When Fashion Becomes Dangerous to Back Health

By Stepy Kamei

I'll admit I like to put effort into my appearance, at least some of the time. Many women always prefer to leave the house looking somewhat put together, and I know that I genuinely like spending time in the mornings piecing together a great outfit. However, as great as certain fashion choices can look, some of them may be harmful to your health, especially your back and joint health. This is because there are some clothing choices that may not be providing your body, and in particular your spine, with the proper amount of support. Simply put, there are some items in your closet that chiropractors would strongly recommend you swap out now for better back health immediately. You'll come to find that your whole body will thank you for it. 

High Heels and Unsupportive Shoes

This is probably obvious, but those sky-high heels in the back of your closet are definitely wreaking havoc on your body. These shoes throw off your balance, which essentially kicks your spine into overdrive and requires it to work much harder than it should. High heels bring about back, foot, and leg pain for a reason, since it affects your body from the top of your spine to the base of your feet. If you still really want to wear heels, opt for lower and thicker styles for a little more support. If you absolutely must wear stilletos (which bring as little support as you can imagine), try your best to give your feet a break throughout the day; for example, if you're sitting at your desk for a few hours, switch to flats instead for that time. 

Heavy Shoulder and Messenger Bags

The key to proper spinal support is maintaining balance and symmetry with the body, and one of the quickest ways to offset this balance is by lugging all your items around in a bag stuck on one side of your body. Placing a large amount of weight on one side of your back will force your spine to overcompensate and strain itself to a point where back pain becomes an obvious result. Your best bet is to use a backpack with shoulder pads and plenty of pockets and compartments. Yes, backpacks can be fashionable (seriously, they come in all kinds of styles these days), and more importantly, they distribute the weight evenly on your back so pressure is relieved from your spine.

You can always consult with a chiropractor at The Joint location nearest you on further ways you can improve your back and spine health on a daily basis. Regular spinal adjustments, combined with making healthy lifestyle choices, can improve your total health and well-being.