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

30.04.202214.07.2023 by alexxlab

Is there a link between breast size and upper back discomfort. What factors contribute to back pain in women with larger breasts. How can women alleviate upper back pain associated with breast size. What role does proper bra fitting play in reducing back pain.

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The Relationship Between Breast Size and Upper Back Pain

Upper back pain is a common complaint among many individuals, regardless of gender or breast size. However, there has been ongoing speculation about the potential link between large breasts and increased discomfort in the upper back region. While the connection may seem logical, the relationship between breast size and upper back pain is more complex than it appears at first glance.

A small study conducted in 2013 focused on postmenopausal women, many of whom were overweight or obese. The research found a correlation between larger breasts and thoracic (upper back) pain. Interestingly, some participants in the study were also wearing improperly sized bras, which could have exacerbated their discomfort.

It’s important to note that other factors, such as higher body weight or pinched nerves, may also contribute significantly to upper back pain. Therefore, it’s crucial to consider multiple potential causes when addressing this issue.

Common Causes of Upper Back Pain

While breast size may play a role in upper back discomfort, it’s essential to understand that numerous other factors can contribute to pain in this area. Some common causes include:

Injury to the discs in the back, such as herniation
Osteoarthritis resulting from the breakdown of cartilage in the spine
Myofascial pain
Vertebral fractures
Poor posture
Muscle strain from repetitive movements
Spinal stenosis

Understanding these potential causes can help individuals and healthcare providers develop more comprehensive approaches to addressing upper back pain.

The Impact of Breast Size on Shoulder and Neck Pain

While the focus of this article is on upper back pain, it’s worth noting that breast size has been linked to discomfort in other areas of the body as well. A 2012 study examined the relationship between breast size, bra cup size, and pain in the shoulders and neck.

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 musculoskeletal discomfort may extend beyond the upper back region.

Can shoulder and neck pain be alleviated through proper bra fitting?

While proper bra fitting is essential for overall comfort and support, its direct impact on pain reduction is still debated. A small 2008 study found that 80% of participants were wearing the incorrect bra size, with women with larger breasts more likely to wear an ill-fitting bra. However, the study concluded that bra fit appeared to be unrelated to pain. Nonetheless, a poorly fitted bra could impair its function as breast support, potentially leading to discomfort over time.

The Importance of Proper Bra Fitting

Despite the inconclusive evidence linking bra fit directly to pain reduction, wearing a properly fitted bra remains crucial for overall comfort and breast health. Here are some tips for ensuring a proper fit:

Get professionally measured regularly, as breast size can change over time
Ensure the band fits snugly around the ribcage without riding up
Check that the cups fully encase the breasts without spillage or gaping
Adjust the straps so they provide support without digging into the shoulders
Consider specialized sports bras for high-impact activities

By wearing a well-fitted bra, women can potentially reduce discomfort and improve posture, which may indirectly alleviate upper back pain.

Strategies for Alleviating Upper Back Pain

Regardless of breast size, there are several strategies individuals can employ to reduce upper back pain:

Strengthening Core Muscles

Developing a strong core can help support the spine and improve overall posture. Yoga is an excellent way to strengthen these muscles while also promoting flexibility and relaxation. Consider trying these 10 yoga poses specifically designed to target back pain:

Cat-Cow Stretch
Downward-Facing Dog
Child’s Pose
Triangle Pose
Extended Side Angle Pose
Sphinx Pose
Cobra Pose
Bridge Pose
Two-Knee Spinal Twist
Thread the Needle Pose

Maintaining Proper Nutrition

Adequate nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining bone and muscle health. A 2021 study found a link between insufficient levels of vitamin D and nonspecific lower back pain. Ensuring proper intake of vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin D and calcium, may help alleviate back pain.

Considering Breast Reduction Surgery

For some women with significantly large breasts experiencing chronic back pain, breast reduction surgery may be an option. Research has shown that this procedure can potentially lessen back pain by allowing for better posture. However, this is a major decision that should be thoroughly discussed with a qualified physician, considering all potential risks and benefits.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While many cases of upper back pain can be managed with self-care strategies, it’s important to know when to seek professional help. Consider consulting a healthcare provider if:

Pain persists for more than a few weeks despite home remedies
Pain intensity increases over time
You experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms or legs
Pain is accompanied by fever, unexplained weight loss, or other concerning symptoms
Pain significantly impacts your daily activities or quality of life

Early diagnosis and treatment can lead to faster relief and prevent potential complications.

Holistic Approaches to Managing Upper Back Pain

In addition to the strategies mentioned earlier, several holistic approaches can complement traditional treatments for upper back pain:

Mindfulness and Stress Reduction

Chronic stress can contribute to muscle tension and exacerbate back pain. Practicing mindfulness techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce stress and potentially alleviate pain.

Acupuncture

Some individuals find relief from back pain through acupuncture, an ancient Chinese practice involving the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. While more research is needed, some studies suggest acupuncture may be effective in reducing chronic back pain.

Massage Therapy

Regular massage can help relax tense muscles, improve circulation, and promote overall well-being. For those with upper back pain, targeted massage techniques may provide temporary relief and improve mobility.

Ergonomic Adjustments

Making simple changes to your work environment and daily habits can significantly impact upper back pain. Consider the following:

Adjusting your chair and desk height for optimal posture
Using a standing desk or alternating between sitting and standing throughout the day
Ensuring your computer screen is at eye level to prevent neck strain
Taking regular breaks to stretch and move
Using a supportive pillow while sleeping

By implementing these ergonomic adjustments, you may reduce the strain on your upper back and potentially alleviate pain over time.

The Role of Physical Therapy in Treating Upper Back Pain

For individuals experiencing persistent upper back pain, physical therapy can be an effective treatment option. A skilled physical therapist can:

Assess your posture and movement patterns
Develop a personalized exercise program to strengthen weak muscles and improve flexibility
Teach proper body mechanics for daily activities
Provide manual therapy techniques to alleviate pain and improve mobility
Offer guidance on ergonomic adjustments and lifestyle modifications

Physical therapy can be particularly beneficial for those with large breasts, as it can help address any postural imbalances or muscle weaknesses that may be contributing to upper back pain.

Can physical therapy exercises be done at home?

While working with a physical therapist in person is ideal, many exercises and stretches can be performed at home as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Some effective at-home exercises for upper back pain include:

Shoulder blade squeezes
Wall angels
Thoracic extension stretches
Chin tucks
Doorway pectoral stretches

It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise regimen to ensure proper form and avoid exacerbating existing pain.

The Psychological Impact of Chronic Upper Back Pain

Chronic pain, including persistent upper back pain, can have significant psychological effects on individuals. These may include:

Increased stress and anxiety
Depression
Sleep disturbances
Reduced quality of life
Social isolation

Addressing the psychological aspects of chronic pain is crucial for overall well-being and effective pain management. Consider the following strategies:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a type of psychotherapy that can help individuals develop coping strategies and change negative thought patterns associated with chronic pain. This approach has shown promise in helping people manage pain more effectively and improve their quality of life.

Support Groups

Joining a support group for individuals with chronic pain can provide emotional support, practical advice, and a sense of community. Many support groups are available both in-person and online, making it easier to connect with others who share similar experiences.

Mind-Body Techniques

Practices such as yoga, tai chi, and qigong combine physical movement with mindfulness and breathing exercises. These techniques can help reduce stress, improve flexibility, and potentially alleviate pain while promoting overall well-being.

By addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of upper back pain, individuals can develop a more comprehensive approach to managing their symptoms and improving their 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.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3322448/
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.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3704920/
Wood K, et al. (2008). Breast size, bra fit and thoracic pain in young women: A correlational study.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2275741/
Xu HW, et al. (2021). Relationship between vitamin D and nonspecific low back pain may be mediated by inflammatory markers.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34704712/

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

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Dec 23, 2019

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

Large Breasts and Back Pain

An interesting study, published in The Open Orthopaedics Journal in 2012, compared the prevalence of shoulder, neck, and upper back pain among men and women. One of the study’s more intriguing findings was that women experience neck and upper back pain at just over twice the rate of men. Another noteworthy conclusion the study shared was that the reasons men and women experience neck and shoulder pain are often very different.

Among men, the most common reason for neck and shoulder pain is bad posture—a factor that can usually be corrected without surgery. For women, breast size was a common cause of chronic upper back pain, even more so than posture. Breasts that are too large for a person’s frame often can’t be completely addressed without a reduction mammaplasty, or breast reduction surgery as it’s more commonly called.

In this post, we’ll talk about some of the links between large breasts and back pain and also tell you what to expect if you’re thinking about a consultation for breast reduction surgery.

Why Large Breasts Cause Upper Back Pain for Women

There are three primary reasons why large breasts are among the leading causes of chronic back pain among women.

First, the breasts often place excessive weight on the chest and upper abdomen over time. If muscles in your upper abdomen and back aren’t strong enough to support this weight, this constant force gradually causes your upper back to compensate for the extra weight on the front of the body.
Second, breasts, especially larger sized breasts, affect posture. As bone and muscle density change over the course of a woman’s life, posture-related issues caused by large breasts can include injuries to the spine such a herniated discs, osteoarthritis, and myofascial pain.
Third, poorly fitting bras for women are a significant cause of upper back pain. A study published in the medical journal Chiropractic & Osteopathy found that approximately 80% of women experiencing chronic upper back pain were wearing a bra that was actually too big or too small for them.

How to Relieve Upper Back Pain Caused by Large Breasts

There are numerous non-surgical ways to temporarily relieve and reduce upper back pain caused by large breasts, including getting properly fitted bras, physical therapy, and exercises to strengthen target muscle groups. However, the only way to permanently resolve upper back pain from large breasts is to consider breast reduction surgery. Research from the American Society of Plastic Surgery shows strong evidence that breast reduction surgery can significantly reduce upper back pain for women with breasts sized DD or higher.

Is Breast Reduction Surgery Right for You?

Talk to your doctor about breast reduction surgery if you experience:

Chronic pain in your neck and shoulders
Constant irritation and pain caused by your bra putting pressure on your skin
Negative impacts on your self-confidence due to invasive attention
Hindrances to your athletic performance due to body mechanics
Unhappiness with the shape or size of your breasts

If you think a breast reduction might be right for you, the next step is to sit down with a board-certified plastic surgeon to help build the treatment roadmap to a happier, healthier (mentally and physically) you.

Call Zochowski Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery in Columbus, OH at (614) 490-7500 or contact us through our website to start setting up your breast reduction consultation.

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.