Ideal Shoes to Wear If You Have Back Pain

What Types of Shoes Should You Wear If You Have Back Pain?

There's nothing wrong with treating yourself to a pair of shoes in line with your personal style. In fact, the average person owns about 20 pairs of shoes. However, if you happen to be among the 30 million-plus Americans living with spine-related pain, you may want to pay more attention to your footwear selections because your spine and its supporting muscles are indirectly affected by the way your feet and ankles align and how your soles strike the ground. Fortunately, there are plenty of stylish and functional footwear selections to consider, even if you have ongoing issues with back pain. 

Running Shoes 

If you happen to have mild lower back pain, running shoes may provide an added level of cushioning and support as you make various foot movements throughout your day. They may also help if you have arches that are higher than normal and are indirectly throwing off your spine's alignment. If you run or jog on a regular basis, consider seeing a foot specialist to get a better understanding of the biomechanics of your feet. This info can be used to select a running shoe that offers better foot-spine support.

Minimalist Shoes 

According to a panel of international experts, true "minimalist shoes" are lightweight with a low heel-to-toe drop that also incorporate motion control and stability technologies within the design. In other words, they're low-profile running shoes that usually look like a layer of rubber stretched over the feet. What they do is alter the way your feet hit the ground so the front of the foot or mid-foot makes contact before your heel does. This seemingly minor adjustment may be enough to take some pressure off your spine as you walk.

Prescription Shoes 

Prescription shoes might not be the first thing that comes to mind as you explore footwear options. Even so, you'll appreciate the reduction in back pain. Primarily designed to address localized foot pain, customized shoes of this nature are made to correct issues with abnormal body movements in a way that may also be good for the spine. An orthopedic specialist or podiatrist can determine which unique shoe features will likely benefit you.

Shoes with Insoles or Custom Orthotics 

Most insoles, including the ones you can buy over the counter, are designed to provide extra foot cushioning that may also benefit the spine. With custom orthotics, a foot doctor or orthopedic specialist will take special measurements that can be used to create devices meant to be placed within your shoes. While the main purpose is to correct issues with inward or outward foot rolls, custom orthotics may also ease your back pain by correcting overall alignment as you wear your preferred shoes.

As for shoes that tend to contribute to back pain, the main culprit is excessively high heels, meaning anything above 2 inches. On the flip side, flats can be equally bad for your back because of the lack of arch support. The only exception is orthopedic flats, which provide support similar to what you'd get with a tennis shoe. Off-balance toning shoes should also be avoided if you have back pain because of the extra stress placed on the joints and spine. Plus, studies show they're not even effective for their intended purpose of toning and weight loss.

If you’re experiencing chronic pain in your back, schedule an appointment with a trusted Los Angeles spine surgeon. Get in touch with The Spine Institute today at 310-828-7757 and take the first step toward living a pain-free life.