[NRSKarenRN]

From PA Nurses enewsletter:

Stiff Neck, Aching Back? Think it's Stress? Could be Your Bra!
National Survey Reveals That Six in 10 Women Say Their Bras Cause Back, Shoulder or Neck Pain

Tugging, itching and pulling your bra may be more than a signal for discomfort but the onset of back pain. Approximately three in five (59%) U.S. women who wear a bra say it causes back, shoulder or neck pain, according to a national survey released today. The survey, conducted by Harris Interactive®, was commissioned by the North American Spine Society (NASS) and Maidenform, Inc. which are teaming up on an educational campaign to help women select a bra that fits correctly and avoid back pain.

While the vast majority of women who wear a bra strongly or somewhat agree that comfort is their most important consideration when choosing a bra (87%) about three in five (59%) agree that their bra never seems to fit them quite right, and about two in five (41%) agree their bra does not provide the support they need.The survey revealed that women who experience back, shoulder or neck pain attributed to their bra are most likely to cite the straps (62%) as the main culprit. Forty four percent cite the bra's band around the ribcage and 25% attribute the under wire as the bra part that makes them the most uncomfortable.

As a result, more than half (53%) of women whose bras cause them pain have tried to solve the issue by purchasing a new bra, and about two in five (41%) have loosened the straps while wearing their bra. Only 12% of wearers have sought professional advice on how to find a better fitting bra. Attitudes about bra fit and function vary by generation.

Compared to their older counterparts, younger women are more likely to agree that their bra never seems to fit exactly right (71% women 18-34 vs. 49% women 55+) and that their breasts often bounce when they walk (53% women 18-34 vs. 29% women 55+). Younger women also shared that the shoulder straps of their bra always fall off (47% women 18-34 vs. 25% women 55+).

For guidelines on how to determine whether you are wearing the correct bra size, log-on to www.maidenform.com.

[Grace Oz]

See, this is EXACTLY why us "Baby Boomers" burnt our bra's back in the 60's-70's!!!!!

[Marie_LPN, RN]

I can't burn my bra, i need that thing. Those OR rooms are cold, and i would be revealing more to other people than planned even WITH the shirt on if i went braless.

[mercyteapot]

I have my bras custom fitted. It is the only way to ensure a correct fit, IMHO. I never got it right when I tried to do it myself, no matter how closely I followed the guidelines.

[Marie_LPN, RN]

Originally Posted by mercyteapot

I have my bras custom fitted. It is the only way to ensure a correct fit, IMHO. I never got it right when I tried to do it myself, no matter how closely I followed the guidelines.

If you don't mind, where do you go to get this done? I actually need a custom fit, but i don't know of any place that does this specifically.

[mercyteapot]

Originally Posted by Marie_LPN

If you don't mind, where do you go to get this done? I actually need a custom fit, but i don't know of any place that does this specifically.

I have mine done at Nordstrom's. It has ranged from an extra $25-$50 extra per bra, which is nothing when you consider how often you end up wearing them! I'd ask at any of the better lingerie departments in your area.

[Marie_LPN, RN]

We have a Nordstom's not too far from here. I'll be heading there next weekend.

[P_RN]

Good hints. I've been buying the Curvations by Vanity Fair. They are the best fitting I've come across in retail (not fitted like yours obviously.)

[VivaLasViejas]

And to think I believed it was my "girls" that were causing my back pain all these years!!

I don't think there's a bra on earth made to fit a 44-DDD properly. I put the darned thing on in the morning, and I feel like I'm buckling myself into harness; I take it off at night, and my head hits the dresser. If there's a way to work with that, I haven't found it in the 37 years I've been wearing a bra........maybe it'd be worth it to make the drive to the closest Nordie's to have one fitted correctly. Thanks for the idea, Karen!

[BabyRN2Be]

I have found this to be definitely true. When I could afford getting custom-fitted bras, the trouble went away. I guess I could still go to a place that does this, the bra itself at the other place was pretty expensive. ~$50?

We have a place that does custom fit bras, it's called The Bust Stop. It was pretty good and I might go there again, one day. It really did help.

I hear that Victoria Secret will custom fit bras, but I might be wrong on that.

I'd say it'd be a good investment.