If you’re like most women, you take off that bra the moment you walk through the door. Straps that fall, underwires that dig, shoulder pain, back pain, breast pain; we get used to that discomfort, but you feel the difference when you take it off.
There are many poorly designed bras on the market. Most women have learned to accept that bras are uncomfortable. Women, you’ve been deceived.
Your discomfort and pain with the bra often come from incorrect sizing and style for your body type. Change your bra, improve your well-being!
Not long ago, the corset was a reality for women. Today we have the bra. Although it’s not as extreme as the corsets of the past, modern bras can still be highly restrictive for your body.
Poorly fitting and designed bras can limit your rib cage movement and pull your shoulders forward, which can cause shoulder pain, a burning sensation between the shoulder blades, and even poor posture.
These issues can trigger a cascade of effects. Consider how pain affects your mood, your ability to exercise, move easily, and relax at will. Even if it’s just a mild and constant pain, chronic pain can have a significant negative impact on your daily life.
A STUDY conducted in 2008 found that 80% of women were wearing the wrong size bra. Unless you are intentional in choosing bras that fit correctly, you’re likely in that group. Here are the clues:
1. The lower band is too high or digs into your skin. The lower band should be level around your ribs and fit snugly. Leave a space of 5 cm when it moves away from your body and should remain level when you move.
2. You have overflow at the top, sides, or bottom of your cups. Your entire breast should fit comfortably in each cup.
3. The bra underwire digs into your breast. You need a larger cup size.
4. The center of the band on your chest separates from your body. The center part between the cups (known as the [quote]center gore[quote]) should rest against your body without separating.
5. Your straps fall off your shoulders or you have marks on your shoulders from the bra straps. You should be able to lift the straps about half an inch to an inch above your shoulder. Use wide straps for better support.
6. Your sports bra crosses in the back. These bras compress the breast and pull the shoulders forward.
7. You feel pain in the neck, back, or shoulders when wearing a particular bra. Your body is giving you a signal. You may not be wearing the right bra. Try the suggested changes, but if the pain persists, make an appointment for us to evaluate your back. Never ignore pain.
Jean-Denis Rouillon, doctor at the Besançon hospital and professor at the University of Franche-Comté in France, studied breast health changes in women who choose not to wear a bra.
After observing 320 women, less sagging was noted, and the breasts were firmer. The study participants also experienced more comfort, less pain and a better ability to breathe!
Lockdown allowed many women to appreciate the freedom and relief of the no bra option. However, returning to [quote]normal life[quote] without wearing a bra can be socially uncomfortable. It’s up to you to choose what suits you best. Let everyone do what they please with their chest!
1. Take a deep breath while wearing your bra: notice how much air comes in and how easy it is to breathe.
2. Then, take off the bra and take a deep breath and notice the difference in your breathing.
You may find a significant improvement in your breathing without the bra, which will be deeper and easier. This is a sign that your bra, whether due to an incorrect size or improper fit, is limiting the optimal function of your back joints and muscles.
Another simple test is to have your partner or friend lift the upper part of your bra straps off your shoulder (this relieves the downward pressure on your shoulders) and then test your breathing. If your breathing improves, it means your bra is poorly fitted.
Our team at QuiroBalance can help you. We can even help you determine if an inadequate bra is your problem.
Contact us or Book your appointment!
References:
https://online.boneandjoint.org.uk/doi/abs/10.1302/1358-992X.98BSUPP_6.SBPR2015-013
https://www.port.ac.uk/research/research-centres-and-groups/research-group-in-breast-health#Fitting
Discover how chiropractic can improve your well-being. At QuiroBalance, we offer personalized solutions to relieve pain and optimize your health.
