Mammary neuralgia is a medical term referring to pain or discomfort in the breast, often associated with breastfeeding. The spelling of this word can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription: /ˈmæməri nuˈrældʒə/. The first syllable, "mam", is pronounced with a short vowel sound as in "man". The second syllable, "mary", is pronounced with a long "a" sound as in "may". The word "neuralgia" is pronounced with stress on the second syllable and the "u" has a short "u" sound as in "nut".
Mammary neuralgia, also known as mastalgia or mastodynia, is a medical condition characterized by severe pain or tenderness in the breast tissue. The term "mammary" refers to the breast, while "neuralgia" refers to a throbbing, shooting, or stabbing pain that originates from a nerve.
The pain associated with mammary neuralgia can vary in intensity and can occur in one or both breasts. It may be constant or intermittent, sharp or dull, and can be accompanied by other symptoms such as swelling, redness, or nipple discharge. Mammary neuralgia can be acute, lasting for a short period, or chronic, persisting for an extended period.
The exact cause of mammary neuralgia is often elusive and can be attributed to various factors. Hormonal imbalances, such as those experienced during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or menopause, are frequently associated with the condition. Other potential causes include stress, injury, fibrocystic breast changes, infections, or certain medications.
Treatment for mammary neuralgia depends on the underlying cause and severity of the symptoms. It may involve lifestyle modifications, such as wearing well-fitted bras or applying warm or cold compresses to the affected area. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), may be recommended for mild to moderate pain. In more severe cases, prescription medications, hormone therapy, or nerve block injections may be advised. In rare instances, surgery may be necessary to alleviate the pain.
It is important for individuals experiencing mammary neuralgia to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.
Mastodynia, intercostal n. of the branches of the upper dorsal nerves of one side.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The etymology of the word "mammary neuralgia" can be broken down as follows:
1. Mammary: The term "mammary" is derived from the Latin word "mamma", which means "breast" or "mammary gland". It is related to the Greek word "mastos" with the same meaning. Both "mamma" and "mastos" ultimately trace back to Proto-Indo-European roots.
2. Neuralgia: The word "neuralgia" has its roots in Greek. It is composed of two elements: "neuron", meaning "nerve", and "algos", meaning "pain". "Neuron" can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*snew-", meaning "sinew" or "nerve".