How To Choose The Right Shoes For Back Pain
Back pain can put a stop to your life as you know it, making routine activities difficult, if not impossible. Fortunately, many people suffering from low back pain or other back issues can find relief simply by picking the proper shoes!
How Shoes Can Affect Your Back Pain
Your feet support the weight of your entire body, absorb the shock generated when you run and walk, and help keep your spine properly aligned. If you choose shoes that don't offer adequate support or place too much pressure on one part of your foot, the vertebrae in your spine may soon become misaligned.
Misalignments, called "subluxations" by chiropractors, cause back and neck pain, muscle tension, spasms, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Hands-on spinal manipulation can improve spinal alignment, but subluxations may continue to occur if you don't make a few footwear changes.
Importance Of Choosing The Correct Shoes
Your feet serve as a foundation for the rest of your body. When you wear uncomfortable shoes, you set off a chain reaction that affects your ankles, knees, hips, and back. To avoid pain while standing, walking, or running your feet require proper support. To compensate for the absence of support in your shoes, you may modify your walk or posture, causing your spine to become misaligned. You'll also need shoes that absorb impact when your foot hits the ground, so other portions of your body aren't subjected to the force of the impact.
A decent pair of shoes enhances and stabilises the position of your feet, which improves your gait and posture in the long run. Because it keeps everything in proper alignment and allows muscles, bones, and joints to perform efficiently, good posture helps avoid muscle strain and back pain.
It's time to replace your shoes if they're causing you back pain. However, if you've had back pain for more than a few days, you should see your doctor to rule out other causes before heading to the shoe store.
Things To Consider When Buying Shoes
- Arch Support
- Cushioning
- Avoid High Heels
- Avoid Flip-Flops
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Choose The Right Fit
- Shop later in the day
- Wear your regular socks
- Measure your feet
- Try them out
- Consider your comfort level
- Check the inside of the shoe
- Check the soles
- Go with the ones that fit right
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Consider Orthotics
- Choose rigid for a low arch
- Choose soft for a high arch
- Stand on them
- Trim them if necessary
- Get used to them
- Replace worn shoes
Check out our infographic below which takes a look at the best shoes to choose to reduce back pain.