Stiletto's and The Chiropractic Perspective!!!!

OUCH!!!!

Written By: Sherry French

Ok Ladies, I know we all have been there, we have worn these type of shoes at some point in our lives.  When I was in my twenties and thirties, even during three pregnancies I wore high heels ( I know crazy, but a girl needs to feel sexy even at 9 months pregnant, RIGHT!). I still wear a high wedge at times, but that does give a different level of support then a stiletto.  Being married to a Chiropractor has given me a different perspective on the health of my spine, as well as educating me on the importance of good spinal support and health.

Here is an article I found and wanted to share with you regards High Heels and Chiropractic.


Two publications carried an article based upon a release by the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress. The articles from the January 2, 2008 Hudson Valley Press, and the January 8, 2008 Indiana Star, discuss the perils of high heels from a chiropractic perspective.  Dr. Gerard Clum spokesperson for the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress and president of Life Chiropractic College West in Hayward, California starts the article off by stating, "From a health standpoint, there's no good side to heels."

The FCP release notes that wearing high heels changes the biomechanics of walking, therefore affecting the foot, leg and spine. Dr. Clum notes, "Dangers associated with wearing high heels affect the entire body, particularly the knee, hip, and back." He continued, "The abnormal weight-bearing and stressful posture induced by high heels can strain both the low back and the neck, not to mention the foot, ankle, and knee."

The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress made several recommendations for women who wear high heels.

These are:
If high heels must be worn, Dr. Clum advises not to wear them for more than two hours a day. He states, "Many high-heeled shoes do not allow for proper space and movement of the toes.

Typically, the pointy toe of the shoe causes pain in the front of the foot, which creates pressure on the metatarsals." Doctors at the Foundation are not suggesting flat shoes but they do suggest wearing heels of two inches or less as a compromise. Dr. Clum summed up the chiropractic perspective by saying, "The vast majority of women who come for chiropractic treatment do not associate the heel height of their shoes with their ailments. It is important for women to realize that their everyday choices, including what shoes to wear, will affect their entire body, not only their feet."

If you are experiencing foot pain or lower back pain and have been a big supporter of high heels in your life, give
Dr. Craig French a call at 919-596-2900 for an exam.