Research suggests that approximately 80% of the population will experience some degree of back pain in their lifetime. It's no wonder backaches are the second most common reason people see their physician. In fact, back pain is the number one problem facing the United States workforce today, with millions of dollars lost because of work absences due to lower back pain. Back pain can be caused by a number of things including injury, stress and poor posture. However, your feet also play a major role in the alignment of your body, and even the slightest discrepancy in your body's placement can cause a great deal of pain in your back. With the help of your podiatrist, you can get to the bottom of your back pain with simple shoe improvements. Why Does my Back Ache? The spinal column is comprised of bone with discs of tissue, muscles, ligaments, and sensitive nerve endings. The vertebrae are stacked one on top of the other, making the spinal column both strong and flexible. However, an incorrect posture can pull the vertebrae out of alignment, which in turn pulls on the tender muscles and nerve endings. Even with the best posture, if your shoes aren't providing the support you need, back pain can end up being a chronic condition with far-reaching consequences. A slight leg length discrepancy may also be the cause of your back pain. According to studies, up to 96% of the population suffers from a leg length discrepancy in which one leg, and foot, is longer than the other. The body will naturally compensate for this asymmetry by flattening out one foot more than the other, thereby shortening the leg, but placing increased stress on the lower back. A simple shoe insert to lift the leg is often enough to eliminate the pain and balance out the legs without any further treatment. Choose Proper Footwear to Protect Your Back Shoes with high heels or thin soles can contribute a great deal to backaches. If you suffer from chronic back pain, especially if you spend a lot of time on your feet, you should consider a switch in footwear. High-heeled shoes can throw off the balance of your spinal column, which in turn irritate and may damage the sensitive nerves and ligaments located in your lower back. Instead choose shoes that offer support, opting for lower heels that provide stability. You should also select shoes with a thick and cushioned sole that provide good arch support and absorb the shock of walking. Your Clinton, CT podiatrist may recommend orthotic shoes to support the feet and weight-bearing joints and muscles. Supportive orthotic shoes have proven to reduce injuries and pain emerging from abnormal postures or biomechanics. If you are diagnosed with posture conditions, such as osteoporosis, or gait, orthotic shoes may be a great solution for relieving your back pain. If the spine is the foundation for the rest of the body, your feet are the foundation for your spine. If back pain has got you down, it may be time to visit your East Haven, CT podiatrist. A podiatrist can evaluate the condition of your feet in relation to your body's structure and recommend shoe inserts or orthotic shoes that can take the pressure off specific areas of the spine and ultimately ease your back pain.
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