What is the medical term for pain in the left upper back near the armpit?

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Medical Terminology for Left Upper Back Near Armpit

The anatomical region of the left upper back near the armpit is termed the "left anterior axillary line" or "left upper thoracic paraspinous region." 1

Anatomical Terminology

The specific medical terms for this location include:

  • Left anterior axillary line: An imaginary vertical line descending along the lateral aspect of the chest wall originating from the armpit 1
  • Left upper thoracic spine region: Encompasses the upper thoracic vertebrae (T1-T4) and surrounding paraspinous soft tissues 1
  • Left upper thoracic paraspinous area: The soft tissues adjacent to the upper thoracic spine 1

Clinical Context for Pain in This Region

When describing pain in this location, the proper terminology would be:

  • Left upper thoracic back pain (TBP): Pain emanating from pain generators in the thoracic spine (T1-T12) or thoracic paraspinous soft tissues 1
  • Left upper interscapular pain: If the pain is between the shoulder blade and spine 1

Important Anatomical Landmarks

The left upper back near the armpit encompasses several key structures:

  • Intercostal spaces: Areas defined by superior and inferior rib margins 1
  • Left sternal border (upper): Along the lateral edge of the sternum 1
  • Thoracic vertebrae T1-T4: The bony structures of the upper thoracic spine 1

Clinical Significance

This region is clinically important because:

  • The thoracic spine is a common site for inflammatory, neoplastic, metabolic, infectious, and degenerative conditions 1
  • Pain in this area may represent thoracic spine pathology or referred pain from intrathoracic, cardiac, or other systemic conditions 1
  • The proximity to the axilla (armpit) means pain here could also originate from chest wall structures, ribs, or intercostal nerves 1

References

1
Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

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Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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