Bras are uncomfortable for many women. Even women who don’t suffer from spine conditions face back and neck pain from wearing a brassiere that doesn’t fit them correctly. So, as you can imagine, those who do suffer from any sort of underlying back condition face a lot of pain. Luckily, it’s possible to find a bra that fits you and helps to alleviate any pain you’re currently experiencing. Keep reading for three tips to navigate choosing a brassiere that works best for you and your unique needs.
1. Rule out other causes of pain.
While there’s a great chance your back pain is exacerbated by your bra, you should also work on treating the pain at its source. There’s a range of spine conditions that might be causing the discomfort and pain you may be experiencing. Your spine is quite an important structure within your body. It’s made up of of four different sections. These spinal sections include the cervical spine, the thoracic spine, the lumbar spine and the sacral spine. The cervical spine is responsible for the vertebrae that make up the neck. The thoracic spine encompasses the upper back. The lumbar spine includes the lower back, and the sacral spine includes the vertebrae near the pelvis.
Any number of ailments, diseases, and conditions can affect your spine. Some of these spine conditions include scoliosis, spinal stenosis, osteoporosis, degenerative disc disease or herniation. Any number of these conditions can cause neck pain, low back pain, numbness and neck pain. It’s best to get in touch with an orthopedist or a spinal doctor who can find the best treatment options for your particular condition.
For example, scoliosis can sometimes be managed with a brace. Or if you have spinal stenosis, the narrowing of the spinal cord, some procedures can help block spinal nerve pain. By getting all of this critical information about your spine, you can start to make more informed decisions when you need to purchase your next undergarments.
2. Understand your needs.
Now that you now whether or not you have a spinal condition, you can get the treatment for your particular needs. By understanding those needs, you can better equip yourself with a bra that works with your spine and not against it. For example, if you have pain in the thoracic region of your spine, a bralette might be a more comfortable option than a push-up brassiere with a heavy underwire, since this is the region where the band hits. Or, if you suffer from scoliosis, the straps might dig into your shoulders, causing pain. A great idea for this spine condition is to try a razorback option. Keep your needs in mind to buy an undergarment that works best for you, but also one that boosts your confidence when you wear it. Just because you’re looking for something that helps with a particular medical condition doesn’t mean that your bra can’t be fun and make you feel great as well.
3. Buy quality undergarments.
It’s difficult to find bras that are comfortable, affordable, and aligned with your tastes. When it comes to finding one, especially if you have a spine condition, comfort is at the top of the list. Bra stores like Soma have a wide variety of undergarments that can work well if you suffer from back pain. The problem with many brassieres is that the wires can cause strain on the back, so look for one that doesn’t include an underwire. On top of a wireless option, Soma also sells post-surgery bras, nursing bras, and bralettes. If you’re trying to find one on a budget, look into their clearance section for an even better deal. It’s also great that Soma has free shipping on U.S. orders for any full-price brassieres that you purchase or free shipping if you spend $100. This includes their sleep apparel, panties, and bras as well.
Overall, finding a bra that doesn’t exacerbate back pain is possible. By understanding your particular spine condition and what you need to alleviate the pain, you can find a quality bra that works for you in no time.
