High heels are a very fashionable footwear that many women around the world wear, sometimes daily. They are also notorious for their discomfort and effects on spinal health. This is not just anecdotal evidence either. There are actually studies that prove high heels have a long-lasting effect on spinal health.
Realignment
Studies show that wearing heels alter the spines natural alignment. The main alignment issue studies have found is that the spine becomes hyperlordotic, which means there is too much curvature in the lumbar or cervical regions. This then leads to back pain in the future. This is due to the body trying to adjust to the natural unbalance that comes with high heels. The body does this by flexing and bending the spine and hips. When the body is flexing, the muscles tense up. This constant tension in back muscles due to high heels causes alignment issues that then lead to damage in back ligaments, joints, and vertebral discs. Other long-term effects include shortening of the calf muscles and thicker tendons.
Prevention
Luckily, it is possible to wear high heels without effecting long term spinal health. Some things you should do are stretch before and after wearing heels, not wearing heels for an extended period of time, set the height limit to 2 inches for the heel, and have leather insoles that prevent slipping. You can also try wearing high heels that have a rounded or square toe instead of a pointed one. You should also never fight through the pain if your feet start to hurt while wearing high heels. If your feet start to hurt, you should take off the heels as soon as possible.
Corrective Action
If you are already starting to experience back pain, there are some things you can do to correct the damage that has been done. Some things many professionals recommend that typically help women with back pain are diet, exercise, and practice proper posture. If you are experiencing pain, it is recommended that you visit a spinal doctor or chiropractor. These are professionals who know what questions to ask and what to look for when a patient presents to them with back pain. Once they pinpoint a likely cause, they will be able to tell you what you can do to mitigate said back pain.
How You Can Wear High Heels Without the Pain
There is no reason that you should have to completely eliminate high heels from your wardrobe unless you already have serious back problems. You should consider cutting back and following the tips outlined here though, as they will allow you to wear heels without the fear of future back pain. If you are already experiencing back pain, consider visiting your local chiropractor today!