Can A Bra Cause Shoulder Pain?
We are often asked if a bra can cause pain and make your shoulders sore. Yes, shoulder pain, spine pain, sore red marks from your shoulder straps and grooves where your straps lie, called bra strap syndrome, can happen if your bra doesn't fit correctly and you are in the wrong size bra. Straps that dig into the shoulders and make the shoulders sore are not comfortable to wear. You do not have to suffer any more from your straps. Follow our tips to help relieve chronic pain from your bra.
Our bra specialists advise......
Loosen the shoulder straps or opt for a bra with wider, or padded cushioned straps.
Make sure you're wearing the correct bra size.
Try going up a cup size or a fuller cup to support the breasts.
If you have a larger breast size, you may need a more supportive bra, look for one with side support panels and side bones.
HOW SHOULD MY BRA STRAPS FIT?
Your straps should run parallel at the back and take the weight from the shoulders. Straps should not dig into the shoulders.
Adjust the shoulder straps to ensure they are neither too loose nor too tight.
The straps should sit parallel at the back.
When trying on a new bra always wriggle the shoulders to ensure the straps do not slip.
TIPS TO HELP RELIEVE SORE SHOULDERS FROM YOUR BRA
AmpleBosom.com has a few helpful tips for you to try, to help solve this problem:
-
Make sure that the straps are not too tight - this can cause bra strap syndrome– try loosening the straps making sure that they are still comfortable.
-
You may be wearing the wrong bra size - Your bra band size may be too large - re-measure your bra band size and possibly decrease your bra band size, if the band size on your bra is too loose this will not help support your breasts and all the strain will be on your shoulders.
-
Try a different bra style - wearing a T-back bra can also help with this problem.
-
Try wearing a bra that has bigger, wider straps, rather than very narrow straps, as they are less likely to dig into the shoulders.
-
If the cups on your bra are too full then this can make the straps dig into the shoulders so re-measure your cup size to check that the cup size is not too small and that your breasts fit comfortably.
-
Choose a firmer bra or underwire bras with supportive fabric or a sports bra so that the straps are not doing all the lifting and supporting.
-
Try a bra that has padded straps or cushioned straps to ease pressure and for extra comfort on the shoulders.
-
Try bra strap cushions with your usual bra which can help prevent bra strap marks and straps digging in, these bra cushions fit to most bras.
HOW TO CHECK A BRA FITS WELL AND COMFORTABLY
- Band – the band should be secure and level all the way round, not riding up at the back. The band should sit snug underneath the breast tissue.
- Straps – the straps should run parallel at the back and take the weight from the shoulders. Straps should not dig into the shoulders. Adjust the shoulder straps to ensure they are neither too loose nor too tight. The straps should sit parallel at the back. When trying on a new bra always wriggle the shoulders to ensure the straps do not slip.
- Cups – breasts should be comfortably enclosed in the cups. No bulging or gaping at the top or the sides. Always make sure the nipples are centralised in the cup. Put your hand inside the cup and lift and sweep the breasts.
- Centre panel - the centre front fitting should be snug to the chest wall with no gaps or digging in.
- Underarm - snug fit at the underarm, not too tight and not gaping.
- Wires – if underwired the wires should lie flat. You should not be able to feel the wires when you move around and touch your toes. Stretch your arms towards the ceiling. When you bring your arms back down to your sides, the wires should not dig in.
Visit our bra fitting guide which offers hints and tips for making sure your bra fits properly. Click on the shop now button to browse our full range of bras.
BRA STYLES FOR ULTIMATE COMFORT
There are lots of different styles of bras and everyone will have their own personal preference. Some bra styles are extremely comfortable to wear. You could consider trying any of the following:
- non wired soft cup bra with no wires can offer comfort,
- sports bra can offer support and comfort for all day wear with fabrics that are kind to the skin and wick away moisture for extra comfort,
- full cup bra can fully and comfortably cover the breasts,
- pull on crop top style bra can be comfortable as it doesn't have hook fastenings and is a perfect choice as a sleep bra,
- cotton bra - a cotton fabric is a good choice for sensitive skin,
- front fastening bra offers comfort and support at the back and ease of fastening to the front,
- wide strap bra can have wide, soft, padded straps that stay in place and help support the breasts,
- corselette - can offer comfort as support is over the whole body and not just at the breasts and there is no band or hook fastening to dig in.
Have a look at our bra style guide for a full list of bra styles to consider. Shop our comfortable bras today via the shop now button.
If you would like any help finding a well fitting and comfortable bra then please give our friendly team of bra specialists a call on 01439 798388 or email us here, we will be happy to help.
Also visit our bra fitting guide, our handy bra measuring guide, our useful size guide page with size charts for bras, briefs and nightwear and our blog for advice, tips and recommendations. We are here to help you find your perfect fit!
Our Facebook group is a place for you to ask questions and seek guidance from our team of bra specialists. We share our expertise for finding the perfect bra for you. Give answers to common bra fitting problems and share exclusive updates on new arrivals, latest trends and special offers. You can also chat with like-minded ladies and share your favourite styles and brands with one another.
Join us today...
If you would like to get the latest news on our bra products, with advice and product reviews then you can sign up to our weekly newsletter.