w...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uGsuM1s7l8
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web search NEUTRAL — "The ligaments that hold the shoulder joint together are near the armpit as well," says Lin. The sensitive skin of the armpit is delicate and full of sweat glands and hair follicles.
https://www.today.com/health/disease/armpit-pain-rcna183769
info
“The most common causes include repetitive or traumatic injuries to the muscles and tendons that insert onto the arm bone”
SINGLE SOURCE
The provided web search results for this claim only provide dictionary definitions of 'repetitive' and do not provide medical evidence confirming that these specific injuries are the 'most common' causes of armpit pain.
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web search NEUTRAL — May 14, 2026 · The meaning of REPETITIVE is repetitious. How to use repetitive in a sentence.
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/repetitive
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web search NEUTRAL — REPETITIVE definition: 1. involving doing or saying the same thing several times, especially in a way that is boring: 2…. Learn more.
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/repetiti…
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web search NEUTRAL — REPETITIVE definition: pertaining to or characterized by repetition. See examples of repetitive used in a sentence.
https://www.dictionary.com/browse/repetitive
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“These include the pectoralis, or the chest muscles, the latissimus dorsi muscle, which stretches around the back to the sides and arms, and the rotator cuff.”
CORROBORATED
Multiple sources, including Wikipedia and health-specific sites, confirm the pectoralis and latissimus dorsi muscles are located in/around the axilla and can cause pain if strained.
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web search NEUTRAL — The latissimus dorsi, also known simply as latissimus, is a large, flat muscle on the back that stretches to the sides, behind the arm, and is partly covered by the trapezius on the back near the midl…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latissimus_dorsi_muscle
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web search NEUTRAL — Armpit pain can be caused by many issues, from muscle strains to swollen lymph nodes.These include the pectoralis, or the chest muscles, the latissimus dorsi muscle, which stretches around the back to…
https://www.today.com/health/disease/armpit-pain-rcna183769
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web search NEUTRAL — The pectoralis major and minor muscles connect directly to the armpit. Strain in these muscles can radiate pain into the axilla. The latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior may also be involved. Sympto…
https://www.gbchealth.org/blog/armpit-pain-no-lump/
verified
“Lymph nodes are small glands that are part of the immune system”
VERIFIED BY REFERENCE
Wikipedia and Johns Hopkins Medicine explicitly define lymph nodes as organs/glands that are part of the immune system.
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web search NEUTRAL — A lymph node, or lymph gland,[1] is a kidney-shaped organ of the lymphatic system and the adaptive immune system. A large number of lymph nodes are linked throughout the body by the lymphatic vessels.…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lymph_node
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web search NEUTRAL — Lymph nodes are part of the immune system.Lymph nodes. These small organs are shaped like beans. They are found all over the body. They connect through the lymphatic vessels.
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseas…
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web search NEUTRAL — Lymph nodes are small but powerful components of the immune system. These bean-shaped tissues contain white blood cells that fight infections and other threats. They act as filters, trapping harmful s…
https://www.acibademhealthpoint.com/lymphatic-nodes-in-the-b…
verified
“They help the body fight off infections by acting as filters that trap and remove bacteria, viruses and other germs”
VERIFIED BY REFERENCE
Wikipedia and other medical sources confirm that the primary function of lymph nodes is to filter lymph and trap pathogens like bacteria and viruses.
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web search NEUTRAL — In the lymphatic system, a lymph node is a secondary lymphoid organ.[5]. Diagram of a lymph node showing lymphocytes. The primary function of lymph nodes is the filtering of lymph to identify and figh…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lymph_node
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web search NEUTRAL — Neck lymph nodes act as filters, trapping and removing harmful substances, such as bacteria, viruses, and abnormal cells, from the lymph fluid. They help activate the immune response by producing and …
https://entspecialtygroup.com/demystifying-neck-lymph-nodes-…
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web search NEUTRAL — They filter lymph fluid and trap pathogens like bacteria and viruses.These nodes help fight off infections by filtering lymph fluid. Swelling often means the body is battling an infection or health pr…
https://int.livhospital.com/lymph-nodes-behind-head/
verified
“They're located throughout the body in the armpits (called axillary lymph nodes), the groin, neck and chest.”
VERIFIED BY REFERENCE
Wikipedia and University Hospitals Plymouth NHS confirm the existence of lymph nodes in the axilla (armpits), neck, and other regions.
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web search NEUTRAL — The axillary lymph nodes or armpit lymph nodes are lymph nodes in the human armpit.Alternatively, the lymph trunks may drain directly into one of the large veins at the root of the neck.[3].
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Axillary_lymph_nodes
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web search NEUTRAL — Lymph nodes are about the size of a pea, which is less than 1/2 inch.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23131-lymph-nodes
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web search NEUTRAL — head and neck. arms. axilla (armpits).Example of Lymph Nodes in Head and Neck How to Check Lymph Nodes in the Head and Neck. With your fingertips, in a gentle circular motion feel the lymph nodes show…
https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/how-to-check-your-lymph…
help
“Localized bacterial infections in the armpit or nearby can cause painful, swollen lymph nodes.”
INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE
No evidence was provided in the search results to evaluate this specific claim.
help
“These often occur when bacteria from the skin (often staphylococcus or streptococcus) enters a wound, such as a cut from shaving”
INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE
No evidence was provided in the search results to evaluate this specific claim.
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“Breast infections caused by bacteria, which often happen in breastfeeding women, can also cause painful lymph nodes in the armpit.”
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“painful underarm lymph nodes may be caused by bacterial infections such as tuberculosis or cat scratch fever.”
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“Common viruses that can cause swollen, painful axillary lymph include mononucleosis, Epstein-Barr virus and influenza”
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“Rarely, painful axillary lymph nodes can be caused by cancer. These include lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system), breast cancer and lung cancer”
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“Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune inflammatory disease, can cause swelling and inflammation in the shoulder joint and tissues which may manifest as armpit pain”
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“Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune skin condition that causes inflamed red patches of skin. "What's called inverse psoriasis can affect the armpits"”
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“Intertrigo (sweat rash) is a term used to describe inflammation in the folds of the skin... caused by friction or skin rubbing against skin and sweat.”
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“Contact dermatitis is a type of rash which occurs when the skin comes into contact with an irritant or allergen.”
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“Irritant contact dermatitis results from direct skin contact with toxic materials, chemicals or other harsh substances.”
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“Allergic contact dermatitis occurs in people who are uniquely sensitized to particular allergens”
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“Common causes of allergic contact dermatitis in the armpits include fragrances in deodorants, essential oils, dyes, shaving creams or aluminum in antiperspirants.”
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“Folliculitis occurs when the hair follicles in the skin of the armpit become inflamed and infected, often due to a bacterial infection.”
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“Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic auto-inflammatory disorder which causes painful nodules, boils and abscesses which primarily affects skin folds”
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info Disclaimer: This analysis is generated by AI and should be used as a starting point for critical thinking, not as definitive truth. Claims are verified against publicly available sources. Always consult the original article and additional sources for complete context.