Breast Pain

Pain in the breast is a very common symptom in women. In premenstrual women this is the most common symptom, even more common than headache symptoms or lower back pain symptoms (see Ref. 9, p. 1083). Breast pain is a non specific symptom and is most often due to fibrocystic breast disease. But other structural changes such as breast cyst, fluid retention and breast cancer could also give rise to this symptom.

An examination by the doctor and possible workup, if necessary, with a diagnostic mammogram would be indicated. Many of these women my have fluid retention secondary to other causes including metabolic syndrome (insulin resistance). The zone diet plan according to Ref. 2 would be useful and can often cure not only breast pains, but also joint aches and sluggishness in these cases.

However, there is a danger to jump to conclusions and it is good to keep in mind that a 20 year old woman has a frequency of breast cancer of 1 in 2500 (=0.04%) whereas a 60 year old woman has a frequency of 1 in 29 (= 3.43%), see Ref. 9 (p. 1083). Many of these patients, particularly in the older age group may have both breast pain and breast cancer. However, most of the time early stage breast cancer is painless. Follow this link for more regarding breast cancer information.

Pain relief:

There is an FDA approved non-drug method available, IceWave patches from Lifewave, which will control pain. This is mentioned in the book "Breakthrough" by Suzanne Somers (Ref. 27) where newer insights of antiaging medicine are also reviewed. Although the patches are placed over acupuncture points, there are no needles involved. Nanotechnology, a newer technology, was used in the manufacturing of these patches and infrared (heat) waves from body heat are utilized to stimulate an acupuncture point, which modifies pain perception and reduces pain to half or less. Medically this would be considered an excellent pain reliever. For more info on the patches see the IceWave patches from Lifewave link above (click "products"). In the US a 5 pack of the IceWave spray is available that can be directly sprayed onto the skin in the area where the pain is located.

More information and solutions to breast pain can be found here.

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Women's Health

Common breast problems

Disclaimer:

This outline is only a teaching aid to patients and should stimulate you to ask the right questions when seeing your doctor. However, the responsibility of treatment stays in the hands of your doctor and you.

References:

1. The Merck Manual, 7th edition, by M. H. Beers et al., Whitehouse Station, N.J., 1999. Chapter 235.

2. B. Sears: "Zone perfect meals in minutes". Regan Books, Harper Collins, 1997.

3. Ryan: Kistner's Gynecology & Women's Health, 7th ed.,1999 Mosby, Inc.

4. The Merck Manual, 7th edition, by M. H. Beers et al., Whitehouse Station, N.J., 1999. Chapter 245.

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19. The Merck Manual, 7th edition, by M. H. Beers et al., Whitehouse Station, N.J., 1999. Chapter 251.

20. The Merck Manual, 7th edition, by M. H. Beers et al., Whitehouse Station, N.J., 1999. Chapter 250.

21. Ignaz P Semmelweiss: "Die Aetiologie, der Begriff und die Prophylaxis des Kindbettfiebers" ("Etiology, the Understanding and Prophylaxis of Childbed Fever"). Vienna (Austria), 1861.

22. Rosen: Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice, 4th ed., 1998 Mosby-Year Book, Inc.

23. Mandell: Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases, 5th ed., 2000 Churchill Livingstone, Inc.

24. Horner NK et al. J Am Diet Assoc Nov-2000; 100(11): 1368-1380.

27. Suzanne Somers: "Breakthrough" Eight Steps to Wellness-- Life-altering Secrets from Today's Cutting-edge Doctors", Crown Publishers, 2008

Last modified: July 1, 2009