Finding the Right Fit

Many women suffer from mid back pain due to a variety of reasons. Whether it is due to postural strain, poor ergonomics at work or a mechanical dysfunction, mid back pain can be both distracting and frustrating. However, one cause that women often don’t consider is breast size and properly fit bras.

A recent study was just published that discussed breast size, bra fitting and thoracic spine (mid back) pain in post-menopausal women. The study determined that larger breasts and increased BMI (Body Mass Index) were associated with mid back pain in postmenopausal women. They found that increasing breast size and how a bra is worn could have serious biomechanical implications for the loading of the thoracic spine.

No matter the age, if a woman does not have a properly fitting bra, the biomechanics of her back will be drastically altered. This means that the body has to compensate in other ways to try and function properly. Often this will lead to some type of dysfunction, which can be intimately related to pain.

This effect is amplified when there is a larger weight distribution. In other words, a poorly fit bra will have more significant consequences for women with larger breasts, due to the fact that their biomechanics will be altered more.

However, no matter your age or your size, a properly fitted bra is crucial for correct biomechanics. Although often overlooked, it could be a significant contributor to mid back pain and posture.  Seriously consider getting professionally fitted for a bra and take the first step towards a healthy back.

Resources

1. Spencer L, Briffa K. Breast size, thoracic kyphosis and thoracic spine pain - association and relevance of bra fitting in post-menopausal women: A correlational study. Chiropractic & Manual Therapies 2013, 21:20