Can breast engorgement and blocked milk ducts be treated with scraping therapy?

Written by Lin Yang

Breast Surgery

Updated on March 22, 2025

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Breast pain and blocked milk ducts are not recommended for scraping therapy, as scraping can easily cause inflammation of the mammary glands and result in breast damage. Breast heaviness and blocked milk ducts are likely caused by the accumulation of milk in the ducts. It is advised to visit a regular hospital for a breast ultrasound to determine if the issue is caused by inflammation or lipid accumulation. If the condition is merely an accumulation, using a warm towel for heat compresses and massage can achieve the effect of unblocking the milk ducts. However, if the condition is caused by inflammation, and the symptoms are mild and the lesions are not severe, breastfeeding can still be continued. Nevertheless, the affected breast should not be used for breastfeeding. A breast pump can be used to extract the milk.

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Written by Lin Yang

Breast Surgery

1min 4sec

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Can I apply magnesium sulfate for breast pain?

Breast distension pain generally does not require the administration of magnesium sulfate, as magnesium sulfate is typically used for cellulitis or inflammation and swelling and needs to be applied externally. Breast distension pain is usually related to breast hyperplasia, which is associated with elevated levels of estrogen in the body. Therefore, it is often treated with traditional Chinese medicine. Techniques such as soothing the liver and regulating the Qi, as well as coordinating the thoroughfare and conception vessels, can relieve pain. Endocrine treatments are also available, though ideally not used unless the pain is very significant during the premenopausal period, in which case it can be taken before the onset of menstruation. Vitamin therapy, including vitamins B, C, and E, can also be used; these improve liver function, regulate basal metabolism, and enhance the functioning of the autonomic nervous system, serving as adjunctive treatments for this condition.

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Written by Wu Shi Ting

Breast Health Department

47sec

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What causes breast pain before menstruation?

In clinical practice, I often hear complaints from female friends that they experience breast tenderness before menstruation. What exactly is the cause of this? Mild breast tenderness may be due to hormonal changes in the body, which is a normal physiological condition. Of course, it could also be caused by diseases, such as the most common fibrocystic breast change, which is associated with cyclical breast pain during the menstrual cycle. There are also other diseases that can cause cyclical breast pain, and it is important to pay attention to them. Especially in cases of severe pain, or when even light touch causes significant discomfort, we recommend visiting a hospital for relevant examinations as soon as possible.

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Written by Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

47sec

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Is it normal to have breast pain in the late stages of pregnancy?

In the later stages of pregnancy, it is normal for pregnant women to experience breast pain. This occurs because, in the late stages of pregnancy, levels of estrogen and progesterone increase. Under the combined influence of these hormones, the mammary glands become congested and swollen, further proliferate, and the mammary ducts expand, leading to breast pain. This condition prepares the body for breastfeeding after childbirth. When breast pain occurs, one can use a hot towel to apply heat to the breasts to alleviate the pain. Additionally, it is important to choose comfortable bras daily, avoiding those that are too tight or small, as they can cause compression on the breasts.

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Written by Lin Yang

Breast Surgery

1min 16sec

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Are nipple pain and breast tenderness the same thing?

Nipple pain and breast swelling are the same issues, both caused by mammary gland hyperplasia. Mammary gland hyperplasia mainly manifests as cyclic swelling and pain of the mammary glands, typically occurring or worsening before menstruation and diminishing or disappearing after menstruation. The mild cases get unnoticed by patients, while severe ones can impact daily life and work. However, some patients do not show obvious cyclical changes. It may present as swelling and pain in one or both breasts, similar to needle pricks, possibly extending to the shoulders, upper limbs, or thoracic-back area. A minority of patients may experience nipple discharge, and the condition can last for a long time, but symptoms usually disappear or diminish after menopause. During physical examinations, nodular lumps of varying sizes, which are tough but not hard, can sometimes be felt in one or both breasts. These lumps sometimes move when touched, and their boundaries with the surrounding breast tissue are not clear. However, they are not adherent to the skin or pectoral muscles. Sometimes it appears as a thickened area with unclear boundaries. The lumps often swell before menstruation and shrink afterward.

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Written by Wang Jing Hua

Obstetrics and Gynecology

1min 2sec

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What causes breast pain after menopause?

When experiencing delayed menstruation and symptoms of breast tenderness, the first consideration should be related to pregnancy. As long as there has been sexual activity, whether contraception was used or not, a pregnancy test should be conducted. However, not all cases of ceased menstruation and breast tenderness are related to pregnancy; some people may experience these symptoms before their period, which can only be differentiated by medical examination. If menstruation has stopped for two weeks and pregnancy is still ruled out upon re-examination, then intervention should be considered. An ultrasound should be performed. For some, symptoms of breast tenderness may be related to staying up late, excessive stress, the tightness of bras, or breast hyperplasia, among other factors.