Stiff Neck, Aching Back? Think it’s Stress? Could be Your Bra!
National Survey Reveals That Six in 10 Women Say Their Bras Cause Back, Shoulder or Neck Pain
LaGrange, IL – September 26, 2006 – Tugging, itching and pulling your bra may be more than a signal for discomfort but the onset of back pain. Three in five (60%) American women who wear a bra say it causes back, shoulder or neck pain, according to a national survey released today. Conducted by Harris Interactive®, the survey of 1,359 U.S. women was commissioned by the North American Spine Society (NASS) and Maidenform, which are teaming up on an educational campaign to help women select a bra that fits correctly and avoid back pain.
While the vast majority of women who wear a bra agree that comfort is their most important consideration (87%) nearly three in five (59%) complain their bra never seems to fit quite right, and about two in five (41%) say their bra does not provide the support they need.
According to Dr. Marjorie Eskay-Auerbach, NASS board member and a leading physician at the Center for Spine Care in Tucson, Arizona, “More and more women are complaining about back pain and some of this is directly attributable to innerwear that doesn’t provide proper support. Many women do not know exactly what to look for in a bra and through simple education and a professional bra fitting some of this back pain can be alleviated.”
What's to Blame?
The survey revealed that women who experience pain attributed to their bra are most likely to cite the straps (62%) as the main culprit. Forty four percent cite the bra’s band and 25% attribute the under wire as the bra part that makes them the most uncomfortable.
As a result, more than half of women whose bras cause them pain (53%) have tried to solve the issue by purchasing a new bra, and about two in five (41%) have loosened the straps while wearing their bra. Only 12% of wearers have sought advice on how to find a better fitting bra.
“Wearing an ill-fitting bra can cause women to hunch over and practice poor posture. Women need to wear bras that give them support and a fit that provides comfort for backs, shoulders and necks. Finding a bra with the right support and form is not only a matter of comfort, but also an important factor for overall spine health,” says Dr. Eskay-Auerbach.
More Complaints by Younger Women
Attitudes about bra fit and function vary by generation. Compared to their older counterparts, younger women are more likely to agree that their bra never seems to fit exactly right (71% women 18-34 vs. 49% women 55+) and also say their breasts often bounce when they walk (53% women 18-34 vs. 29% women 55+). Younger women also shared that the shoulder straps of their bra always fall off (47% women 18-34 vs. 25% women 55+).
Getting the Right Fit
Fran Musante, fit expert at Maidenform says, “First and foremost women need to be properly supported. The fact is, bras don’t cause pain – really it’s the weight of the breasts that cause it. But it can almost always be corrected with a professional fitting and the right bra.”
According to Musante, most women wear the wrong size bra. It is critical that women be properly measured and fitted for their bras every three years to help avoid discomfort. Whether women are full-figured or small-busted, many bras available today offer a custom-like fit that is contoured for each body type.
“Our bodies change and regular fittings are the best way to avoid discomfort that may lead to back pain,” says Mustante. “A bra that fits properly should be so comfortable you shouldn’t even feel like you have it on,” says Mustante.
NASS and Maidenform developed the following tips for women to follow to help alleviate back pain and ensure the perfect fit for optimal support and maximum comfort:
- Determine Your True Bra Size – Women can measure themselves using guidelines at www.maidenform.com or with a professional fitting in their local department store.
- Try on Several Different Bras – Find a bra that provides the level of support needed. Many women think the shoulder straps should hold the breasts, however, breast tissue should be properly supported from the under wire or undercut panel. Straps anchor the bra in place.
- Update Your Bra Wardrobe Annually – With typical washing and wearing, bras lose their ability to support over time. Because bust size changes frequently due to factors such as weight loss or gain, pregnancy and age, women should get fitted at least every two years.
For guidelines on how to determine whether you are wearing the correct bra size, log-on to www.maidenform.com.
Harris Interactive conducted the telephone survey on behalf of NASS and Maidenform August 3-7, 2006 among a nationwide cross section of 1,359 women ages 18 and over. Figures for region, age within gender, education, household income and race/ethnicity were weighted where necessary to align them with their actual proportions in the population. In theory, with a probability sample of this size, one can say with 95 percent certainty that the results have a sampling error of plus or minus 4 percentage points of what they would be if the entire U.S. female adult population had been polled with complete accuracy.
About Maidenform Brands, Inc.
Maidenform Brands, Inc. is a global intimate apparel company with a portfolio of established and well-known brands, top-selling products and an iconic heritage. Maidenform designs, sources and markets an extensive range of intimate apparel products, including bras, panties and shapewear. During the Company's 84-year history, Maidenform has built strong equity for its brands and established a solid growth platform through a combination of innovative, first-to-market designs and creative advertising campaigns focused on increasing brand awareness with generations of women. Maidenform sells its products under some of the most recognized brands in the intimate apparel industry, including Maidenform(R), Flexees(R), Lilyette(R), Sweet Nothings(R), Rendezvous(R), Subtract(R), Bodymates(R) and Self Expressions(R). Maidenform products are currently distributed in 48 countries and territories. For more information on how to find your correct bra size and the type of bra that is best for you, visit www.maidenform.com.
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NASS is a multidisciplinary medical organization dedicated to fostering the highest quality, evidence-based, and ethical spine care by promoting education, research, and advocacy. Since its start in 1985, NASS has grown to nearly 4,000 members in 22 spine-related specialties. NASS members are MDs, DOs, and PhDs, including orthopedics, neurosurgery, physiatry, pain management, and other disciplines. Nurse practitioners, physician’s assistants, chiropractors, physical therapists, practice administrators, and other allied health care professionals involved in spine care are also represented as affiliate members.
For further information, contact:
North American Spine Society
Toll-free: (866) 960-6277 Direct: (630) 230-3600
or
Kathleen Hansen
(630) 933-9477