Are Your Shoes Making Your Back Pain Worse?

If you have back pain, the problem may start with your shoes. Improper footwear can throw off the way you walk, your posture and the entire alignment of your body.

High Heels Strain Lumbar Region

Wearing the wrong shoes contributes to a gait that isn’t natural. For example, shoes with high heels will disturb your body alignment. As you struggle to adjust to a new center of gravity, there will be more strain and stress on your lumbar region.

If you’re trying to balance your weight on thin high heels, your entire body is often thrown off kilter. You may try to compensate for the problem by overworking the following:

• Hips

• Knees

• Lower back

Is there a safe height for heels? Some suggest that a 1- to 1.5-inch heel is the maximum height to avoid back problems. Others recommend that if women must wear heels, they should wear sneakers on the way to and from work. It is also helpful to wear flat shoes in the office.

Shoes for Proper Back Support

Many discourage wearing shoes without support such as flip flops and step-in styles without backs. They do not offer enough arch or ankle support for extended periods of walking.

What should you be mindful of when searching for shoes that will be kind to your back?

• Rigidity of the heel counter: The heel counter is the back of the shoe. Some experts recommend a vertical position rather than an angled one.

• Shock absorption: The more cushion and arch support in your shoe, the greater protection against the impact of your foot hitting the ground.

• Right size: You should choose a size that gives you a ½ inch (1.3 cm) of toe room in the front. This area will allow for toe space when you move forward.

To avoid contributing to back problems, select the correct shoes. For more information on how you can take steps to protect your back or treat back pain, contact Non-Surgical Orthopaedics at 770-421-1420. Let us help you discover the path to a pain-free back today!