Entries RSSIll fitting bras can be hazardous to your health
Bras are an integral part of any woman. The right size of the bra can do wonders to a woman’s figure. But how many of them wear the right size of the bra? It may come as a shock to you but it is projected that well over 70 percent of women wear ill-fitting bras. This not only leads to uneasiness, but it can actually manifest as actual pain over time.
For most people, bras are top down support systems. In lay man’s language, this means that they view the support being provided by the straps over the shoulders. But the truth is that bras are meant to be bottom up support system. The strap around the bottom of the bra is aimed to carry 80 percent of the weight of the breasts with the cups and straps taking on the remaining weight.
This can lead to physical discomfort that one might not always correlate with the ill fitting bra. Let’s take a closer look at some of the health issues that arise due to wearing ill fitting bras.
Breathing problems: It has been observed by The British School of Osteopathy that ill-fitting fashion bras put stress on bones and muscles, which can cause breathing problems. The study reported that badly fitting and tight bras supported the breast by pressing on the rib cage which restricts breathing and puts pressure on the diaphragm.
Constipation: Fashion bras can tighten the rib cage by several inches more than conventional bras. The pressure can affect digestion. This results in constipation as the digestive process is restricted because of pressure on the diaphragm.
Shoulder pain: The trapezius muscle connects the neck to the shoulder. A badly fitting bra providing inadequate support causes this muscle to tighten, to take up the weight of the breasts. This can lead to shoulder, neck and back pain because this muscle is being persistently strained.
Skin problems: it has been found through several studies that bras which are too tight can cause lesions or lumps on the skin - also called lympomas. They are caused because of the hooks on the back of bras which dig into the skin.
Circulatory problems: The regular wearing of a sports or tight-fitting bra can also cause circulatory problems if the elastic around the rib cage is too tight. Also, constantly having breasts being pushed inwards can cause constraint in circulation, which may damage breast tissue.
Breast cancer: A U.S. study carried out by scientists concluded that the odds of getting breast cancer increased dramatically in women who wore bad fitting bras.
You may not have been aware of all the problems that can be caused because of wearing ill fitting bras. But I am sure reading this article has opened your eyes to all the health hazards. It is never too late to correct your folly. Check whether you are wearing the right size of the bra and change if not!