Can Breast Reduction Reduce My Back Pain?
Back pain stems from injuries, poor posture, and, believe it or not, your chest. Large breasts aren't something most women enjoy, especially when they begin to pull at your upper back and neck muscles.
Large breasts can be genetic, happen from being overweight, or occur after pregnancy, but you don't have to live with them. If you're living with back and neck pain from your chest, you may want to consider breast reduction surgery.
At Breast, Body, Beauty Plastic, and Reconstructive Surgery, Dr. Aisha Baron and our team provide surgical and nonsurgical options in Atlanta, Georgia, to help you feel your best. Dr. Baron is an experienced plastic surgeon who offers breast reductions, breast lifts, and breast augmentations to give you the chest you're dreaming of.
Large breasts and back pain
Have you ever come home after a long day and felt your neck and upper back muscles pulling and aching? Do you have trouble finding supportive bras that give your breasts the proper support? You're not alone if you're living with back or neck pain and big breasts.
But why do your breasts cause pain elsewhere? As you age and after pregnancy, your breast tissue begins to sag and may become more prominent with weight gain. When your breasts fall below your ribs, the weight causes your upper body to roll or hunch forward, pulling on your muscles.
Your posture changes over time, especially when you don't have a supportive bra to lift and hold your breasts in place. The weight of your breast tissue strains your muscles, leading to chronic neck and back discomfort.
But back pain is only one of the issues that can occur with big breasts. You may also develop rashes or sore skin underneath your breasts and have a hard time finding bras that fit correctly. It's also challenging to exercise appropriately when your breasts are in the way and your back hurts.
Diet and specific exercises may decrease your chest size slightly. Still, if your breasts are causing immense discomfort, you may want to think about breast reduction.
What is breast reduction?
Breast reduction is a surgical procedure that reduces the size of your breasts and positions them where they should be on your chest. Breast reduction surgery is an option for women who are physically and mentally drained from large breasts.
During breast reduction surgery, Dr. Baron carefully removes excess tissue to reduce the size of your breasts. She then reshapes your breasts and lifts them to a better position that supports your chest, back, and neck.
Although breast reduction surgery may seem overwhelming, it's an excellent option when you're struggling with your chest size. You may be a good candidate for breast reduction if you:
- Have poor posture from your breasts
- Have extremely heavy breasts
- Have trouble with bras digging into your skin
- Live with activity restrictions
- Have breasts that aren't proportionate
Immediately after surgery, you'll notice a difference in your breast size and probably less pain in your neck and back. It will be easier to find clothes that fit, and you can finally get a run in without struggling to breathe or being uncomfortable during workouts.
Breast reduction surgery for back pain
Women choose to have breast reduction for many reasons, including acute or chronic back pain from overly large breasts. If you struggle with discomfort from poor posture and have tried other solutions, it might be the next step for your needs.
There's no specific size that's right for a breast reduction. Dr. Baron discusses your goals and needs to determine how much breast tissue to remove during surgery. The goal is to decrease the weight on your chest and give you breasts that are proportionate to your body.
Dr. Baron talks with you about your symptoms to determine if your breasts are the leading cause of back pain. She may also discuss weight loss, because if you're attempting to lose weight, you may want to put surgery off until you meet your goal.
However, if your breasts are prohibiting you from exercise or activities, it's an excellent option to talk about breast reduction during your weight loss process. The procedure can significantly relieve stress on your neck, back, and chest to improve your quality of life.
When nothing else has worked to relieve your back pain, improve your posture, or reduce the strain on your neck and shoulders, breast reduction could be the answer to a lighter, happier life with a smaller bra size.
Contact our team by phone or request an appointment on our website today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Baron.