Why does your back hurt along your bra line? (+3 reasons)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this article, we will discuss the reason for back pain along the bra line. We will also discuss some interventions which may reduce the upper back pain.
Why does your back hurt along your bra line?
Your back hurts along your bra line mainly because of an ill-fitting bra. A loose bra may not give support to your breasts. On the other hand, if your bra is too tight it may wear out quickly, limit your movement, put pressure on your breasts and ribcage, and cause serious back pain.
Upper back pain is more common in females who have large breasts or are obese. It may also occur in females who do not refit their bras during puberty, pregnancy, breast sagging, weight gain, and exercise.
Theoretically, the breast weight puts a strain on the ligaments and muscles of the back which elicits pain, muscle soreness, and feeling of discomfort. However, back pain may be caused by other factors irrespective of breast size and gender.
What factors cause back pain along the bra line?
Various factors may cause back pain along the bra line, especially because of an ill-fitting bra. Other factors may include muscle weakness.
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Bra fitting
Bra size changes with age, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. Incorrect bra and cup size may put stress on the shoulders, ribcage, and breasts. The volume of the breast should also correspond well with the bra cup.
Wearing a non-supportive bra elicits back pain as it contributes to poor posture and weak back muscles. It may also cause sagging of the breasts and irreversible tissue damage. On the contrary, the wired bra (for support and uplift) also puts strain on the ribcage and causes back pain.
Some women experience bra strap syndrome which is characterized by pain in the neck, shoulder and back area. It is often accompanied with stiffness. The pain aggravates during exercise, using a mobile or laptop, or when lifting heavy objects.
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Personal factors
Upper back pain along the bra strap may occur during the third trimester of pregnancy. As the baby grows, the ribs might ‘flare’ upwards, putting strain on the joints connecting the ribs to the spine. The mid-thoracic joints (around the bra strap) are affected the most.
Pregnancy and other factors may cause stress and anxiety. During stress, the muscles become stiff, tensed, and more sensitive to pain. It may cause stabbing, sharp, and shooting pain in the back along the bra line.
Women having menopause often complain of upper back pain. Because of relative estrogen insufficiency, postmenopausal women have faster disc deterioration. A research study suggests that upper back pain is lesser in taller females, and who have good upper back extensor muscle endurance (1).
Poor posture and inactive lifestyle can lead to back muscle pain due to muscle weakness. Trauma and injury to breast tissue during exercise may cause upper back pain. During exercise, the breasts need double the support due to jumping, bending, and twisting.
What are the symptoms of back pain along the bra line?
The symptoms of back pain along the bra line might include:
- Dull pain,
- Tightness in the ribcage,
- Throbbing feeling,
- Muscle soreness in the shoulder, neck and back,
- Shoulder blade pain.
How to manage back pain along the bra line?
It is important to wear a good quality and well-fitting bra to reduce back pain along the bra line. To begin, rather than relying on the straps, the bra should have a supporting band that wraps over the ribs.
To achieve a comfortable fit, the cup size should be enough to hold the breast volume. The straps should also be wide and adjustable, and not too tight on the shoulders. The bra material should be stretchable and breathable to reduce discomfort.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs reduce the pain, inflammation, and swelling in the muscles. Examples include naproxen and ibuprofen.
Although they are available over-the-counter (OTC), for chronic and persistent pain higher doses may be required. Always take higher doses of NSAIDs on the prescription of a doctor. Naproxen may cause side effects including sleepiness, dizziness, and fatigue.
- Exercise: Doing cardio exercises, stretching, and core strength exercises reduce upper back pain due to strengthing of the muscles between shoulder blades.
I experience persistent upper back pain around my bra line, especially when using a laptop. However, its intensity is dull and bearable and I rarely take any medication. When the pain becomes unbearable, you should take a break from the activities that intensify such pain.
Never exercise without wearing a sports bra as it may cause breast injury. There are various bras available in the market that may reduce back pain especially if you have larger breasts. Some women with large breasts may opt for breast reduction surgery to remove extra breast tissues.
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References
1.-
Spencer L, McKenna L, Fary R, Jacques A, Briffa K. Upper back pain in postmenopausal women and associated physical characteristics. PLoS One. 2019 Jul 31;14(7):e0220452. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6668906/
