Breast Size & Back Pain

Q.I know that breast size can contribute to back and shoulder pain. What size does this usually happen at? Is there something other than sit-ups I can do to help strengthen my back? What do I need to know before I have a breast reduction?

A.Breast size contributes a lot less to back and shoulder pain than do weak muscles in the upper back and shoulder area. There is no particular size that seems to push someone over the limit — it all depends on what kind of shape your entire musculature is in.

A. There are quite a few good exercises to strengthen the back besides abdominal curls or sit-ups. If you have access to a health club, have someone in the weight room show you how to do the following, either on resistance equipment or with free weights:

lat pulldown
chest press
upright row
deltoid work
lateral raises
assisted chin-up machine

If you are considering breast-reduction surgery, it’s a good idea to take about 12 weeks to prepare for it by doing strength or weight training three times a week. When you’re in better shape physically, you tend to recover from surgery more quickly and encounter fewer complications. You’ll also be tipping your body composition in favor of more lean muscle and less body fat, which means a smoother operation and better healing of the incision.

A consistent weight-training program that can build pectoral muscles and the muscles of the upper back will give you a head start in firming and toning the entire chest area. You may also be surprised to find that the underlying muscles will be able to support your breasts better, and maybe you’ll reconsider surgery. Good luck with your preparation and with whatever course you take!