Large breasts and back pain: Any advice?

Hi.
I have an extremely disproportionate bust for my frame—a narrow ribcage (size 32 or 34) paired with DD cups.
MY BACK IS KILLING ME: whether I’m working long hours at the computer, dealing with stress, or that perfect mix of both, or even just dealing with hormonal shifts. Basically: ALL THE TIME.
The pain is concentrated in my cervical spine and upper back.
My primary care physician didn't even laugh when I told her my breasts were actually the cause of the problem. Unbelievable.
First off, she handed me a sheet of exercises meant for lower back issues, not where I'm actually hurting. Then she prescribed swimming three times a week, which is totally useless for me since I don't have the time, I have sensitive skin, and I've had bad experiences with public pools.
I've even considered surgery because I heard Medicare might cover the costs if it's deemed a health necessity. But I'm completely discouraged because this idiot wouldn't even give me a referral to a specialist, let alone discuss a real solution.
If you've dealt with something similar, please tell me how you handled it. A good link for exercises would help, or any info on the surgery itself (like what the actual cost looks like).
THANKS

I totally get where you're coming from... I went through the same internal debate about whether to just get the surgery or not. It’s not even that my breasts are huge, they're just heavy—and during certain times of the month, it gets way worse 🙄
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In the end, I decided to just leave things as they are. Honestly, I just couldn't bring myself to do it.

My back isn't actually the main issue—it's more about how people look at me and assume I have posture problems... I used to be really into fitness, so I actually have muscle... both core and back. Lately, I haven't been as active, so I feel the strain a bit more, though it’s less about sitting at the computer all day and more about when I'm walking for long periods.

The real trouble is my thoracic area—you know, right where the bra clasps. Because of the weight, that part of my torso just slumps forward, and I have to stretch and "reset" myself several times a day. That reset involves arching backward as hard as I can until my vertebrae click back into place (makes that popping sound, like cracking your knuckles). Then I'm good for a while. I do this every few hours whenever I need to—in the grocery store, at work, out on the street... I don't give a damn what people think anymore, because if I don't do it, it hurts.

Second thing—and in my experience, this is huge—is finding a good bra. Support is everything. Everyone will tell you that, but the real question is what actually counts as a *good* bra. Basically, your breasts need to be fully contained in the cup, whether it's underwired, padded, or whatever. The band needs to be snug without digging in, and the straps should be wide enough so they don't cut into your shoulders. This means for everyday wear, you can pretty much forget about lace and sexy lingerie. You're left with the basic, almost medical-looking stuff 😂. I've seen some decent, classy versions at Marks & Spencer. They aren't even pricey given the quality, but their sizing never works for me, so I've never bought anything there 🤷—it's like every manufacturer thinks their numbers are the same. I avoid Liscin too when it comes to bras... the styles just don't fit me right.

Victoria's Secret is my go-to 👍. They're cute and they actually carry larger sizes with a great band-to-cup ratio.

As for exercises, I can't really explain exactly what you should do right now... but from what I've learned, having a strong core and back is way more important than chest muscles. Chest muscles are mostly for aesthetics; the back is what actually holds everything up. Though, if your back is overdeveloped compared to your abs (or vice versa), it's not ideal either. You need that front-to-back balance to stay upright. I'll try to find some workout links for you later.

They used to make those posture correction belts, too. I wore one during puberty and it helped... but I have no idea where my mom even bought it.

Also, I can't stress enough how important skin care is. For me, weight fluctuations show up first in my chest. If I wasn't constantly applying oils and creams, I'd definitely have stretch marks and skin sagging down to my belly by now. Because of the upkeep, everything is still mostly where it started when it grew 😁. I'm a little nervous about pregnancy, and given my size... I think I might consciously decide not to breastfeed... but that's not really my focus right now.

And the weirdest part? It surprises me how many women seem to have larger breasts lately, and how much they suffer because of it.

I know some people are jealous, but personally, I feel terrible sometimes because I can't just wear whatever I want...

P.S. I've heard/read that Medicare covers the surgery if it's a health risk... but knowing our healthcare system, that feels more like an urban legend to me.

I’m totally with Angela Martin2 on this one. 👍

Core strength is everything here. It supports your back, and since all that weight from our chests is concentrated right there, we really need those muscles. I think daily ab workouts are key, plus staying mindful of weight—it feels like whenever we gain a few pounds, our breasts are always the first thing to notice. Also, posture is huge: shoulders back, stomach tucked in! And definitely go for a bra with wider straps...

But yeah, nothing groundbreaking there, I guess.

Thanks, Angela Martin2. I'll definitely check out Victoria's Secret. Finding a decent bra is always a struggle for me.
Right now, my best ones are from Victoria's Secret. I actually own a posture corrector too... good call on that idea.

As for weight gain, it’s honestly ridiculous. Even if I lose weight, my bust size barely changes. Seriously. At my goal weight—around 115 lbs at 5'4"—my cup size would be pretty much the same as it is now at 120 lbs.

..and yeah, thanks for the advice, everyone!😁

Reviving this thread since summer is finally here—which means my annual struggle is back... hunting for a decent bikini.

I’ve hit a few shops already (don't have the energy for a marathon) and, predictably, 👎 the selection is pretty meh.

Liscin — just the usual stuff, nothing that actually fits me right;

random big-box stores — honestly, don't even bother.

The Victoria's Secret shop closed down—last time I swung by they were remodeling, so who knows if they're even open now.

To everyone else suffering through this... where are you guys finding bikinis? What's the quality like? Styles? Support?

I might just take a gamble on Victoria's Secret this year. Found two styles (ignoring the pattern for now) that I'm torn between:

1. http://www2.victoriassecret.com/imag...269783_Q71.jpg

- looks good on her 🙄
- seems like there's enough fabric to actually cover everything
- not sure about that strap underneath though... wonder how much it digs in or disappears under the bust if you're more curvy
- can't pick cup sizes, just standard S, M, L

1. http://www2.victoriassecret.com/imag...i2/V286732.jpg

- comes in different cup sizes
- looks sturdy
- the underwire seems like it'd provide solid support 😁

Thoughts? Which one's going to give better lift? 🤷

My cousin actually decided to go through with a breast reduction. It wasn't an easy call for her, especially considering how major the surgery is. However, everything went smoothly and she’s really happy with the results today. She’s walking normally, isn't in any pain, and doesn't have those bra straps digging into her shoulders anymore.

I caught a glimpse of those gorgeous green and white striped UR posters
and honestly, I almost lost my lunch just looking at them... totally nauseating...

About those suggestions—I’m feeling the first one, but that pink one? Not my vibe at all...
Have you actually tried them yet?
And what are we looking at price-wise?

Angela Martin2 (No content provided to rewrite.)
Reviving this thread. Summer has arrived, bringing my usual struggle along with it—the endless search for a decent swimsuit.

Hit a few shops today—can't muster the energy for anything else. Same old story, as usual. 👎 Regarding the offer.

Liscin—their standard selection features models I simply don't resemble.

The store has no name worth mentioning.

The Victoria's Secret store closed down. Last I checked, they were undergoing some renovations. I have no idea if they've reopened yet.

Ladies sharing my struggle, where do you find your bras? What are they like? Any specific models or cup styles?

I might actually take the plunge with Victoria's Secret this year. I've narrowed it down to two models—though the specific samples don't really matter—and I'm currently torn between them:

1. A photograph from Victoria's Secret. Quite minimalist.

It suits her quite well. 🙄
It appears there is sufficient material to cover everything.
I am uncertain about this bottom band. I can't tell if it will dig in or simply lose its shape if my bust size increases.
The cup size isn't an option; they only offer standard S, M, or L.

1. A visual from Victoria's Secret. Quite simple.

The baskets come in various sizes.
It appears sturdy.
I find wire baskets to be a consistently reliable storage solution. 😁

What are your thoughts? Which of these two offers better support? 🤷

I struggle with breast issues as well. It is particularly difficult during ovulation or when dealing with PMS. They aren't necessarily large, just heavy and wide. Depending on the style, I frequently find myself needing an F or even a G cup. Currently, I am an 85F, and since losing weight, my cup size hasn't changed at all.

To be honest, I have similar proportions. I actually saw a similar bodysuit at the Victoria's Secret in San Diego. Everything there seems a bit small; on the mannequin, it looks like it offers full coverage, but in reality, I doubt it. So, I won't be finding any bodysuits there.

I used to stick to Liscin for my bras and bodysuits, until I discovered Triumph. The band fits perfectly; no matter how much I move around, it stays exactly where it should. They offer wider straps, though you can find narrower ones if you look. The price point isn't bad either—around $45.$133I used to spend even more time browsing the racks at Liscin. I just stopped by, saw what was there, and picked it up—all within about twenty minutes. Much better than dealing with the usual stress and hassle.

I am opening this discussion because I find myself with a pressing inquiry.
Do any of you suffer from chronic shoulder issues?

About a year or two ago, I began experiencing what I have come to label my "psychosomatic shoulder." I endure excruciating pain in my right shoulder—the one I use to operate my mouse—and I initially presumed the culprit was simply repetitive strain. However, I eventually deduced that stress plays a significant role, as the pain flares up whenever I find myself agitated.
It is a purely muscular affliction, characterized by a spasm that tightens everything from my neck down through the shoulder, radiating pain all the way through my arm.

I was more or less satisfied with that explanation until a few days ago, when I was walking down the street and realized, quite suddenly, that the intensity of the pain was escalating.
Upon returning home, I examined my posture in the mirror and reached a sobering realization: while walking or standing, I maintain an unnaturally rigid posture by constantly contracting my back, abdominal, and shoulder muscles. Consequently, my shoulders are perpetually hiked up and pulled back. This is entirely subconscious, a habit likely ingrained in me long ago because I was taught that such a posture is 🙂most aesthetically pleasing.

It was a perfect storm of factors: poor posture driven by the desire to accentuate my chest, my general muscle tension, and the constant use of a computer mouse.

Do any of you ladies have any advice on how to actually relax these shoulder muscles? I strive to maintain good posture, but I am perhaps being far too corrective. What is the solution? Are we women destined to live in perpetual agony—if not in our lower backs, then in our shoulders, and if not there, then inevitably in our backs? 😢
I could meditate until the end of time, but when I am out in the world trying to manage these two heavy burdens, it is nearly impossible to truly let go...

About 11 years ago, I actually went through a reduction—downsizing from a 6 to a 3... though as I’ve gotten older, I’ve settled into a lovely 4. Mind you, I’m on the petite side—only about 5'3"

Let's be real here, though... back pain and shoulder aches aren't solely because of breasts. It’s also the way we sit, wearing heels, and just—well, life happens... age definitely takes its toll

I make sure to head out for a massage and some light chiropractic work every two or three weeks with this wonderful lady, and so far, it’s doing the trick—whenever the discomfort starts creeping in, I just book an appointment...
iiii yeah... obviously I don't exercise nearly enough, even though I know I should... but let's stay on track 😁