High Heels In Eden Prairie, MN, And Your Spine

Many women in Eden Prairie, MN, wear high heels without realizing the danger they pose to their posture and spine. This fashion accessory comes in all heights, which vary from low business heels to stiletto high heels for evening wear. They do accent the legs and add flair, but at what price? They affect posture by causing a shift in the center of gravity, causing extra pressure on the joints.

You need to understand your spine alignment first.

Correct posture is about alignment and how we hold our bodies when standing, lying down, or sitting. When your posture is in alignment, it lets the muscles and ligaments hold the body upright without excess work or pressure on any area. If your posture isn’t lined properly, your hips, shoulders, head, and knees aren’t aligned.

High heels change how you’re standing and the alignment.

High heels cause your posture to change. It pushes your lower back and chest forward. That causes excess pressure on all body parts, including your feet, knees, ankles, and hips. That change in your lower body extends to your upper body and strains the lower spine and neck. The shift in the center of gravity can lead to problems that include back pain, headaches, shoulder pain, and leg pain. It causes more pressure on the joints since they aren’t aligned to function properly. That causes joint degeneration. If your posture is off long enough, it can cause permanent changes.

Find ways to avoid wearing high heels too long.

You don’t have to give up heels completely. There are ways to deal with the problem and reduce the damage. If you wear heels for business, keep them shorter, with two inches the maximum. You’ll get “the look” without the stress. Before putting on your high heels, take a few minutes to stretch your calf muscles and reduce potential pain. Avoid pointed toe shoes and stilettoes.

• The poor posture created by wearing high heels affects more than the spine. That affects the connective tissue—fascia, the tendons, muscles, joints, bones, and organs. Do exercises that improve your posture daily.
• If you wear high heels to work or a social function, have a second, more sensible pair to put on later. You can wear them in the office when not dealing with customers or later in the evening at a social event.
• Stay active. A sedentary lifestyle can create more problems than footwear. Get up once an hour and walk around, especially if you work at a computer. Keep your weight down. Excess pounds add to joint and spinal issues.
• Be aware that wearing high heels can cause spinal degeneration. Come in for a free 15-minute consultation. We are happy to help everyone in Eden Prairie, MN, start their wellness journey to feel better.

For more information, contact Zen Chiropractic!