Irony - new back pains after losing weight

[Bananaramram]

So. I’ve got a large chest - size 38E bra and that’s after losing 30kg on Mounjaro. Has anyone else with a large chest found that their back aches more since losing weight than before? I’m not sure if it’s because my stomach no longer balances me out?

I’m not really sure what I can do except have a reduction eventually. They are the result of an augmentation - I had a SIGNIFICANT difference in each side (A vs E cup) so it wasn’t really about having big boobs but evening them out) so whilst they will reduce a bit further as I get to goal, they won’t go down completely.

I lift six days a week so very active already!

Ironically I set out thinking I would eventually have a mummy makeover even though I am not a mum but I really only have loose skin on my legs so it would have to be a separate surgery.

Anyone else had this issue?

No, but I've developed hip pain. The physio thinks the fat I had was holding the joint together with inflammation and now it isn't 😂. I'm doing physio for a couple of months the if no improvement it's time for a scan.... We have a long history of hip replacements on both sides of the family for different reasons.

I'd be looking at whether your lifting is causing the issues? Or at least aggravating them? Could you be needing more rest periods to recover between days?

I would start seeing a physio, or tbh the last time I had back pain it was an osteopath that fixed it. You might need to build some different muscle. I’d agree about maybe some rest days from lifting?

Not yet, but like @JurassicPark4Eva, the last time I lost signifcant weight my hip was agony.

I recommend getting some physio and also speaking to your GP.

Thanks all! Luckily my PT is a physio so I’ve mentioned the back pain - I do need to schedule an actual physio appointment with him, though.

I might go ahead and make an appointment with the GP - an xray last year showed I have some arthritis in my spine so I am wondering if it’s gotten worse. I hope not, I’m 34!!

Sorry to hear about your hip! That sounds painful. Hope the physio helps!

Interesting how you’re the second one to mention hip pain - definitely would think it would be better!

I’ve lost three stone and my hips are agony! Long history of osteoarthritis in my spine. Can’t believe my hip joints hurt more now I weigh less 🤣

I’ve developed a frozen shoulder. It’s really odd. Resting from the gym too which doesn’t help.

Can I ask, are you sure you are in the right size? 38band is big. Most people have too big band/too smaller cup which does put pressure on back muscles.

You know, that’s a fair point. I was a 40DD so I just made a guess to be honest. I definitely need to have a proper measurement done! I’d like to go to a real bra shop when I hit goal but might do M&S in the interim

Don’t go to M&S - they don’t measure correctly!

have a look at boob or bust online and measure yourself.

I was in a 36c and got measured to a 32DD. The difference is amazing plus I look way better under clothes.

Yes, do a self measurement and try a new bra. If you’ve shifted from carrying the weight around your chest to carrying more on the shoulder straps that will exacerbate the back pain.

Thanks! The hip is clunking and grinding and occasionally giving way. Of course I'm walking much further and faster than I used to which could be aggravating it... but I've just had almost 3 weeks of bedrest following unrelated surgery and that's not helped in the slightest.

I'm only in my early 40s!

Do you have a John Lewis near you? The M&S services for bra measuring are very hit and miss. I think JL must be better at training - or at least more consistent.

No but I work ten minutes from Oxford Circus! Great advice, thank you! I’ll book on there

This is the best side of Mumsnet - thanks everyone for your advice! Never would have thought it could be my bra!

When people say they were a 36 and they are now 32, just the bra actually do up properly at the back? I am 38C and I can't imagine being able to fit a 34 on.

Are you sure you are in the right bra size? Many women wear a back size too big, often to compensate for a too small cup. If your back size is too big you won't be getting adequate support and this can cause back/neck/shoulder pain.

If you measure your rib cage under your bust what does it measure in inches?

Yes they do! Often the band feels too tight if the cups are too small - your boobs steal the volume from the band.

Thanks again everyone - I’ve just measured myself and I’m a 36D not a 38E! Blimey!

are you a side-sleeper? Hip pain can be generated by this, especially if you have lost weight - where the thighs kept your hips fairly level when on your side, slimmer thighs can mean your knee drops too far over, overstretching and pulling on the hip joint. A pillow between the knees can help

Also you no longer need to add 4 due to bras being more stretchy

Yes I have more back pain than before I lost weight. It’s always been pretty painful but it’s definitely worse after losing 6st.

Interesting to hear so many people mention the hip pain as I’ve developed that too ☹️

Ooh I will try the pillow too in case the bra thing doesn’t fix it. I don’t think my hips hurt but it could be causing it!

I am glad you have measured - my immediate thought was that your bra size is wrong. You’re unlikely to be a 38 back unless you are around a size 20.

I’m more of a 12/14 now so you’re totally right!