Women endowed with large breasts often blame the extra weight they carry on their chest for their upper back pain. Sometimes large breasts are the culprit, and sometimes they aren’t. If you suffer from upper back pain, there are things you can implement into your life to help relieve it. One of those things might be breast reduction surgery.
First, it’s worth trying to understand the possible reasons for the pain in your back and making the necessary changes to your life to fix it. But, if you have other reasons for considering a breast reduction surgery, including to help enable a more active lifestyle or bring better balance to the contours of your body, a breast reduction is the ideal option.
The Breast and Back Connection
Carrying extra weight in the front of your body can cause the muscles in the back and neck to become strained as they try to compensate. If you have D-cup breasts, their combined weight can fall between 4 to 10 pounds each. For some women, that weight can lead to chronic pain in their shoulders, neck, and upper back.
The excess weight can also affect your posture, which may cause your back and shoulders to curve forward, adding to back pain. The spinal curve can come from muscle fatigue or a self-conscious effort to hide or make your breasts appear less prominent.
Your bra can also be a factor. If your bra is too small or the shoulder bands are too narrow, it’s not providing adequate support. You might be subconsciously adjusting your posture to compensate for an ill-fitting bra.
Ways to Relieve Breast-Related Back Pain
Shop for a Well-Fitting Bra
The right bra can make a huge difference in terms of comfort. First, you’ll want to find a supportive bra that isn’t too tight. Wide shoulder straps are also helpful at spreading the pressure rather than digging into one spot. If you’re struggling to find a well-fitting bra at your usual stores, you can also consider being fitted for a customized bra.
Strengthen Your Core Muscles
Exercising regularly offers various health benefits, from weight management to heart health. For example, exercises that strengthen the muscles in your core—meaning your back, abdomen, and shoulders—can improve your posture and help alleviate back pain. A physical therapist or personal trainer can help show you different techniques and exercises that address these specific areas of your body. You can even try yoga or Pilates, which will help with flexibility and strength.
Breast Reduction
If you’re at or near your ideal weight but still experiencing back pain due to overly large breasts, you might consider breast reduction surgery. Many women have found relief from their back, neck, and shoulder pain after undergoing a breast reduction. In addition, it offers a way to bring your body contours into balance, free yourself from physical limitations, improve your posture, and feel more confident.
A breast reduction surgery at Imagos Plastic Surgery can shape and contour disproportionate breasts by carefully removing excess skin, glandular tissue, and fat. You’ll immediately notice a difference in how you look and feel.
Choose a Miami Plastic Surgeon You Can Trust for Your Breast Reduction
Dr. Jose Perez-Gurri and Dr. Onelio Garcia Jr. are board-certified plastic surgeons in Miami, FL with extensive experience in breast surgery, including breast augmentation, breast lift, and breast reduction. Call our office at (305) 692-0163 today or contact us online to schedule a personalized consultation.