| stimated that well over 70 percent of women | | | | familiar with is the back. When straps are carrying |
| wear ill-fitting bras. Not only does this lead to | | | | more weight than intended, they tend to pull the |
| discomfort, it can actually manifest as actual pain | | | | upper back forward and down. This creates poor |
| over time. | | | | posture and strain on the upper back. This can |
| Most people view bras as top down support | | | | lead to aches and a knot in the middle of the |
| systems. In English, this means they view the | | | | upper back. As the back tries to compensate, it |
| support being provided by the straps over the | | | | can also lead to significant lower back pain. |
| shoulders. In truth, bras are meant to be bottom | | | | Neck problems are a third area of pain that can |
| up support system. The strap around the bottom | | | | arise with an ill fitting problem. It can be easy to |
| of the bra is intend to carry 80 percent of the | | | | miss the cause and effect relationship, however. |
| weight of the breasts with the cups and straps | | | | Pain can manifest in the form of headaches and |
| taking on the remaining weight. | | | | shooting pain which is derived from pinched |
| Most women wear bras that rely too much on | | | | nerves. Running ones hands along the outer edge |
| strap support. This can lead to physical discomfort | | | | of the back of the neck can quickly reveal tight |
| that one might not always associate with the ill | | | | areas. |
| fitting bra. Let's take a closer look at some of the | | | | The vast majority of women wear the wrong |
| common pain issues that arise. | | | | size of bra. Smaller breasted women tend to |
| Shoulder pain is one of the more obvious | | | | wear bras that are to big for them. Plus size |
| problems of an ill fitting bra. The straps dig into | | | | women tend to wear bras that have cups that |
| the shoulders causing pain. For some, however, | | | | are too small. If you are having any of the above |
| the problem is a bit more intense. The straps | | | | pain issues, try changing to a different fitting bra. |
| may dig into the trapeze muscle and nerves. This | | | | Remember - support should be from the bottom. |
| can lead to numbness and tingling in the arms. | | | | Tiffany Hart writes about bra issues for where |
| A second area of pain that most women are | | | | you can find elegant and practical plus size bras. |