Are Your Feet to Blame for Your Back Pain?
nyone who has experienced back pain understands how debilitating it can be. In fact, over 80% of the United States population complains of back pain. Because it is such a common occurrence, it is important to understand what causes it. Surprisingly, your feet are likely the culprit. Here's why:
Technology continues to improve, and it's evolving at a rate that is faster than our bodies can keep up with. Our feet weren't designed to walk on hard surfaces like tile, wood, marble, and concrete. Our feet are better suited for grass, sand, dirt, and other natural terrains. Those softer surfaces conform to the shape and structure of our feet, which supports the arches and causes the ligaments, muscles, and tendons of the foot and ankle to work in a supportive way.
Your Low Back & Your Feet
There are three main body parts that absorb shock: your lower back, your knees, and your feet. So, it makes sense that if your feet are flat, they can't properly absorb shock. When that happens, your knees end up working overtime to absorb shock. That extra toll your knees take can only go on for so long, and eventually your lower back takes on the majority of the work. This will lead to your back wearing out fairly quickly, particularly if your pelvis or spine is misaligned.
So what can you do? Here are a few suggestions:
- Be sure to wear shoes that provide good arch support help to act as shock absorbers.
- Ask us about custom orthotics which ensure proper support.
- Get your spine, pelvis, and lower extremities adjusted at our practice.
If you are looking for more ways to combat lower back pain, be sure to ask during your next adjustment!