The older we get, the more we deal with back pain and discomfort. We become aware of some causes and try to mitigate them by stretching and not lifting overly heavy objects. Our choices in footwear can also affect our overall back health.
We know that the way we walk affects our overall back health. Some of us may have known or even been someone who had to wear corrective footwear to prevent long-term back problems. Many types of footwear are designed more for fashion as opposed to comfort, one of the most prominent of which is high heel shoes. So, can wearing high heels cause back problems?
How Does Wearing High Heels Affect Your Skeletal System?
It may be hard to believe that something as innocuous as a pair of shoes could have a lasting effect on our bodies, but they can. High heel shoes force your feet into an unnatural position that shifts your weight in ways your feet aren’t built for. This results in putting more pressure on the balls of your feet, also known as the plantar fascia. This can cause deformities in the foot and other conditions, including:
- A bony enlargement of the heel, also known as Haglund’s deformity
- Hammertoe
- Pinched nerves
- Bunions
- Heel spurs
- Blisters
- Nerve damage
Can High Heels Ruin Your Posture?
Walking around in heels changes the natural C-curve of your back. This adjustment to the natural curve of your back reduces your body’s ability to bear the stress of walking around, causing your body to compensate in awkward ways. The combination of high heels and posture strains your back muscles, eventually leading to chronic lower back pain.
Can High Heels Cause a Herniated Disc?
There is no evidence to suggest that high heels shoes will result in the wearer getting a herniated disc. That’s not where the story ends, though. As mentioned earlier, wearing heels causes your natural posture to change, adjusting where pressure is being applied to your spine as well as straining your back muscles in different ways. This will likely aggravate a herniated disc you could already have and is not recommended in those cases. A chiropractic care professional would be able to advise you on the best kinds of footwear for proper back support.
Let Total Chiropractic Care Help You Relieve and Prevent Back Pain
Wearing incorrect footwear over long periods of time can lead to back pain and other ailments that need to be addressed. At Total Chiropractic Care, we have the experience and proven track record of helping alleviate that pain. Our wellness professionals are here to design a treatment plan to fit your needs while providing lifestyle advice to build on your progress through our treatments. We can improve your quality of life and help you get more out of your day-to-day activities. No need to wait. You can reach out to our office to set up an appointment today.