Posture is everything. It’s your confidence, your health, and quite possibly, something that needs a significant adjustment. Many variables affect poor posture in both men and women; sitting at a desk all day, looking down at your cell phone, working out with incorrect form, and even driving.

Although poor posture is an issue many people need to address, women with larger chests or implants can suffer the most. Rounded shoulders and forward leaning to make up for the extra weight in front can create a narrow neck and back. “Women have a different body structure, and usually have more weight out front in their chests, which could lead to slouching and hunching,” according to Dr. Jay Farren, one of NYC’s top chiropractors.

Just because you have more substantial implants or a larger chest, it doesn’t mean you’re forever doomed to back pain. If you are choosing to enlarge your breasts, here’s what you should know.

 

First, the weight and size of the implants affect posture tremendously. Before choosing what size you would like your augmentation to be, take into consideration your build, back muscle strength, and how your posture is pre-surgery. More weight out front requires an increased load on the back muscles that handle posture.
-Dr. Farren

 

If back pain does occur post breast augmentation, some women may be concerned that they will not be able to get adjusted because they have implants, but that’s not always the case. Depending on the size and when the surgery was performed, there are different techniques for each situation.

What else is causing your back pain?

If you’re someone who is naturally busty and suffer from back pain, you may be doing things every day that are making your posture and pain worse without even realizing it. Dr. Farren explains how carrying a bag on one side, partaking in specific workouts, sitting for long periods of time, and wearing high heels on a daily basis have a significant effect on posture, “The heaviness of the bag is what causes the issue; therefore a smaller, light purse will help alleviate some of the stress that a woman is putting on her back.”

Along with breast size, Dr. Farren tells us there are many other issue-causing factors that his female patients present him with, “Women are more prone to inflammation due to hormones, so I get women who experience a lot of pain during their cycle. Also, women tend to wear high heels, which put a lot of pressure on their hips and lower back.”

Height and weight can play a role too. Usually taller individuals over 6 feet tend to lean over more to get to everyone else’s height. Perhaps it’s more of a social thing. Weight is a huge factor. People that carry their weight out front in their belly or chest require more strength and activity from their postural muscles in their back. Overload can cause back pain and even chronic issues to their knees and hips as well.

Taking pain relief a step further, it’s not uncommon for people to turn to acupuncture. Acupuncture is excellent for relieving tension and decreasing pain. It also helps tremendously with restoring energy.

Final Tips From Dr. Farren:

  1. Does a person with perfect posture exist? It’s not likely, but if you want to have good posture, remember, you should be standing tall enough where if a line is drawn down your side, your ears will line up to your shoulders and your hip.
  2. Don’t sit in one place for too long. If you find yourself sitting for more then a half hour, get up and stand for 30 seconds to reset!

 

Dr. James Farren has practiced chiropractic in downtown Manhattan for over 12 years, and  takes great pride in providing the finest chiropractic wellness care to his patients. A graduate of The University of Bridgeport Chiropractic College in 2004, Dr. Farren began his Chiropractic career at Champion Medical Services on Fulton Street in Manhattan, New York, before opening his own practice.

*Provided by Dey Street Chiropractic