A SHOCK survey today revealed that every single woman suffering from back pain who was questioned by researchers was wearing the wrong size bra.

The research by physiotherapists at Blackburn Royal Infirmary showed that females they quizzed were wearing a bra which was on average two sizes too small.

The investigation has confirmed a long-held belief by experts that wearing the wrong size bra can cause problems.

Apart from proven links, including menstruation and pregnancy, the research by the physiotherapy department and Marks and Spencers in Blackburn showed that women were prone to back pain for several reasons linked to clothing.

The physios have now released their results in a bid to raise awareness into the condition that blights the majority of women. Of females questioned, aged between 16 and 72, 89 per cent had suffered back pain - with 58 per cent having recurring pain. The survey revealed that about 74 per cent of women attending for bra measurement during October and November 1999, were wearing the wrong size. The majority of these - 57 per cent - were wrong by two sizes.

A spokeswoman for the physio department said: "More importantly out of all the ladies that revealed they were suffering from back pain, all of them were wearing incorrect fitting bras, on average again, by two sizes too small.

"Of the ladies that regularly carried bags greater than seven pounds in weight, all of them had suffered or were currently suffering from pain to either upper or lower back."

The National Organisation for Healthy Backs has campaigned to raise the profile of the back pain and bras.

The group has warned that high-heeled shoes can strain and tilt the back and tight clothes, to emphasise slimness, can restrict movement.

Breast implants can also strain the back, the group has warned.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.