Shoes and Back Pain - How The Right Shoes Can Help Fix Your Pain

About 75%-80% of people suffer from or will suffer from low back pain at some point in their lives. In many cases, the reason is unknown or has no specific origin that can be discerned. However, the foundation of your body-your feet-plays a massive role in spinal health.

The Kinetic Chain

Your feet are the base of support for your entire skeletal structure. If your feet are not properly supported, the misalignment travels up the kinetic chain, affecting your ankles, knees, hips, and ultimately, your lower back.

• High Heels: Wearing high heels alters your centre of gravity, forcing your pelvis to tilt forward (anterior pelvic tilt). This increases the arch in your lower back (lordosis), compressing the lumbar spine and tightening the lower back muscles.
• Flat Shoes/Flip Flops: Shoes with no arch support can cause your feet to roll inward (overpronation). This internal rotation travels up the leg, causing the pelvis to tilt and placing uneven stress on the sacroiliac joints and lower back.

Choosing the Right Footwear

To support your back, look for shoes with good arch support, a cushioned sole to absorb shock, and a slight heel elevation (but no more than an inch). If you must wear unsupportive shoes for an event, try to limit the time spent in them and consider custom orthotics for your everyday footwear.