Do you suffer from shoulder pain, neck stiffness or frequent headaches? Is upper back pain, indigestion, or irritable bowel syndrome the bane of your life?
If any of these ailments sound too familiar, you might be surprised to learn that the source of your health problems and discomfort may be your bra.
According to a recent study by bra manufacturer Triumph, 76% of people still wear the wrong bra size, despite the clothing industry constantly reminding us about bra measurements.
A study by bra manufacturer Triumph found that 76% of people wear the wrong bra size (photo taken by model)
The majority of women surveyed said they had never worn a bra. Others admitted to buying the wrong size because they wanted a certain style or color but their size was out of stock.
Some people even deliberately buy the wrong bra size in the hopes that it will increase or decrease their cleavage. But experts say the habit can have serious health consequences.
From shoulder straps to loose bra cups, Life & Style explores the surprising health problems associated with ill-fitting bras. . .
Physiotherapist Sammy Mago, of the Royal Institute of Physiotherapy, said: “I often see a direct link between patients’ back, neck and posture problems and their bras.
“If a bra is too tight, it can put pressure on the nerves, muscles and blood vessels around the shoulders, upper back and chest, causing pain, headaches and even permanent numbness in the arms.”
Wearing a bra that is too small can often put pressure on nerves, muscles and blood vessels, causing pain, headaches and even a constant tingling sensation (photo courtesy of model)
More seriously, over time, wearing a bra strap that is too tight day after day can begin to put pressure on the acromioclavicular joint at the top of the shoulder, affecting range of motion and arm function, as well as ongoing pain. .
Several studies have also concluded that bras that are too tight can cause bumps and skin damage. This is caused by the hooks on the back of the bra digging into the skin.
But if you think your bra is too small and you have something to worry about, think again. Bras that are too baggy and cups that are too big can cause just as many problems.
“Wearing a bra that doesn’t support the breasts effectively can lead to postural problems, such as slouched shoulders or a hunched posture, as women naturally sit and stand awkwardly to compensate for the effects of an unsupportive, ill-fitting bra,” says Sammy Mago.
“If you’re a C cup or larger, the problem of wearing a baggy bra that doesn’t support your breasts may be more serious.
Physiotherapist Sammy Margot says: “Wearing a bra that doesn’t support your breasts effectively can lead to posture problems such as hunched shoulders or a hunched back.”
“Large, poorly supported breasts can press against the rib cage, putting pressure on the diaphragm, which can lead to breathing problems.
“Breast weight, combined with poor posture and a sedentary lifestyle, can even worsen digestive problems such as heartburn and irritable bowel syndrome.”
Ash Mosahebi, consultant plastic surgeon and breast specialist for the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), said: “Breasts don’t contain muscles. They’re made up of fat, glands and milk ducts. And they’re held in place.” network of skin, thin ligaments and connective tissue.
“If you consistently wear the wrong size bra and don’t support your breasts properly, gravity, pregnancy, hormone and weight fluctuations, and even exercise can stretch the skin, structure, and supporting ligaments of your breasts even further than normal. .
Amanda Reed-Raja, 38, a lawyer and mother-of-one from Manchester who suffers severe neck and shoulder pain, said: “I’m considering having a breast reduction until I find a bra that fits.”
“I’m short, only 4ft 11in, with a narrow back and a 30lb chest. Despite spending a fortune on bras, I was never able to find one that supported me.
“The bra straps dug into my back, causing pain in my neck and shoulders, and I often had severe headaches. Shortly before my period, I experienced severe chest pain.
“It wasn’t until I discovered Optifit bras that things changed. These bras are designed to accommodate larger bust sizes and are fitted using a 3D measurement system that takes into account your body shape and breast projection.
“The first time I put it on, I immediately felt like I was getting taller and my shoulders were lowering. To my surprise, I was also able to breathe deeper as my chest moved further away from my diaphragm.
“I no longer have pain in my shoulders and neck. I can wear the clothes I want and run around with my three-year-old son without worrying about my chest size.”
If a bra feels loose or lacks support, many women simply tighten the straps, often with painful results.
“The most common misconception about bras is that straps are designed to support the breasts,” says Julia Mercer, lead bra fitting expert at M&S.
Almost all of the bra’s support should come from the straps around the ribcage, which simply hold everything else in place (Photo taken by model).
In fact, almost all of the support a bra provides should come from the straps surrounding the ribcage and cup of the bra.
Belts that are too tight can put enormous pressure on the shoulders, dig into the muscles, pull the shoulders and spine forward, put pressure on the nerves, and even affect the flexibility of the shoulders. Cervicogenic headaches (headaches related to the muscles and joints of the neck) are also common.
Women who regularly wear tight bra straps may also develop permanent, unsightly grooves on their shoulders.
Ash Mosahebi said the underwires can dig into or scratch the skin and even damage fragile breast implants and recent breast surgeries.
Never wear a bra with loose underwires as they are sharp and can easily cut you.
“When I was a teenager, I started wearing bras, I was embarrassed and couldn’t fit them correctly. I went to the store and chose something beautiful.
“Not only did these cute bras look terrible under clothes, but the cups were often too small, making it look like I had four breasts instead of two.
“I’m a naturally slouched person, so I only tried one on for the first time when someone mentioned that a well-fitting bra could improve my posture.
“I decided that size 32C was the perfect size for me. My breast size fluctuates with my monthly menstrual cycle, and this bra seems to adapt to any changes in my size and shape—and I now stand straighter.”
“Now I don’t let my appearance affect me. I decided that a flat cup bra would give me the best shape for my body.
Julia Mercer says different bra styles will flatter and provide more support for different silhouettes. Choosing the right product can only help boost confidence, comfort, and fight the damage that gravity can cause.
If you have wide shoulders and a gap between your breasts, a flat bra (a bra that lifts your breasts up from the bottom) is your best choice.
If you have narrow shoulders and a small gap between your breasts, a plunging bra (a bra that brings your breasts closer together) is your best choice.
If you have narrow shoulders and a small chest gap, a deep V bra is your best choice (image courtesy of model).
Very large and heavy breasts will benefit from the firm support of a bra with cups made of two or more pieces sewn together.
Padded bras are great for giving small-breasted women a va-va-voom feel, and if the padding is removable, it can be very helpful for balancing uneven breast size.
Don’t wear a tight sports bra all the time; wearing one when you’re not exercising can cause breathing problems.
These bras are designed to keep your breasts in place while you exercise or go for a run, but should not be overused as they are tighter than regular bras.
Research from the University of Portsmouth shows that when we move, our breasts move an average of 10-15cm in three or more directions at an alarming rate, so if you want to avoid breast pain, you need a supportive sports bra.
There are many types of sports bras: some push the breasts closer to the chest to prevent them from moving, which is useful if you have large breasts; Other methods of lifting, separating and fixing the breasts are more suitable for those with small breasts.
There are different types of sports bras to suit everyone’s body shape and size, but don’t forget that sports bras lose elasticity over time (image courtesy of model).
Post time: Sep-20-2023