Large Breasted Women--back Issues?

I have some bad back issues (but I'm small breasted). Physical therapy really has helped me. And then when I was feeling somewhat better I started gently yoga. Yoga for the past 2 years has also really helped probably because it keeps me stronger. Going to the chiropractor now and then also seems to help a lot...as well as massage. Good luck!

Two suggestions.

1) Measure yourself one more time and make sure that you're a 42DD and not, say, a 36H or something. I know you're thinking, noooooo, that can't be! But I'm here to tell you that it very well could be, and wearing the right size bra will help. Here's a video that shows exactly how to measure yourself properly: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Jk55ep4XUQ

2) We are all built differently, and you may find that even if/when your bra fits properly, your back still aches. Mine did. I finally went in for breast reduction surgery 3 weeks ago. WOW, I wish I had done this years ago. Yeah, there's some recovery time. It was pretty awful the first week after surgery. But after that, I've basically been fine, healing well, and my back pain is GONE. I went from a 34I to a 34C/D. I still have plenty to fill out my swimsuit, but my back feels like I'm 20 years old again. So, there's always that, if a properly fitting bra doesn't help.

Good luck!

I had a friend who had some back issues, and was extremely well endowed. (I don't know her size, but her girls were ridiculous.)

She tried a lot of things to help her back issues. E first thing that she said gave her significant relief was getting professionally fitted for her bra size. Turned out she was wearing the wrong size, and it messed with her.

She also joined a gym, and a personal trainer (who was free for a month on joining the gym... Lol.) helped her strengthen her core, along with targeting her back and shoulder regions.

Between the right bra and exercise, she got a lot of relief from her back pains, but still occasionally suffered from them.

Ultimately, she did get breast reduction surgery. She is very happy with the results, and her back issues have vanished. (She does still keep up with her exercise routine.) She said the best thing was that it helped her self-confidence, as she was pretty concious about her (as she put it) "mega-boobs."

You can have back issues with small or no breasts. Have your doctor give you a prescription for physical therapy. They will work with you to strengthen you core which will support your back better.

I hear of these cases and honestly cannot relate. My breasts have always been on the large side, and my mother always made sure that I wore a supportive bra. I never got to wear the cute little teen sets, because I learned somewhere along the way that my girls needed to be seen and not heard. I am currently a size 34 H/I. When my favorite bra starts fitting differently (relxing on the job), I begin my search for a new one. I push through until I find what I need.

I know that it's not the same for everybody, but may I suggest that your back hurts because you don't have proper support? Also, maybe your posture has been affected, and now it's all showing up. I mention that because I have always stood up straight (people even think I'm taller) and, like I've said, had fairly large breasts on a fairly small frame; I have NEVER had back pains. I've had minor shoulder pain after a full day in a tightly adjusted bra--whoo! My breasts are heavy--I can tell when I hold them in my hands--but they've never felt heavy in a bra. My bra is my best friend, which is why I wonder if you are wearing the correct fit. Even having the right size isn't enough. Every bra in that size won't be the same, as you know. It's a hassle, but I think that you should shop around a bit until you find the bra that will carry your breasts for you. I mean, what good is carrying a pocketbook or a backpack if you're also gonna carry your stuff in your arms? And then, make sure that you are always standing straight.

Good luck.

I'm a 34 DDD and small framed. When I was breastfeeding, I was a 36 J. Insane. So, yes pretty much constant back, neck, and shoulder pain my whole adult life. Doctors have suggested breast reduction, but I'm not really at a point in my life where I want to address this- eventually. Physical therapy has helped. Have your doctor refer you to a PT or suggest some at home exercises.

Before my reduction my back would hurt and go numb all the time, I was as H cup. Pain can be worse if you are not wearing a properly fitting bra, are you sure of your size?

I totally agree with the first point by Hell On Heels, right below. Are you certain of your bra size? I am always skeptical when a woman says she is a xxDD, particularly when the band is a 38 or above. In most stores, DD is the largest cup size they carry, so women with larger breasts have to go up in the band to get cups that fit (the cups of a 42DD are larger than a 36DD, which has bigger cups than a 30DD). I wore a 38/40DD for years before discovering that I am in fact a 36H. What a huge difference the right size and right bra has made!

Most of the support from your bra comes from the band around your ribcage, so if it is too loose, you won't have proper support. Does your band sit level around your back or is it higher in the back than the front?
When you measure your ribcage for your bra size NEVER ADD ANY INCHES TO THE MEASUREMENT. Just round to the nearest even number. Also, make sure you buy bras that are snug and supportive on the very loosest hook, that way you can tighten as the bra ages and stretches out to maintain proper fit.

Here's hoping a new bra fixes the problem :)

The best thing you can do for yourself is twofold. Get a proper bra. MOST stores are limited in their sizes. I would strongly recommend a trip to INTIMACY (www.intimacy.com). Even the trip to the one closest to you is worth the expense and the trip. They are amazing. I have two neices that are petite in frame but large in boobs. Sort of like a live Jessica Rabbit from Who Framed Roger Rabbit.

Long story short they have had such a hard time getting the right sized bras but this store has such a variety of sized from the number and the cup. Their bras are beautiful and well made and worth every dime. It's worth saving up for and making the trip. They fit you unlike any other store you have ever been too. They also can make alterations to their bras if necessary as you loose or gain some weight. I love the service they provide and am seriously considering NEVER buying another bra from any one else.

I worked with a woman that did have back issues. Her bra straps would also dig into her shoulders. She had to fight for it being a medical necessity but she did get a reduction. She had some problems, and I believe an infection but when it was all done and healed, she was glad she did it. She later had 2 kids but did not breastfeed. Not sure if that was what she decided or couldn't because the surgery.