Do You Need Different Shoes to Combat Back Pain?
By Sara Butler
There are quite a few things you can do to try to treat back pain. Regular visits to your chiropractor, eating right, maintaining a healthy weight and exercising are just a few. But what about your shoes as a way to combat back pain? You’ve probably heard of the kinds of shoes you shouldn’t wear in order to keep back pain at bay, but what about the kind of shoes you should wear? Here are a few things you need to know about your shoe choice and how it may be a great tool in your fight against back pain.
Orthopedic Shoes
When you hear the term “orthopedic shoes” it probably conjures images of your grandmother’s shoes. You don’t have to worry, though. These days when you are discussing orthopedic shoes with your chiropractor, what they are talking about is shoes that will provide the support your back needs when you’re standing and walking. There are many different types and you can probably find them at your local shoe store.
If you spend a lot of your day standing or you move in a way that puts a lot of stress and strain on your back causing pain, then these special shoes just might help you find some relief. If you are putting too much stress and strain on your lower back it can lead to muscle tension and muscle soreness. Orthopedic shoes work by helping to provide a larger amount of support for you lower back, reducing the stress and strain on your spine as well as the muscles in your lower back.
Inserts
Another option your chiropractor may suggest is using orthopedic inserts in your normal shoes. These inserts are specially made just for you, and they cost less than orthopedic shoes, but they may not be as effective in offering pain relief.
Just as the shoes, these inserts are meant to lend some extra support to your back and also have some shock-absorbing features to help reduce the pressure on your spine and its associated structures. Just keep in mind that you can’t take inserts and put them in shoes that make back pain worse, such as high heels. They need to be placed in shoes that also offer good support.
These are just a couple of ways you can try to help reduce back pain that is non-invasive and relatively inexpensive. Of course, continuing to see your chiropractor regularly at The Joint Chiropractic also can help to ease back pain symptoms you may be experiencing. If you’re curious about orthopedic inserts or shoes, go ahead and speak to your chiropractor about it the next time you’re at The Joint!