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

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

Answers (8)

Answer: Does having large breasts cause shoulder pains and arm numbness?

Answer: Does having large breasts cause shoulder pains and arm numbness?

Answer: Numbness in Arms

Answer: Numbness in Arms

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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

Answers (8)

Answer: Does having large breasts cause shoulder pains and arm numbness?

Answer: Does having large breasts cause shoulder pains and arm numbness?

Answer: Numbness in Arms

Answer: Numbness in Arms

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.