Chiropractor Chapel Hill, NC
Some people may not realize that their feet have a close impact on issues like back pain, but as the foundation for our posture, the feet significantly impact back pain. Problems in the lower extremities impose changes in connected regions, including the calves, knees, thighs, and hips, resulting in strain on the lower back. Imbalanced footwear choices and innate conditions such as flat feet, high arches, or uneven leg lengths all stress the feet and, therefore, the back and spine, causing pain and, eventually, deformity. Your doctor of chiropractic will evaluate the connection between your feet and your back to help you get and stay healthy.
Back Pain and Feet
One’s choice of footwear affects the feet as well as the back. Shoes without proper arch support or ill-fitting shoes magnify existing foot conditions and create new problems. While it may be fun to wear some boots for fashion’s sake, in the end, the pain in the back and feet that result may not be worth it. Choosing an attractive shoe that fits and supports walking to look your best is better.
The feet influence leg length discrepancies, and differences in the length of each leg on a person also impact the feet. Differences in leg length impact back pain and posture; walking thousands of steps each day with even a slight imbalance will affect pain and inflammation in the spinal joints and elsewhere. Your chiropractor will evaluate postural imbalances imposed by leg length discrepancies at each visit to make necessary spinal and foot adjustments, where possible.
Flat feet cause the feet and, subsequently, your knees to roll inward. This results in misalignment of the hips and back, inevitably causing pain and joint damage over time. Suitable footwear and regular postural work can help. Likewise, high arches impact the back by reducing the natural shock absorption of the feet, causing excessive trauma at the spinal level over time. Again, suitable footwear with added cushioning can help.
Chiropractic can help you understand how your feet influence your posture and back pain. At Acupractic Natural Healing Center, Dr. Oskardmay DC, LAc. can recommend helpful exercises for the feet and back and make adjustments to the spine and feet as needed to improve posture and reduce strain. Call today to schedule your appointment. 919-929-1400 acudocnc.com.