Could Your Breasts Be The Cause of Your Back Pain?

Large breasts can be a double-edged sword. While they may be attractive, they can also lead to significant health issues, particularly severe back pain, neck pain, and spinal problems. When breast growth reaches a point where it causes such pain, the condition is known as macromastia or breast hypertrophy.

For many women, maintaining proper posture can be challenging due to the added weight of larger breasts. Over time, this can lead to chronic and unbearable discomfort. However, there are several ways that can help you manage back pain due to oversized breasts, and breast reduction surgery is one of the most effective ways.

How Large Breasts Cause Back Pain?

Back pain related to large breasts arises from imbalances in the body’s center of gravity and normal alignment.

While breasts are located at the front of the body, their weight can lead to varying degrees of back pain. Your back muscles are responsible for stabilizing the entire upper body. Heavy breasts exert continuous pressure on the back muscles. The larger the breasts, the more stress the muscles endure to maintain breast positioning, especially during work or exercise.

Large breasts can pose challenges when engaging in physical activities, potentially hindering weight management, muscular development in the back and shoulders, and overall torso flexibility. The pressure exerted by large breasts on the chest cavity can also make deep breathing during exercise more difficult, leading to increased breathlessness.

Despite the constant effort exerted by the back muscles to maintain spinal alignment, the spine can still become curved, leading to back pain and poor posture. Additionally, the weight of large breasts, even when supported by a bra, can strain the shoulders, causing discomfort and pain.

How Can Breast Reduction Surgery Help to Reduce Back Pain?

Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a popular cosmetic procedure that can help to alleviate physical discomfort and enhance body image by removing excess breast tissue.

The specific technique employed for breast reduction surgery may vary depending on the board-certified plastic surgeon’s preference and Your needs. However, the general approach involves making an incision around the areola (the pigmented area surrounding the nipple) and extending downward along the breast. Excess breast tissue, fat, and skin are then carefully removed to achieve the desired breast size and shape. After the procedure, your surgeon will place compression garments to support healing.

After undergoing breast reduction for back pain, you can expect the following advantages:

• The constant pain in the back, shoulder, and neck will gradually disappear as the excess tissues no longer strain the muscles.
• As breast size is reduced after the breast reduction procedure, the body’s center of gravity shifts, improving back posture. This improved alignment can alleviate backaches and promote overall skeletal health.
• The weight of the breasts will no longer strain the shoulders, and the bra will be more comfortable.
• With smaller breasts, you can confidently wear the clothing of your choice without feeling self-conscious about the size of your breasts.
• Reduced breast size can make physical activities more easier.

If you are struggling with chronic back pain, consult a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine the possible treatment approach. He/she will assess your condition and suggest if breast reduction surgery is right for you or not.