Breast size, thoracic kyphosis, and thoracic spine pain: a correlational survey of Nigerian postpartum mothers

Abstract

Background: Thoracic spine postural dysfunctions are common postpartum-related health problems, compromising breastfeeding efficacy and quality of life among women. Previous studies have particularly associated these conditions with increased breast sizes in several populations. However, such empirical evidence is scarce in the Nigerian population. Objectives: To investigate the relationship among breast size, thoracic-kyphosis, and -spine pain among postpartum Nigerian women. Methods: This correlational survey involved 400 consenting postpartum mothers (between 0 and 24 months of postpartum period). Their breast size, thoracic spine posture, and pain were measured using a measuring tape (cm), inclinometer, and Revised Oswestry thoracic spine pain disability questionnaire, respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive and relevant inferential statistics at p < 0.05. Results: The majority of the participants fall under the category of breast cup size B (61.75%), have no history of thoracic spine pain (87.4%), and about half of them (50.2%) have normal thoracic spine posture (low category with values ranging between 20⁰ and 35⁰. Breast size was significantly (r = 0.162, p = 0.001) correlated with thoracic spine posture but showed no significant correlation (r = 0.066, p = 0.622) with thoracic spine pain. Conclusion: Increasing breast size is weakly associated with a tendency towards a kyphotic posture of the thoracic spine. Postural education and care around adequate support of the breast with suitable fitting brassieres may help prevent kyphotic deformities. Future research with a randomized control trial and long-term follow-up is recommended to further confirm the causal relationship of these variables.