If you’ve begun experiencing back and joint pain, you’ve probably spent a lot of time trying to determine the cause. But have you considered the role your shoes may play in this pain? While you may not realize it, your shoes play a major role in the health of your back and joints and can lead to significant discomfort if they aren’t meeting your needs.
At Muscle & Joint Chiropractic, our team understands how detrimental back and joint pain can be to performing everyday activities. With this pain, you may find yourself struggling to get anything done, and the pain may become significantly worse over time. If you want to learn more about how your shoes may be impacting your back and joint health, keep reading.
The Connection Between Shoes, Back, and Joints
Arch Support
If your shoes don’t provide adequate arch support, they may cause your feet to flatten. As your feet flatten, you may begin to notice changes in your body alignment. This misalignment can result in an increased strain on your back and joints as your body attempts to compensate for the lack of proper support.
Heel Height
When you wear high heels every day, they can throw off your body’s balance by pushing your weight forward. This change in your weight and center of gravity can cause you to adjust your posture unnaturally. As your posture changes, you may begin to notice excessive pressure on your lower back and knees. Conversely, shoes that are too flat may not provide the necessary support, causing similar problems.
Shock Absorption
Proper shock absorption is essential for reducing the impact on your joints, especially if you are a runner. Shoes with poor cushioning fail to absorb the shock from walking and running, which can travel up to your knees, hips, and spine, leading to overall joint pain and discomfort. However, too much padding can also impact your back and joints, making it essential that your shoes meet your needs perfectly.
Shoe Fit and Stability
Ill-fitting shoes can cause your feet to move unnaturally as they try to compensate for the extra space. If your shoes are too big, you may also notice instability and increase the risk of future joint injuries. Conversely, shoes that are too tight can compress your feet, affecting your circulation and causing foot pain. As you try to compensate for this, you may notice a change in your gait and more stress on your back and joints.
How a Chiropractor Can Help
If your shoes are causing problems with your back and joints, a chiropractor can help in a few ways. Their treatment for your back pain and joint discomfort includes:
Assessment and Diagnosis
Your chiropractor will start off your treatment with a thorough assessment of your musculoskeletal system and current condition. Once they’ve determined your current condition, your chiropractor will begin creating a custom treatment plan aimed at addressing your existing back and joint problems and alleviating any pain you may be experiencing.
Spinal Adjustments
One of the most significant ways your chiropractor can address your back pain is by providing spinal adjustments. With your spinal adjustments, chiropractors can help realign your spine, reducing pain and improving your range of motion and overall bodily function. These adjustments may also be a great way to alleviate the strain on your back and joints caused by improper footwear.
Customized Orthotics
If your shoes are causing most of your back and joint pain, your chiropractor may recommend customized orthotics. These are specially designed shoe inserts that offer the right support and alignment for your feet, helping to correct issues caused by standard footwear. By using custom orthotics, you can continue to wear your favorite shoes while addressing their deficiencies.
Footwear Advice
In some situations, the shoes you wear need to be replaced with something far more reliable to alleviate the pain you’re experiencing. Your chiropractor can give advice on the best type of shoes to address your specific needs. Whether you need more arch support, better cushioning, or a different heel height, they can guide you toward footwear that is better for your back and joint health.
Rehabilitative Exercises
In addition to the treatments your chiropractor provides to address problems caused by your shoes, they may also provide you with rehabilitative exercises. These exercises are designed to be performed between check-ins and should complement the treatments you receive when you’re in the office. With in-office treatments and rehabilitative treatments, you should begin to experience a significant change in strength and mobility.
Holistic Health Strategies
One of the best reasons to go to a chiropractor to address problems caused by your shoes is because of their holistic approach to health. When you see a chiropractor, they can offer guidance on nutrition, weight management, and other factors that contribute to your overall health. With their help, you can avoid the use of over-the-counter pain medication to alleviate your discomfort.
Address Problems Caused by Your Shoes at Muscle & Joint Chiropractic
If you are experiencing back and joint pain as a result of your shoes, you should turn to a reliable chiropractic team like our team at Muscle & Joint Chiropractic. We’ve provided reliable, one-on-one care to patients across the Grantsville and Tooele area for years, making us the perfect fit for your recovery. If you are ready to schedule an appointment with our team to address your discomfort or if you have any questions for us, don’t hesitate to contact us today.