A great pair of high heels can make an outfit- but what is it doing to your health? Studies show that wearing high heels can create muscle overuse and lead to low back pain. So what happens to your posture when you wear a pair of high heels? What are the effects on your body? How can wearing high heels cause back pain?
How High Heels Affect Your Posture
When you wear high heels your natural center of gravity is shifted, causing muscles to work differently. It causes an increase in the lordotic (forward) curve of the spine, and the muscles around the spine must compensate. The increased curve in the spine and shift in balance overuses muscles around the calves, hips, and lower spine.
Back Pain and Other Ailments From High Heels
The shortening and overuse of muscles can cause an increase in back pain, ligament sprains, tendonitis, and muscle strains. The poor posture of the spine can even cause spondylolisthesis, where vertebrae shift forward above other vertebrae. Excessive curvature can cause a stress fracture in the vertebrae known as spondylolysis.
The shift in balance and increased lordotic curve can also cause hip and knee pain from abnormal stress to the joints and soft tissues. Calf, ankle, and foot problems are also common with high heels from the overuse and shortening of the Achilles tendon.
Chiropractic Care Can Help
Chiropractors work with the spine and its relation to the nervous system. So if your spine is out of alignment, you have poor posture, or low back pain from wearing high heels then treatments can help. Chiropractic techniques can help realign your spine and corrective exercises can resolve postural problems. Additionally, lengthening the shortened muscles through stretching and massage can help maintain spine health.
If you do choose to wear high heels- to reduce your risk of injury it is recommended to keep the heels height 2 inches or below and don’t wear the high heels for an extended period of time. Just can’t say goodbye to wearing your high-heeled shoes? Regular chiropractic treatments can help manage any side effects. Contact Silver Chiropractic and Wellness to get your body back in order!
