A study of chiropractic and osteopathy found that 80% of women wear the size of support incorrect, with 70% of women wearing bras that are too small and 10% that are too big.
However, that statistic may not come as a surprise, as finding the bra size proper can be difficult. Pain from underwires that are too tight on the rib cage or abrasions left by a strap digging into the skin can be all too familiar. Use a bra too smallToo big, too old or too stuffy is not a pleasant experience.
While no research seems to suggest that using the wrong bra size it can cause serious consequences for your health, many sources mention pain and discomfort. Fortunately, there is a bra size that fits everyone, you just need to fit.
Here are some consequences that are telling you that you are wearing the wrong bra:
breast pain
One of the first things you may notice when wearing the wrong size bra It’s breast pain. The complaints are more typical of people with larger breast cups, who exercise infrequently, or who are premenopausal.
There are many ways that the wrong size bra can contribute to breast pain. If your bra is too small, it can dig into your breasts; if it’s too big, your breasts may have too much room and may become prone to bouncing, which contributes to tenderness. Lastly, if you suffer from breast asymmetry or other abnormalities, it can seem like every bra is the wrong size. For this reason, you may be considering surgery for congenital breast asymmetry or breast augmentation.
Of course, there can be other causes of breast pain, such as pregnancy, lactation, menstruation, and exercise, so be sure to rule out other causes before determining that the pain is due to your bra.
Back pain
While research on the correlation between ill-fitting bras and back pain is often inconclusive or conflicting, there are some studies that suggest a link. Also, a large percentage of women wear the wrong bra size, especially women with larger breasts. The research is clear that larger breasts cause back pain, or at least exacerbate existing pain.
Inadequate breast support can directly or indirectly contribute to back pain. Either way, try to prioritize finding the right size bra. The volume of your bra cup should correspond to the volume of your breasts. Make sure your bra fits correctly by having it fitted by a professional. A well-fitting bra may be a good option if your back pain is persistent.
Shoulder and neck pain
Women with larger breasts may also experience shoulder and neck pain. The bras designed for larger breasts they often come with larger straps to disperse weight and provide more support. However, these wide straps can cause shoulder pain, which can also contribute to neck pain.
However, sometimes even a properly fitted bra can’t fix shoulder and neck pain, or other pain. If your bra has fitted you well, but you’re still experiencing these symptoms, it may be time to talk to your doctor.
Research shows that breast reduction improves the symptoms of macromastia. You may be a good candidate for breast reduction surgery if you are at a healthy weight, but experience adverse symptoms such as shoulder and neck pain, back pain, or breast pain.
Abrasions and scratches on the skin
A bra that is too tight it can easily cause skin abrasions and chafing from constant rubbing against the skin. You may see red lines anywhere the bra falls, including the upper bust, lower bust, back, or shoulders.
In addition to correcting your bra size, you may also find that wearing a strap extender or finding a different bra material or texture helps. With sports bras, chafing can be widespread and require you to find a different style bra.
Rib cage pain
The bras sit just above the ribcage. When you wear one too tight, it can feel tight and can even contribute to pain. You are also likely to see abrasions and chafing on the skin.
underwire bras they are often the number one culprit for pain associated with the rib cage. While no research seems to suggest that this causes any actual damage to the area, if you experience discomfort it may be worth looking into other bra styles.
premature flaccidity
Bras are designed to lift your breasts and provide support, but if you wear the wrong size, they may do the exact opposite. One that is too big, for example, may leave too much room for your breasts instead of giving them the support they need.
Avoid premature sagging by getting a professional fit for you.
Bad posture
Several of the pains mentioned (breast, back, shoulder, and neck pain) can result from poor posture. The pain can cause a person to hunch forward in an effort to relieve it. Poor posture can actually exacerbate back, shoulder, or neck pain, creating a vicious cycle.
General discomfort and embarrassment
Last but not least, an ill-fitting bra could just make you feel uncomfortable and embarrassed. Your breasts could end up coming out of your bra, making your clothes uncomfortable. Bra straps may be digging into your skin and contributing to pain, or slipping off your shoulders, causing you to constantly have to push them back up.
Mothers may be particularly concerned about the general discomfort and embarrassment of a ill-fitting bra. Although it takes time to heal after giving birth, some changes in the body are more permanent. A customizable mommy makeover may be a more preferred solution than just finding a new bra.