Do you think too tight pants causes abdominal problems?

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Specializes in ER.

This is just an anecdotal observation of, especially the female population that comes to the ER. I notice that when I assist the ladies into their gowns, that many many women wear ridiculously tight pants. I mean tight in the waist. And they're always complaining of abdominal pain.

I remember reading about the corsets of yesteryear, and how they were a real health hazard to the women of the day, who tightened them much too tight. I think we may have a similar problem now.

I don't know why they wear such tight pants, if they want to be a size or two smaller, they are choosing the wrong pants for their shape, or what... But I think it's a big problem for the female population. I'd like to see some evidence based studies so I could tactfully educate the public.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Emergency, CEN.

Ok, you might have a point, but I was laughing while reading your post because of all the muffin top images that immediately went through my mind. I don't know if a tight pants waist causes problems or not though.

Women certainly seem to be really targeted on the SIZE of their clothes. I remember being in high school and squeezing into a pants size two sizes too small just to be able to say that I wore a size ___.

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I don't have any evidence based studies to share, but it's not difficult to find information on the problems caused by constrictive clothing such as acid reflux and meralgia paresthetica.

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I agree with the above posts . . . no access to any research at this moment but I'll bet tight pants CAN cause abdominal problems.

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I've heard recently (not sure if there's a study or not to support this) talk amongst my physician colleagues of an increase in knee problems in today's youth due to....skinny jeans.

Can tight pants cause and/or worsen abdominal issues? I wouldn't bet against it.

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Specializes in Psych.

Yes I think they do. Tight pants on men or women can raise blood pressure, due to the constriction. That's not a gastric situation, but it's a problem. Having battled IBS for years, I finally figured out that tight waistlines caused a very uncomfortable feeling. I am careful now to not buy any pants with elastic all around - like scrubs have. I only buy scrubs with drawstrings or elastic only in the back. I try on pants to make sure the waistline is going to be loose enough, or fall below the natural waistline. The waistband needs to be snug enough to stay up, but not cause any lines or constrictions. TMI, I know.

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If my waistband is too tight, I get the worst gas.

Hope that helps. :)

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When I was in high school/college and going to the doctor frequently (2-3x a year for probably 5 years) complaining about abdominal pain/issues the doctors' frequently asked if my clothes were too tight. Turns out it was celiac disease, but I did find a lot of research saying tight-waisted clothes will cause stomach issues. I'm sure if you did a search you'd be able to find a lot.

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SoldierNurse22 said:
I've heard recently (not sure if there's a study or not to support this) talk amongst my physician colleagues of an increase in knee problems in today's youth due to....skinny jeans.

Can tight pants cause and/or worsen abdominal issues? I wouldn't bet against it.

Skinny jeans on some people make me think of denim Ted hose :wideyed:

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Specializes in Gerontology RN-BC and FNP MSN student.

There are more factors besides the physical symptoms. I would say you are right Emergent.

The peer pressure to wear jeans that the upper inner thighs do not touch is also a fad. These kids now a days have so much pressure to be thin. I thought it was bad in my youth, but I think it's getting worse.

They either have pants falling down to their knees while trying to walk.....or skinny jeans practically painted on....Geessh what is the deal with this non-sense? :specs:

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Here's some reading you might like:

Warning: Tight pants, skinny jeans and Spanx may be hazardous to your health - CBS News

Why control pants can give you panic attacks... and the other hazards of too-tight clothes | Mail Online

The dangers of squeezing into skinny jeans

I remember, I think it was in the 80s, there was a flurry of news articles about girls with abdominal problems due to over drying their jeans so they would be skin tight.

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Anything that impedes circulation or places pressure on tissues not designed for it will cause tissue dysfunction.

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