Is your bra bad for you? 70% wear the wrong size
MILLIONS of women could be harming their health by wearing the wrong size bra, experts warn.
Between 70 and 80 per cent have ill-fitting undergarments, risking neck, shoulder and back pain, pinched nerves – and even sagging breasts.
Poorly fitting underwear has also been linked to heartburn, skin rashes and even irritable bowel syndrome.
Now physiotherapists are urging women to check their bust measurements before they buy and get a sports bra to help prevent discomfort and premature sagging that can only be corrected by surgery.
Sammy Margo, of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, said taking the right steps to ensure the correct fit makes all the difference to health as well as posture and self-confidence.
‘Wearing the wrong bra size not only looks bad but also puts you at risk of various health problems,’ she told MailOnline. Sports bras are also essential for all women – especially those with a C-cup and above.
She added: ‘Breasts are suspended by ligaments that will stretch from bouncing if not held firmly in position. If you are well endowed, an ill-fitting, unsupportive bra can cause you to slump and fold your shoulders forward, and lead to painful postural disorders.’
The Society has produced a new breast care guide that includes details on how to check bra sizes correctly and stresses the importance of wearing a sports bra while exercising.
Richard Moore, a consultant osteopath and sports massage therapist in Nottingham, said problems arise from bras that are too tight around the ribs or offer a lack of support at the front.
This puts unnecessary pressure on the diaphragm, which has been linked to digestion problems. Tight straps can also cause skin irritations and reduce blood flow, affecting the nerves and contributing to tension headaches.