Shoes

Finding the right shoes to wear when you suffer from lower back pain is a lot like being Goldilocks from the story about the three bears. Some shoes are too high, some are too narrow, and others fit just right. People often prioritise looks and style over comfort when it comes to shoes, but the key is finding comfortable shoes that are still fashionable. Visit shoehero.com and look at their buying guides for great advice on your next shoe purchase.

If you’ve got an injured or sore back, the first step is to avoid these types of shoes and have a chat with your chiropractor.

Some shoes are too tall

All high-heeled shoes, including boots, can cause lower back pain. Whenever you walk in heels, you change your posture to balance, and this can strain your back.

Shoes with more than a 2-inch heel throw off your alignment by tilting your chest forward and thrusting your buttocks out behind you. The position pushes your lower back forward and takes the hips and spine out of alignment. To balance, the calf, hip, and back muscles must tense, which causes muscle fatigue and strain.

Some shoes are too flat

Shoes that are too flat can cause back pain as easily as high heels. Ballet flats and casual sneakers have a bit more structure, but the excessively flat sole doesn’t provide enough cushioning or support. This can lead to arch, heel, ankle, or knee pain.

The neutral position for your foot is best supported by a ½-inch or 1-inch heel. Stress or misalignment that affects your feet can ultimately affect your knees and lower back.

Some shoes don’t have enough support  

Flimsy sandals and flip flops don’t provide support to your feet. The length of the sole is the only difference between sizes, and there is no arch support at all. Your toes grip the shoes to help hold them on, which keeps you from rolling forward and pushing off from your toes.

When your gait is affected, it causes stress on your back. Any movement patterns that force your body out of alignment will eventually cause chronic pain.

But these shoes are just right

The design of a good running or walking shoe includes a supportive and cushioned sole, arch support, and custom fitting from the laces. Running shoes are generally designed to address many different issues, countering pronation and supination, providing neutral arch stability, and cushioned soles with wiggle room for your toes.

Find a fit that is just right  

Occasionally we all attend a function that demands high heels or uncomfortable shoes. Avoid wearing them daily, and your body will cope with the short-term discomfort. If you have daily back pain, look to your shoes as a possible culprit and bring your favorite pair when visiting a chiropractor in NYC. Many practices in the city specialize in diagnosing and treating spinal misalignments caused by shoes because people tend to walk more than they do in car-friendly cities.

A proper diagnosis should include a shoe evaluation to settle on comprehensive treatment.