What Is the Connection Between Large Breasts and Back Pain?


You can have too much of a good thing.

Ask any woman with overly large breasts how she feels about them and she’ll tell you that big breasts can be a literal pain. This is because many women with large breasts experience back and neck pain.

What’s the connection between breast size and back pain? What can you do if your breasts are causing discomfort? We’ll explore these topics to help you determine if breast reduction in Minneapolis may be a good option for you.

Large Breasts and Back Pain: What’s the Connection?

Research is still exploring the connection between large breasts and back pain, but it does appear that there is a link. Several medical studies show that a large breast size and upper back pain often occur together. It is believed that the weight of heavy breasts can create downward force on muscles, tendons, and bones, creating pain and discomfort. Large breasts can also inhibit the body’s ability to move easily and properly, leading to weight gain and discomfort from reduced physical activity.

We see the link between large breasts and back pain almost every day at our practice. Our breast reduction patients tell us how much better they feel after surgery. These women report increased confidence and comfort after their procedures.

If you’re experiencing back pain and you have large breasts, come see Dr. Landis to explore breast reduction surgery.

What Happens During a Breast Reduction Procedure?

Breast reduction surgery removes skin, fat, and tissue to create smaller, rounded, more lifted breasts. This procedure improves both the shape and size of the breasts, bringing them into better proportion with the rest of the body.

There are several different techniques for breast reduction surgery. Dr. Landis typically performs a vertical reduction mammoplasty. This technique minimizes scarring and produces a perky breast with lots of forward projection. This approach is less invasive than some breast reduction techniques, allowing patients to recover more quickly and significantly reducing discomfort after surgery.

Dr. Landis will customize your surgery based on factors such as your personal aesthetic goals and unique anatomy. He’ll work with you to create breasts that complement your body and help you to feel more comfortable and confident.

Will Breast Reduction Surgery Eliminate My Back Pain?

Are heavy breasts weighing you down? Many of our patients report a dramatic decrease in back, shoulder, or neck pain after breast reduction surgery.

Other potential benefits of this procedure include:

  • Improved clothing fit
  • Increased comfort and fewer limitations during exercise
  • Reduced pain in back, shoulder, and neck
  • Reduced discomfort from bra straps
  • Improved proportions
  • Relief from itching and rashes underneath the breasts

While this procedure is commonly performed to reduce pain and discomfort from heavy breasts, each patient responds to surgery differently. The benefits you’ll experience will depend on many factors including the size of your natural breasts, the amount of breast tissue removed, and the symptoms you’re experiencing before surgery.

Ask Dr. Landis what benefits you’re likely to experience after breast reduction surgery.

Does Insurance Cover Breast Reduction Surgery?

Back pain caused by large breasts may be considered a treatable medical condition by your health insurance company. Many policies will pay a portion of your surgical costs if certain conditions are met. Insurance coverage and policies vary greatly. Talk with your insurance company for more information about your policy.

Learn more about breast reduction surgery with Dr. Landis by calling (952) 562-5940 to schedule a consultation. Contact us today!

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