Could Your Wardrobe Be Causing Your Back Pain?

What? Can clothing really be the source of my back pain? My neck pain? My headaches? My lower back pain?

Yes, it's possible. In your body, everything is connected to everything else, thanks to a web of fascial tissue that divides, connects, and links every single part of you. I've written more about this incredible tissue > here <.

Besides gravity, your body is constantly responding to external forces like stress, noise, food, interpersonal relationships, and the weather. And, of course, our clothing.

I had a powerful realization about this a long time ago in a sauna. There was a very vibrant woman there, around 70 years old. On her shoulders were two deep indentations, permanently pressed into her skin by her bra straps.

Breasts have weight, and the shoulders and chest must bear that load. Finding the right bra can be a real challenge. You want one that looks good and shapes your breasts nicely, but it should also help alleviate their weight.

The trapezius muscles, which are compressed by the straps, connect to the cervical spine and the shoulder. This means that any movement of your head and arms is hindered by your bra straps. Could a bra really be the cause of headaches or tingling in your hands? Or even a heavy necklace? It's certainly possible.

Now, consider the underwire and the band. Is your chest constricted? Can your rib cage fully expand and your lungs fill with air? If not, your diaphragm cannot fully engage to help stabilize your lumbar spine.

What about a belt? Or tight pants or a skirt? Can you comfortably spread your glutes and settle onto your sit bones when you sit down? Or is the movement in your hips so restricted that you end up slouching and sitting on your lower back instead?

Do your pants restrict you when you walk? Do they prevent the free movement of your leg in your hip or knee socket? All of that tension from the fabric pulls and transfers directly to your lumbar spine. So, could your tight pants be causing your back pain? It's a real possibility. They also hinder the free flow of lymph and can even be a cause of a bloated belly.

Finally, let's look down at your feet. Are your toes constricted by tight socks? And what about your shoes? Does your foot feel like it's clamped in a vise? Do your shoes prevent the natural rolling motion of your foot as you walk?

In your body, everything is connected. The source of the pain is rarely where you feel it. This is a fundamental rule to always keep in mind. If your body is signaling you with pain, you must look at the problem from every possible angle. This is especially true if your current therapy isn't leading anywhere.

This reflection is not meant to scare you. I also love to accessorize and dress nicely. The body can handle this kind of pressure for a short while. The problem arises when the pressure is applied repeatedly and over the long term.

If your body is already troubled by pain and you feel constant tension, I have a solution for you. It’s my online library, BODY WITHOUT PAIN. There, you'll find a proven path and a guide to achieving a body that moves freely, without pain. Anytime, anywhere—at home, at work, or on the go.

I wish you the wonderful feeling of freedom in a body without pain.