You might be surprised to hear that anywhere from six to nine million people in the United States alone have scoliosis. Of this number, females are eight times more likely to have a more severe version of this spine condition. With this key statistic in mind, it’s worth noting that many women who have scoliosis must find bras that fit them properly. If you have scoliosis, you understand the challenge of finding bras. However, you don’t have to suffer from constant back pain due to your bra. Keep reading to find out how to find the right bra for you to minimize back pain and discomfort.
What is scoliosis?
If you have scoliosis, you don’t need a refresher on what it is. However, many people don’t know that a curvature of the spine exists. Scoliosis is the abnormal curvature of the spine. The three different types of scoliosis are idiopathic scoliosis, neuromuscular scoliosis, and congenital scoliosis. Idiopathic scoliosis is one in which the origin can’t be determined. Neuromuscular scoliosis is caused by a neurological disease like muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy.
Lastly, congenital scoliosis is due to abnormalities with the spine’s vertebrae that happened within the womb. Scoliosis also varies in severity from patient to patient. This severity is measured in the degree of the curve. This is a degree measured by orthopedics by something called the Cobb Angle. For example, you can have a curve of 27 degrees. In quite severe cases, patients have curves at 50 degrees and some even higher. If you fall into these categories, you’ll require some sort of treatment. Braces are a more common scoliosis treatment for children. This spinal surgery is also a common scoliosis treatment performed on adults to relieve back pain. The surgery requires a series of rods that surgeons fuse to your spine.
On the other hand, an adolescent’s treatment is trickier because traditional spine surgery isn’t always the best choice for spines that have reached full spinal maturity. Some other methods to help mild scoliosis include attending physical therapy, managing pain, and improving posture to promoting muscle strength. All of these coping mechanisms will help your back and neck pain so you can focus on getting a bra that won’t agitate your pain either.
Finding the Right Fit for Your Curve
If you know your spinal curve, you can better understand where your body feels pain or predict where you may from a typical bra. For example, if you have a spinal curve that makes your ribs bump-out to the right, a tight-fitting band with a heavy underwire that surrounds that area isn’t your ideal bra. Or, if you commonly experience shoulder and neck pain, look for straps that don’t dig in or are adjustable to a razorback position. By understanding your scoliosis and how it affects your back pain, you can look for high-quality bras that don’t feel like a hassle to wear.
Bra Options
Let the bra search begin! You can now explore the many options out there to find a bra that works for your scoliosis type. It should be exciting to choose a bra, instead of feeling like an undesirable experience. Luckily, your bra doesn’t have to be ugly or uncomfortable. If you have large breasts and suffer from back pain, a minimizing bra is a great choice for you.
Minimizer bras help to minimize your breasts which can create a more slimming, flattering look. Soma is the maker of some of the best minimizer bras on the market with comfortable options for up to three inches of minimization. This way, you can get a full coverage bra that minimizes size and pain. If you’re less endowed in the breast department, there are bra options for you too. They sell lace bras, bralettes, sports bras, and full coverage options for many breast sizes. What’s great is that you don’t have to compromise on style with their undergarments.
All in all, by purchasing the right bra you can maximize comfort which lessens your scoliosis pain. Your quality of life will undoubtedly improve when you get scoliosis treatment and when you choose a bra that you love that also works to prevent your back pain.
