Here’s What You Need to Know Did you know that something as simple as your bra could be the hidden culprit behind your shoulder, neck, back, or even headaches? A 2008 study revealed a shocking statistic: 80% of women wear bras that don’t fit properly. Of those, 70% squeeze into bras that are too small, while 10% wear ones that are too large. Wearing the wrong bra size isn’t just uncomfortable—it can lead to a cascade of health issues. In this article, we’ll dive into how this everyday garment might be causing you pain and what you can do about it.

How to Tell If Your Bra Fits Properly

The first step to avoiding bra-related pain is ensuring you’re wearing the right size. You don’t need a professional fitting to start—just check these key signs at home:

The Underband:

This should sit snugly against your ribcage without sliding around during movement. A well-fitted underband provides 80% of your bra’s support, taking the pressure off your shoulders.

Shoulder Straps:

These should offer just 20% of the support. If they’re digging into your skin or leaving red marks, they’re too tight. Overly tight straps can strain your shoulder muscles, leading to neck pain and even tension headaches.

Cup Fit: The center of your bra (between the cups) should lie flat against your chest. If it’s floating or lifting away, your cup size might be off. Breasts should sit comfortably in the cups without spilling over the top or sides—a sign the cups are too small—or shifting excessively, indicating they’re too big.

The Painful Consequences of a Poorly Fitted Bra Wearing the wrong bra size doesn’t just feel awkward; it can seriously affect your body. Here’s how:

1. Breast Pain.

A bra that’s too tight can dig into your breast tissue, causing discomfort or irritation. On the flip side, a bra that’s too loose allows excessive movement, leading to tenderness over time. Properly supporting your breasts is key to avoiding this preventable pain.

2. Shoulder and Neck Pain

Tight shoulder straps don’t just leave marks—they add unnecessary pressure to your shoulder muscles. This tension can creep up to your neck, leaving you stiff and sore. For some, this strain even triggers headaches, turning a bad bra day into a full-body ordeal.

3. Back Pain

Larger breasts need bras with wider straps and better support to distribute their weight evenly. Without this, your back compensates, leading to strain and discomfort. Over time, unsupported breasts can pull you into a slouched posture, setting the stage for chronic back pain.

4. Poor Posture

Pain in your breasts, back, shoulders, or neck can make you hunch forward instinctively to find relief. Unfortunately, this poor posture only worsens the problem, locking you into a cycle of discomfort that’s hard to break without intervention.

Break the Cycle with Professional

Help If you’ve been fitted for a bra but still feel aches and pains, it might be time to look beyond your wardrobe. A physiotherapist can pinpoint the root cause of your discomfort—whether it’s your bra, posture, or an underlying issue—and create a tailored treatment plan to relieve your pain. At Chiropractic & Physiotherapy Health Centre, our experts are here to help you feel your best.

Take Action Today

Don’t let an ill-fitting bra dictate your comfort. Check your bra fit using the tips above, and if the pain persists, reach out to a professional. Have questions or want a personalized assessment? Contact us at Chiropractic & Physiotherapy Health Centre today. For more tips and updates, follow us on Instagram—we’d love to connect with you!

Final Thoughts

Your bra should support you, not sabotage you. With 80% of women wearing the wrong size, it’s worth taking a moment to evaluate yours. A small adjustment could mean the difference between daily discomfort and pain-free living. Ready to ditch the pain? Start with your bra fit and let us help you take it from there!

Sources

James, N., 2021. 8 consequences of wearing the wrong size Bra. 8 Consequences of Wearing the Wrong Size Bra. Available at: https://drnamnoum.com/8-consequences-of-wearing-the-wrong-size-bra/.
Rittberg, M. & *, N., 2020. Your bra might be causing pain – chronic pain. Freedom Physical Therapy Services. Available at: https://freedompt.com/bracausingpain/.
Wood, K., Cameron, M. & Fitzgerald, K., 2008. Breast size, bra fit and thoracic pain in Young Women: A correlational study. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2275741/.
Wakefield-Scurr, J. n.d. Wearing an ill-fitting bra isn’t just uncomfortable, it’s bad for your health. Blogs | University of Portsmouth. Available at: https://www.port.ac.uk/news-events-and-blogs/blogs/health-and-wellbeing/wearing-an-illfitting-bra-isnt-just-uncomfortable-its-bad-for-your-health.

Reference:

https://elevatephysio.com