Your back is a complex structure, and even the tiniest of problems can eventually lead to big issues. It may not seem like a big deal at first, but if you ignore a small issue or try to compensate for pain, you’re never going to rid yourself of the root problem. That said, aside from shooting pain or numbness, many people don’t know how to tell if there’s an issue with their spine’s alignment. Here are five signs that your spine might be misaligned.

One Heel/Shoe Wears Out Faster

If you’ve noticed that one of your shoes always wears out faster than the other, you may have an issue with your spine. This could be caused by uneven leg length, which can cause back problems, or you may be unknowingly be putting more stress on one foot because of a spine issue, and that can leave you susceptible for further injury.

You Fatigue Quickly

Oftentimes a loss in overall energy is attributed to a lack of sleep or the flu, but it can also be caused by problems in your spine. As we mentioned, your back is an extremely complex structure, and if something is wrong, your body is naturally going to expend more energy to correct/compensate/suppress the issue.

The Wet Foot Test

Best performed in the warmer months, the wet foot test can also help diagnose issues with your spine. Fill up a tub of water and head out to the sidewalk. Stand in the tub, then walk forward on the sidewalk for 15-20 steps. Your wet feet should leave a trail of footprints that you can then examine. When looking at your footprints, if one of your feet flares out, or your steps don’t seem to be symmetrical, you might have an undiagnosed spine problem.

Deep Breaths Hurt

If you have a problem in your upper back or an alignment issue putting pressure on your ribs, you might notice a twinge of pain if you try to take a couple of deep breaths. Try taking a couple of deep breaths right now, and if anything feels wrong in your ribs or back, it might be due to spinal misalignment.

Limited Neck Movement

At the top of your spine rests your neck, and it too can be affected by spinal misalignment. Try turning your neck to your left and right as far as possible. If there’s a noticeable difference in how far you can turn your head in either direction, even if there is no pain, there could be an issue with your spine. Talk to your back specialist about the issue on your next visit.

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