Fibromyalgia Pain | Is Your Bra Causing You More Fibromyalgia Pain?

by chronicillness · Published November 20, 2023 · Updated February 8, 2024

Many fibro patients suffer from a condition called Costochondritis, apart from common symptoms of fibromyalgia. In this condition, wearing a bra becomes difficult and sometimes even becomes impossible because it causes pain in the rib cage and breasts. Wearing the right bra can reduce the pain significantly if you are suffering from Costochondritis.

What is Costochondritis?

Inflammation of the cartilage that links the ribs to the breast bone is Costochondritis. It is very sudden and causes immense chest pain, much of fibromyalgia pain begins with this pain. Is the pain mildly irritating or it is extremely irritating, this all depends on the amount of inflammation, patients suffer from. Some patients describe what they go through as burning, stabbing, or aching pain. Some patients suffer from a complex chain of pain that they even relate to a heart attack.

Symptoms of Costochondritis

Pain in the ribcage and chest which worsens with exercise or any activity.
Pain when inhaling deeply, sneezing and coughing due to stretching of the inflamed cartilage.
Pain radiates from the chest to the arms and shoulders and in this manner, mimics a heart attack.
Pain is often accompanied by inflammation or redness, a condition known as Teitze’s Syndrome.

Finding the right bra for fibromyalgia and costochondritis

In this condition, it is a painful task to put on tight clothing which compresses the ribs and needless to say an underwear bra. To reduce the pain wearing a comfortable bra is necessary to get rid of breast and ribcage inflammation but many women do not do this. However, when needed, it is best to wear something not too tight, in a comfortable fabric, and easy to wear and remove. Here are some tips for the selection of the right bra:

Bra fabric types:

When buying a bra, look for:

Something made with breathable, soft, smooth, and comfortable fabric like cotton, silk, or satin.

Seamless bra types are ideal as they prevent edgings from pressing against the skin.

Prevent that type of fiber that brushes against the skin and causes pain by avoiding anything textured like lace, tulle, or fabric with embroidery.

Best bra styles for every size

Soft cup bras: these bras offer good support for women of all sizes. Choose something with wilder shoulder straps as they won’t dig into the skin like the thinner ones do. A front closure design would also reduce the pain of putting on and removing the bra.
Sports bras: these bras can be very easy and comfortable as they give support to women of all sizes. Opt for something softer and with a wider stretch to prevent squeezing your ribcage and causing pain.
Bralettes: for smaller-sized women, a bralette might work in a good way. They are usually made with soft cups and are mildly comfortable.
Bandeaus: it is another good option for small and medium-sized women because bandeaus will sure that no wires or edges would press against the skin.