Shoes that Increase & Decrease Back Pain

Category: Spine | Author: Stefano Sinicropi

running shoesWe wear shoes every single day – to and from work, at the gym, or at home. Most people don’t realize the impact that shoes have on back pain. Today we are going to look into how shoes impact back pain and spine conditions. We will examine how certain shoes can either increase or decrease your back pain, and offer some tips for choosing the right shoes to avoid spine pain.

How Shoes can Impact Back Pain

Before we talk about specific types of shoes, let’s briefly discuss how your shoes are connected to your back in the first place. Think of your feet as the foundation of the body. Without a structurally sound and supportive base, the whole building (body) can experience issues. Problems with the feet can lead to overall alignment issues that can contribute to back pain and intensify certain spine conditions.

Shoes that Increase & Decrease Back Pain

First, here are a few shoes that can contribute to back pain:

  • High Heels can lead to alignment issues (not to mention foot conditions) that can lead to back pain. Basically, high heels change a person’s gait and as a result, the low back takes on more pressure than normal.
  • Shoes that don’t fit. Any shoes that do not fit the wearer well can lead to back pain. If a pair of shoes is too small or big, it may cause the wearer to adopt an unnatural gait, which directly affects the spine.

On the flip side, here are a few shoe options that can help reduce back pain:

  • Tennis shoes. Tennis or running shoes generally have good support. Just make sure they fit well (see number 2).
  • Shoes that Fit well and have good support. The best tennis shoes on the market are not good if they don’t fit well. Always make sure a pair of shoes is comfortable and fits well.
  • Prescription Orthopedic Shoes. If you have other foot issues like bunions, prescription orthopedic shoes may be your ticket to decreased back pain.

Wearing better shoes can help alleviate or avoid back pain. However, there are certain spinal conditions that cannot be treated simply by changing footwear. Always consult with an experience spine doctor about any back pain you may be having.

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