Does having large breasts cause shoulder pains and arm numbness? (photos)

Question

For the past month now, I've been experiencing sharp shoulder pains and a numbing sensation in my arms. I haven't been doing anything different in my daily activities, so the only thing I could think of was my bra straps digging into my shoulders. Over the past few years, my breasts have grown and become extremely heavy and have created groves in my shoulders. I just want to know if this could be the cause of my pains and what can I do about it? I'm

Michael A. Epstein, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you very much for your question, and the picture.Large breasts can certainly contribute to shoulder pain.  Your arm numbness is a little more difficult to explain.  Where exactly are you numb?  Any weakness in your hands?I recommend visiting with a board certified plastic surgeon.  They will evaluate you for a breast reduction procedure, and also discuss your arm weakness, and make recommendations for how to proceed with regard to that issue.

Lisa J. Peters, MD · Answer

If the numbness in your arms occurs only when you're wearing a bra, then the size of your breasts may be causing your symptoms.  It certainly appears from your photo that your bra straps are digging into your shoulders, which can cause pain and grooving.  Many of my breast reduction patients will also note neck and back pain from the size of their breasts.Breast reduction surgery is certainly something you may want to consider and most patients will have complete relief of their pain following surgery.  If you're not sure about having surgery, you may want to try being fitted for a new bra.  Many women with large breasts make the mistake of wearing a bra with too large a band (the number is too high) and too small a cup (the letter is too low), since it can be very difficult to find a bra in their proper size.  A properly fitted bra should carry most of the weight of your breasts around your chest with its band and put little pressure on your shoulders.  For example, if your correct size is a 34H but you can't find it at Victoria's Secret, you may go up to a 40DD since it is a size that's more easily found in stores and may sort of fit you.  That 40DD will be too large in the band, so all of the weight of your breasts would be carried by the shoulders and would make your symptoms worse.  A bra with wide padded straps may also help.I suggest you talk with a board certified plastic surgeon about breast reduction surgery.  Most insurance companies will require that you try something other than surgery (a "trial of medical management") to treat your symptoms before you will be approved for the surgery, but the surgeon with whom you consult can give you more information about your particular insurer and their requirements.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you very much for sharing your concerns with us. After having analyzed all the information provided to us, i can realize that you have very large breasts for your height and weight, and can be responsible for head, back, neck and shoulder pain.In the future may cause  permanent osteo-articular damage in the back and shoulders and skin problems (mainly under the breasts). For for this reasons, certainly you need a breast reduction surgery.Respectfully, Dr. Emmanuel Mallol.-

Thomas Trevisani, MD · Answer

Large breasts can cause shoulder  and neck pain, as well as other medical problems. I would check with your primary care Doctor re/numbing sensation in your arms though.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Very large breast can cause back pain and neck pain.  They are unlikely to cause numbness. I would recommend seeing your primary care physician about the numbn

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

You certainly look as though you would benefit from a breast reduction and it sounds as though you are experiencing the classic complications associated with larger breasts.  Most women with larger breasts also experience a host of medical issues related to the size of their breasts. These problems may include neck pain, back or shoulder pain, hygiene difficulty, and breast pain. Fortunately, when the excessive breast size causes functional problems, insurance will generally pay for the operation if more than 400 – 500 grams are removed from each breast. Of course this is dependent on your individual insurance company requirements. By reducing the size of the breast tissue, you can eliminate some of the medical complications listed above, reduce sleeping difficulties, increase your likelihood of finding clothing that fits and improve self image. Ultimately the size you choose to reduce your breast to, is up to you! The best place to start is by making an appointment with a Board Certified plastic surgeon. They can make suggestions and guide you through the process.#plastic surgery #breast reduction #shoulder pain

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Yes, large breasts can cause back and shoulder pain and even numbness. Best to be evaluated in person, you may be a candidate for liposuction.

Mary Lee Peters, MD (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your
question and picture. I am sorry to hear about your discomfort. Large breasts
are a frequent culprit in chronic back, shoulder, and neck problems. Women who
undergo breast reduction find this procedure is an effective way to alleviate
shoulder discomfort from bra straps and other chronic aches they have been
experiencing prior to surgery. I would encourage you to meet with a Board
Certified Plastic Surgeon to discuss your options. Good luck.

Does having large breasts cause shoulder pains and arm numbness? (photos)

Answers (8)