Back pain is one of the top reasons people go to the chiropractor. We often tend to think that the pain we feel is due to muscles and our spine. However, it’s also just as important to consider your feet as well. Doctor Mark Charrette from Chiropractic Economics writes that “if leg or foot asymmetries or misalignments exist, abnormal forces transmitted along the closed kinetic chain can interfere with spinal function.” These weaknesses within one or both feet can cause micro-trauma to your lumbar spine. Dr. Charrette explains that these conditions are: biomechanical errors, structural asymmetries, tissue weakness, excessive external loads. These can be determined and treated by your chiropractor.

 One way to ease these structural strains is to use orthotic support like custom insoles.

Dr. Charrette provides a few hints to reveal more information on back pain:   

Do you stand or walk on hard surfaces for more than four hours a day? Do you participate regularly in any physical sport (e.g., basketball, baseball, tennis, golf, or running)? Are you age 40 or older? Have you ever had a prior injury to your knee, back, or neck? Do your shoes wear unevenly? Do you have joint pain while standing, walking, or running? Is one of your legs shorter than the other? Do you have knock-knees or bowlegs? Do you have any obvious foot problems (bunions, corns, flat feet, etc.)? Do your feet “toe out” when you’re walking?

If you feel that you meet any of these questions, ask your chiropractor if orthotics would be an option for you!