Is Your Bra Too Tight Causing Back Pain? Learn Quick Solutions in 3 Minutes!
- Katrina Y
- Apr 11, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 2, 2023
Feeling frequent back pain? Be careful, it could be due to wearing the wrong bra! The main function of a bra is to support and maintain the breasts. When the bra size is ill-fitting, the heavy breasts are prone to sagging due to gravity, and the back muscles are forced to elongate and move forward, leading to spinal curvature and hunchback posture. Over time, this can result in lower back pain.
Wearing Tight Bras May Cause Muscle Back Pain
Apart from aesthetic considerations, most women prioritize size when buying bras. However, some women may intentionally purchase a smaller cup size to showcase a fuller bust. In fact, wearing bras that are too small or too tight can compress the chest cavity, leading to difficulty in breathing, compromised blood circulation, and muscle hypoxia and atrophy, which can result in muscle back pain over time. If the bra is too tight or too small, it can also impede lymphatic flow, causing swelling, discomfort, and pain.
Lumbar Strain Risk from Wearing Bras that are Too Big
If choosing a bra that is one size too big, it may not cause much burden for women with smaller breasts. However, for women with larger breasts, it may result in insufficient support, causing the body to unconsciously lean forward, leading to hunching and poor posture, which can then result in lumbar strain.
Appropriate Bra Sizing
Therefore, it is recommended to avoid wearing bras with underwire or lacking elasticity that are too tight against the body, and to choose sizes that are appropriate. If there is a difference in size between the left and right breasts, it is advisable to use the larger breast as a reference and use padding to assist the smaller side.
The Importance of Bra Straps
In addition, bra straps should not be too thin, as they may cause excessive pressure on the shoulders and neck, leading to soreness and discomfort. The material of the straps should also be breathable and elastic to avoid skin allergies. The width of the back hook and side bands should also be appropriate, not too narrow, as wider bands can help stabilize the muscle group and distribute pressure, reducing discomfort.
