Large breasts cause back pain. Large Breasts and Upper Back Pain: Exploring the Connection and Solutions

25.04.202214.07.2023 by alexxlab

Can large breasts cause upper back pain. What are the main factors contributing to discomfort in women with larger bust sizes. How can proper support and lifestyle changes alleviate back pain associated with breast size. What does research say about the link between breast size and upper back pain.

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The Relationship Between Breast Size and Upper Back Pain

Upper back pain is a common complaint among individuals of all genders and body types. However, there has long been speculation about the potential connection between large breasts and increased discomfort in the upper back region. While it may seem logical to assume that the weight of larger breasts could strain the ligaments and muscles in the back, leading to pain, the reality is more complex.

Research on this topic has yielded mixed results, suggesting that breast size is just one of several factors that can contribute to upper back pain. A small study conducted in 2013 focused on postmenopausal women, many of whom were overweight or obese, and found a correlation between larger breast size and thoracic (upper back) pain. However, it’s important to note that other factors, such as body weight and improperly fitted bras, were also present in many participants.

Factors Contributing to Upper Back Pain

Upper back pain can have various causes, including:

Disc injuries, such as herniation
Osteoarthritis resulting from cartilage breakdown in the spine
Myofascial pain
Vertebral fractures
Poor posture
Muscle strain
Overuse injuries

While breast size may play a role in some cases, it’s crucial to consider these other potential causes when evaluating upper back pain.

The Impact of Bra Fit on Comfort and Pain

One often overlooked aspect of the breast size and back pain equation is the importance of proper bra fit. A 2008 study revealed that a staggering 80% of participants were wearing incorrectly sized bras, with women who had larger breasts being more likely to wear ill-fitting undergarments.

Does wearing the wrong bra size contribute to back pain? While the study didn’t find a direct link between bra fit and pain, researchers noted that poorly fitted bras could impair their function as breast support. This lack of proper support could potentially lead to discomfort and poor posture, which may indirectly contribute to back pain.

The Importance of Professional Bra Fitting

Given the high prevalence of women wearing incorrectly sized bras, it’s crucial to emphasize the importance of professional bra fittings. A well-fitted bra can provide proper support, improve posture, and potentially alleviate some of the strain on the back muscles. Many lingerie stores offer free fitting services, and it’s recommended to get fitted regularly, especially after significant weight changes or life events such as pregnancy.

Beyond the Back: Other Discomforts Associated with Breast Size

While the focus of this article is on upper back pain, it’s worth noting that large breasts have been associated with other types of discomfort as well. A 2012 study examined the relationship between breast size, bra cup size, and pain in the shoulders and neck. The researchers concluded that a large cup size was a significant contributor to shoulder and neck pain.

This finding suggests that the impact of breast size on comfort and pain may extend beyond just the upper back. Women with larger breasts may experience a range of discomforts, including:

Shoulder pain from bra strap pressure
Neck strain
Headaches
Skin irritation underneath the breasts
Difficulty finding comfortable clothing

Strategies for Managing Upper Back Pain

Regardless of breast size, there are several strategies that can help alleviate upper back pain and improve overall comfort:

Strengthening Core Muscles

A strong core can help support the spine and improve posture, potentially reducing back pain. Yoga is an excellent way to build core strength and flexibility. Specific poses that may be beneficial for back pain include:

Cat-Cow Pose
Child’s Pose
Downward-Facing Dog
Cobra Pose
Bridge Pose

Maintaining Proper Nutrition

Is there a connection between nutrition and back pain? Recent research suggests that there might be. A 2021 study found a link between insufficient levels of vitamin D and nonspecific lower back pain. While more research is needed to fully understand this relationship, ensuring adequate intake of vitamin D and calcium may help support bone health and potentially ease back pain.

Considering Breast Reduction Surgery

For some women with very large breasts who experience chronic back pain, breast reduction surgery may be an option to consider. Some studies have shown that breast reduction can lead to improved posture and reduced back pain. However, this is a significant decision that should be made in close consultation with a qualified physician, considering all potential risks and benefits.

The Role of Posture in Upper Back Pain

Posture plays a crucial role in the development and persistence of upper back pain, regardless of breast size. Poor posture can lead to muscle imbalances, strain on the spine, and chronic discomfort. For women with larger breasts, maintaining good posture can be more challenging due to the additional weight on the front of the body.

Tips for Improving Posture

Be mindful of your sitting position, especially during long periods at a desk
Use ergonomic chairs and workstations
Take regular breaks to stand, stretch, and move around
Practice exercises that strengthen the back and core muscles
Consider using posture-correcting devices or reminders

By focusing on maintaining good posture throughout the day, you can help reduce the strain on your upper back and potentially alleviate pain.

The Importance of Proper Breast Support During Exercise

For women with larger breasts, proper support during physical activity is crucial for comfort and preventing pain. High-impact exercises like running or jumping can cause significant breast movement, which may lead to discomfort and potentially contribute to back pain.

Choosing the Right Sports Bra

When selecting a sports bra, consider the following factors:

Level of impact for your chosen activity
Proper fit and size
Adequate support and compression
Moisture-wicking materials
Adjustable straps for customized fit

Investing in high-quality sports bras that provide proper support can make a significant difference in comfort during exercise and may help prevent exercise-related back pain.

Holistic Approaches to Managing Upper Back Pain

While addressing breast size and support is important, a holistic approach to managing upper back pain can yield the best results. This may include a combination of:

Physical Therapy

Working with a physical therapist can help identify specific muscle imbalances or postural issues contributing to back pain. They can provide targeted exercises and stretches to address these problems and improve overall back health.

Massage Therapy

Regular massage can help relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote relaxation, potentially reducing upper back pain.

Acupuncture

Some individuals find relief from back pain through acupuncture, an ancient Chinese healing practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body.

Stress Management

Chronic stress can contribute to muscle tension and exacerbate back pain. Implementing stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or mindfulness practices may help alleviate pain.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Upper Back Pain

While many cases of upper back pain can be managed with self-care strategies, there are instances where medical attention is necessary. It’s important to consult a healthcare professional if you experience:

Severe or persistent pain that doesn’t improve with rest or home remedies
Pain that radiates down your arms or legs
Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your extremities
Pain accompanied by fever, unexplained weight loss, or other systemic symptoms
Pain that occurs after a traumatic injury or fall

Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the progression of underlying conditions and provide faster relief from pain.

In conclusion, while large breasts may contribute to upper back pain in some women, the relationship is complex and involves multiple factors. Proper bra fit, good posture, core strength, and overall health play significant roles in preventing and managing back pain. By addressing these various aspects and seeking professional help when needed, women with larger breasts can find relief from upper back pain and improve their overall quality of life.

Large Breasts and Upper Back Pain: What’s the Connection?

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Medically reviewed by Megan Soliman, MD — By Scott Frothingham — Updated on October 28, 2022

Many people experience upper back pain at some point in their lives, whether as a result of intense exercise, poor posture, or injury.

Symptoms of upper back pain may include aching muscles and a stabbing pain in your upper back.

Many people believe large breasts are a cause for upper back pain in women. The theory is that the breasts’ weight strains the ligaments and muscles in the back, resulting in discomfort.

This appears to be a logical connection, though upper back pain is a common condition anyone can experience — regardless of sex or breast size. So, what does the research say?

The relationship between large breasts and upper back pain appears to be somewhat more complex, involving multiple other factors. But a limited amount of research has demonstrated a link between large breasts and upper back pain.

A small 2013 study of postmenopausal women (the majority of whom had overweight or obesity) did find thoracic (upper back) pain was associated with larger breasts. Some of the participants also wore improperly sized bras.

It’s likely that other factors, such as higher body weight or a pinched nerve, are additional primary contributors to upper back pain.

There are a number of causes of upper back pain. They include:

injury to the discs in your back, such as herniation
osteoarthritis as a result of the breakdown of cartilage in your spine
myofascial pain
vertebral fracture

Upper back pain isn’t the only discomfort attributed to breast size.

A 2012 study examined the relationship between breast size, bra cup size, and pain in participants’ shoulders and neck. Researchers concluded large cup size was an important contributor to shoulder and neck pain.

A small 2008 study on breast size, bra fit, and thoracic pain in young women found 80 percent of participants were wearing the incorrect bra size.

What’s more, women with larger breasts were more likely to wear an incorrect bra size. It’s a common belief the wrong fit — and the poor posture that results from it — can lead to upper back pain.

Researchers said bra fit appeared to be unrelated to pain. However, if a bra was poorly fitted, it could impair its function as breast support. This could, in turn, cause certain levels of discomfort.

Breast size is commonly seen as a reason for upper back pain, as are improperly fitted bras.

Research shows that even though breast size isn’t the only determining factor in upper back pain, it can be a factor.

You can ease your back pain by strengthening the core muscles in your abdomen and back. Try these 10 yoga poses for back pain to get started.

Maintaining sufficient levels of vitamin D and calcium may also help ease back pain. A 2021 study found insufficient levels of vitamin D to be linked to nonspecific lower back pain.

There’s also literature showing that breast reduction surgery may lessen back pain by helping to allow for better posture. This is something you would need to discuss closely with your physician when considering the source of pain and treatments available.

If your back pain persists or increases in intensity, visit a doctor. The earlier you get a diagnosis, the sooner you can get treatment and relief.

Last medically reviewed on October 28, 2022

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Goulart R, et al. (2013). Reduction mammoplasty improves body posture and decreases the perception of pain.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3891107/
Oo M, et al. (2012). Relationship between brassiere cup size and shoulder-neck pain in women.
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Papanastasiou C, et al. (2019). The effects of breast reduction on back pain and spine measurements: A systematic review.
journals.lww.com/prsgo/Fulltext/2019/08000/The_Effects_of_Breast_Reduction_on_Back_Pain_and.12.aspx
Spencer L, et al. (2013). Breast size, thoracic kyphosis & thoracic spine pain – Association & relevance of bra fitting in post-menopausal women: A correlational study.
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Wood K, et al. (2008). Breast size, bra fit and thoracic pain in young women: A correlational study.
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Xu HW, et al. (2021). Relationship between vitamin D and nonspecific low back pain may be mediated by inflammatory markers.
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Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

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Oct 28, 2022

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Medically reviewed by Megan Soliman, MD — By Scott Frothingham — Updated on October 28, 2022

Back Pain: Breast Size

The upper part of the spine is very strong, acting as an anchor to the rib cage and supporting the upper body, but it can also be prone to upper back pain. As with lower back pain, upper back pain is most often caused by strain on the muscles and ligaments from poor posture and repetitive motions.

But for women with very large breasts, it doesn’t take hours spent slouched in front of a computer or a vigorous game of tennis to cause upper back pain. Simply the weight of their breasts alone can be enough to cause back pain, sometimes even leading to long-term chronic pain that lasts for months or years.

The Link Between Large Breasts and Back Pain

Having very large breasts can place excess weight on the chest. Without enough support from the surrounding muscles and the rest of the body, the weight of the breasts can cause severe pain, make it difficult to maintain good posture, and even lead to spinal deformity. And being self-conscious about large breasts also makes some women hunch forward in an attempt to hide their chest, which can worsen existing back pain.

Very large-breasted women sometimes have to grapple not only with chronic pain in their backs and necks, but also with bra straps that dig into their skin and limitations on the activities that they can comfortably engage in.

Back Pain and Breast Size: Research Findings

Studies have shown that there can be a chain reaction of painful symptoms resulting from large breasts, as the body compensates for an abnormal position in one part of the back by shifting the position of another. Breast cups size D and above can cause upper back pain by altering the curvature of the spine, according to research, and can have an important impact on posture.

Easing the Pain: What Can Help?

If you suffer from neck or upper back pain caused by large breasts, help is available. There is no need to suffer from back pain caused by large breast size.

Options for upper back pain relief range from lifestyle changes to medications, and in severe cases even surgery. You might consider trying:

Customized bras and sports bras. Because they are specially designed, these types of bras can help distribute and support the weight of large breasts — especially for women with narrow backs, who have a more concentrated distribution of weight than women whose backs are wider.
Physical therapy and exercise. Working with a therapist or personal trainer can improve posture and encourage weight loss in women who are overweight or obese.
Medication. Taking an occasional over-the-counter pain reliever (such as ibuprofen or aspirin) when upper back pain strikes is just fine. And your doctor can prescribe stronger medication to “get you over the hump” of more severe pain caused by large breast size. But keep in mind that painkillers for back pain caused by large breasts are not intended as a long-term solution.
Breast reduction surgery. Often recommended to women with upper back pain caused by large breasts, breast reduction surgery may be the only way to permanently resolve the issue. Research published by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons found that, prior to breast reduction surgery, half of 179 women with breasts size DD or larger had almost constant upper back pain or pain in their necks, shoulders, or lower backs. After the surgery, only 10 percent of women had these symptoms.

Bottom line: If you are suffering from upper back pain due to large breasts, talk with your doctor. Together, you can put together a plan that will be effective for you.

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Big breasts call out from the back? Breast augmentation surgery brings relief

One of the most frequently requested and most successfully performed plastic surgery procedures is the change of female breasts. A lot of women suffer from symptoms that call out from their breasts. Unfortunately, non-surgical methods of healing often do not bring any relief.

A rich woman with great breasts looks at her back.

The medical term for large breasts is macromastia, and if large breasts are associated with other physical problems, they are called symptomatic macromastia. Important breasts can cause damage to the various systems of the body. In addition, injecting macromast can take away obesity, reducing the physical activity of a woman.

Macromass symptoms may include chronic pain in the neck, back and shoulders; pain in the breast; headaches; filthy postavu; furrows on the shoulders; naming and shaking hands; buttocks, disturbed by sleep, hanging under the breasts and between the breasts, as well as in the furrows on the straps of the bra and low tolerance of physical stress. The symptoms may be similar to those of arthritis or other disc problems, thoracic outlet syndrome, migraine, sleep apnea, and other conditions. However, for most patients, the diagnosis of symptomatic macromastia is simple and does not depend on the large number of tests.

Can you treat the symptoms of important breasts without surgery? Mild debilitating symptoms can be relieved by anti-spasmodic liposuction, heat packs, massage, chiropractic, physiotherapy, etc. Unfortunately, for women with more important and persistent symptoms, such treatment methods rarely provide permanent relief. Low success rate of non-surgical methods and the success of these patients in good documentation in the medical literature.

How about a bra for a trim? A good fit of a bra should not be worn out, as it can worsen the symptoms of the neck, chest wall and shoulder.

What does the loss of the vaga help? Although vtrata vaga often bazhana beyond the camp of health, it has been shown more than once that there are no effective symptoms associated with important breasts. All right in gravity. Great breasts become more and more important under the force of gravity, but not to the one who expands the skin of the breasts, like a yo-yo, but to the one who grows in volume. Shkіra of breasts is an important thing, to make a significant contribution to the deep vaga of the breasts, and if it is an increase in the obligation of the shkir of the breasts, it’s constant, so that it’s not a werewolf with an extra vaga.

Breast reshaping surgery, also called reduction mammoplasty, is a highly effective method of treatment of symptomatic macromastia, and oscillation is inadvertently associated with the cause of symptoms. Numerous medical reports have confirmed the success of breast reshaping surgery for women with symptoms related to the epigastric vago of the breasts. Benefits include improvement in physical functioning, improvement in pain, improvement in skeletal stability, improvement in leg function, improvement in sleep quality, improvement in headaches, and improvement in visualization of breast cancer on mammography. Indicators of patient satisfaction after the change of the breasts are at the temples, and the patient is not aware of a significant relief of her symptoms after the operation.

Breast augmentation surgery is a standard part of plastic surgery, although plastic surgeons may not be able to complete the same procedure. Deyakі surgeons send their patients home on the day of the operation, at that hour, as others vvazhayut for better, so that their patients are left for nothing in the likarni or short-line setting. In case of any type of patients, call to rob the operation under general anesthesia. Keeping an eye on the opening after the operation is not difficult, although small zatriki in the zastrіchayutsya often finish. Most of the patients can be fully restored for six days, but the residual shape of the breasts will not be seen for many months. Women are guilty of knowing that all operations on the breasts cause scarring, which may interfere with the interpretation of possible mammograms by a radiologist and may yearn for an additional assessment.

One of the biggest problems for wealthy women who are planning breast augmentation surgery is the loss of insurance coverage for such surgery. Stay with us for some discussion in a forthcoming post.

How big breasts affect back health

October 29, 2019 17:56 Society What the fair sex does not go to in order to attract as many admiring glances as possible. However, girls with small breasts will never understand busty beauties. It seems that all the problems of women with a large bust are ridiculous and far-fetched. Why big breasts are the cause of dissatisfaction with many women, “Vechernyaya Moskva” was told by the candidate of medical sciences, plastic surgeon Lyubov Gauer.

Many girls envy the owners of large breasts often in vain. On the agenda is the question: why do some women try to get rid of large breasts? After all, once it was considered an ideal. However, it is impossible to keep up with fashion. Naturalness is in trend now, so beautiful, but natural forms attract the eye more than a magnificent bust.

In fact, the cult of big breasts is still in vogue, but it has begun to slowly depart into the past. The myth that “men only look at size” gradually began to dissipate. Many girls have seen by their own example what inconvenience large breasts can cause. It is precisely because of a health disorder that many stars abandoned implants and decided to return to their original size.

Victoria Beckham. The wife of a famous football player made the decision to enlarge her breasts many years ago. However, after the birth of her third child, Victoria refused the previously installed implants. Beckham explained this by the fact that her breasts gave her significant inconvenience. Together with silicone, the woman received discomfort.

Nicole Kidman decided that her big breasted fans would love her even more. However, the star’s hopes did not come true. Nicole instead of new fans received a lot of criticism and negativity. For unknown reasons, after a few years, the star decided to return to her natural size. Rumor has it that big breasts prevented Kidman from fully exercising.

Courtney Love. Implants did not bypass another Hollywood diva. Courtney Love “made” herself a new chest in the early 2000s. True, the magnificent bust did not remain “forever”. The girl said that she was very tired of her breasts, which bring discomfort and a lot of inconvenience. However, Courtney never stopped loving dresses with a deep neckline.

Doctor Lyubov Gauer is sure that the fashion for a large bust is a thing of the past / Photo: From the personal archive of Lyubov Gauer

So why did even foreign stars begin to believe that a large bust is not a gift from nature, but some kind of discomfort and constant restrictions?

The most frequent complaints from buxom beauties are back and neck pain. Due to the overload of the spine, a curvature of the posture can be observed. Large breasts make their mistress stoop, and the ligaments of the spine are in constant tension. Often there may be pain between the shoulder blades due to the weight of the breast. Girls with large breasts are most often faced with diagnoses such as osteochondrosis and curvature of the spine. Back pain, heart and even difficulty breathing – all this is most often experienced by women with large breasts.

How can you “make friends” with a voluminous bust? The first thing to do is to choose the right bra. Otherwise, the chest can cause problems in the upper back by twisting the spine. However, doing this is not as easy as it seems. It is not at all easy for owners of large breasts to find the right bra in the store. Usually they all squeeze and rub. And finding the right color is not so easy.

You need to exercise, get massages and lead a healthy lifestyle. Only thanks to the excellent condition of strong ligaments and muscles, it is possible to somehow control the pain in the thoracic and cervical spine. But be prepared for the fact that playing sports will bring a lot of discomfort. Many physical exercises simply cannot be done correctly and fully with large breasts: squats, push-ups, running, etc.

The fold between the skin and the underside of the chest is often irritated and chafed. In summer, water can collect under the breasts, leaving wet spots on clothes. Sound sleep is another reason why many girls refuse a magnificent bust. For example, sleeping on your stomach is definitely not going to work. Due to the displacement of the tissue mass of the mammary glands, sleeping on the side also becomes difficult. The tension of the skin on the chest prevents quality sleep and makes busty beauties toss and turn for several hours in search of a comfortable position.

There are many reasons to complain about large breasts. Therefore, the reduction operation is in increasing demand. The fashion for natural forms and natural sizes has replaced the general obsession with a magnificent bust. Convenience and comfortable life sometimes exceed the desire to enjoy the close attention of men.