Much like a building has a foundation, so does your body. And in your body’s case, that foundation is your feet. Just as when a building’s foundation is less than sound, the entire structure is at risk, when your feet are not in good shape, they affect the structure above them, and the alignment of that structure. This is why we often see people complaining of back pain, when the root of the problem might have more to do with their feet (and their shoes). This is why we look at the feet during an examination for back pain, not just the back.
One example of the foot having an effect on the rest of the body is in the case of a planter’s wart or other painful issue with the foot. When this kind of issue exists and is not properly addressed, or when the shoes a person wears actually causes the problem to worsen, the patient tends to walk in such a way that helps them avoid putting pressure on the part of the foot that is causing them pain. This, in turn, changes their gate, which can have a serious effect on the back, as the muscles of the back have to flex in abnormal ways to compensate for the adjusted gate.
Sometimes though, there is not an obvious problem with the foot, and the culprit is the shoes a person has chosen. Shoes that don’t lend enough arch support or are too loose or too tight can also affect a person’s posture, gate, and the alignment of their spine. A very common cause of this is found in women who wear high heels often. Your foot is simply not meant to function at the angle at which heels cause your foot to walk. This difference in the angle of the foot causes a change in the center of gravity, which can cause serious strain on the lower back. For this reason, any shoe heel above about 1 ½ inches is not recommended. And even then, heels should be worn on a limited basis if at all possible.
The irony is that shoes with no heel, like flip flops (which you can barely call shoes at all), are another common cause of foot problems. The lack of any arch support at all in this type of footwear often leads to strain and stress on the tendons and joints. Wearing flip flops and similar footwear for short periods of time once in a while is probably not going to cause any big issues, but they are not recommended for long periods of walking or exercise. Doing this can cause a host of issues in the feet, ankles, knees, and back.
Your best bet when shoe shopping is to find a shoe that has superior shock absorption, a rigid, straight back (heal counter), and good arch support. These features will ensure your feet and ankles are well supported, and will help with your body’s alignment. Of course, even the perfect shoes won’t eliminate the chance of your spine getting out of alignment, so be sure to see your chiropractor on a regular basis to keep your body in tip top shape!
Have you ever thought about the fact that gravity is constantly pulling on your body? It better be, or you’d fly off the Earth! So how does your body deal with the constant pressure from this invisible force? The body’s natural structure is such that it allows you to function without irritation or imbalance. This structure is what allows us to walk, run, stand, and sit with less stress. Your body’s structure is evident in your posture. Through your spine’s development, through birth and onward, it develops a shape that will lend stability your body needs to resist the force of gravity.