Boobs and back pain!
How do boobs cause back pain?
Breasts have long been blamed for upper back pain - unfortunately not much research has been done in the area to determine exactly what goes on. However it is thought that several factors come into play, an obvious one being size. We know that added weight puts more strain on the body, and we often see people with larger breasts hunched forwards; sometimes part due to the weight, and part due to being self conscious and trying to hide their body. Another factor could be ill-fitting bras. it is thought that 80% of us are wearing the wrong size bra(!), so it is unsurprising that so many people attribute boobs to back pain.
What can I do?
Get measured: unsure if your bra fits correctly? Find out here:
Exercises: exercises should focus on strengthening the back and stretching the chest. Good examples of exercises you may find helpful are Brugger’s relief position, pec stretching, cat-camel and blackburn exercises. For more information or to get exercises tailored to you, chat to your chiropractor.
When is it time for a reduction? A breast reduction is a big decision. If pain is your main concern, then it may be beneficial to try the above first, as well as treatment such as physiotherapy or chiropractic. If these don’t work, they are affecting your day to day life and/or hobbies, or you are concerned about the aesthetics of your breasts then it may be time to consider a reduction. Speak to your doctor and do lots of research before taking this step.
How can Chiropractic help?
Chiropractic can help by using various soft tissue techniques such as massage on the over worked muscles in you back and chest. As mentioned above, we can give you exercises and stretches to suit you that will focus on opening up the chest and strengthening the back. To loosen off the back, we can perform what we call adjustments. This will help with pain, mobility, posture and more.
Before you go…
Breast cancer charity Coppa Feel offer a monthly text reminder service to remind you to check for lumps once a month, sign up here! (P.S. they send the reminder with a funny little joke or poem!)
https://coppafeel.org/remind-me/remind-me-sms/
Also it’s a FREE service, so no excuses - sign up now!