The feet are very complex structures that feature more articulated joints than any other area of the human body. Unfortunately, they’re also vulnerable to injuries and other issues caused by years of supporting the body’s weight. But did you know that your feet could be the underlying cause of your lower back pain in Grand Rapids MI?

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Are Foot Issues Causing Back Pain?

The feet are impressive structures that support the entire weight of the body to permit jumping, walking, running, and standing. The foot’s shock-absorbing ability lies in its three arches:

• Median arch
• Metatarsal arch
• Lateral arch

The lateral and metatarsal and median arches distribute 50% of the body’s weight forward, toward the balls of the feet. The other 50% of the weight is distributed toward the heel or calcaneus.

If there is an inherent deformation of the bones that prevented normal arch formation or the tissues that support the foot are unable to maintain the arches, the foot will flatten out. This condition is called pronation. Because pronated feet are unable to evenly support the body’s weight, stress can travel toward the spine, forcing postural and spinal misalignments. Over the years, these chronic misalignments can cause foot, shoulder, and back pain as the muscles in the body strain to restore equilibrium.

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Chiropractic Care In Grand Rapids MI Can Provide Foot and Back Pain Relief

At The Chiropractic Doctors, we never assume that pain in one area of the body originates from that point. We must evaluate every weight-bearing component, including the feet, to locate the source of the pain and the underlying cause. If a foot problem, such as pronation, is causing back pain, we can provide effective treatment that will naturally alleviate your pain and discomfort. We will also create a personalized care plan that will not only help eliminate pain and discomfort now but prevent episodes in the future as well.

Chiropractic care, along with foot orthotics, can significantly improve low back pain. In many cases, the cause of an imbalance in the spine can be traced to the feet. If the arches in the foot are dropping, they are no longer able to support the weight of the body. Arches often begin dropping starting at the age of five. There is usually one foot that has an arch that isn’t as high as the other side. When arches drop, a knee can rotate inward. This can drop the pelvis on that side, causing spinal misalignments.

Foot Orthotics and Chiropractic Treatment

If you’re on your feet all day, your posture will not be balanced. This can lead to neck, shoulder, and back pain. When the arches are not properly supported, a person can also develop heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, and heel and foot pain.

Using foot orthotics will balance the feet and can prevent postural issues that cause low back pain. Your chiropractor will recommend orthotics that are specifically made for you since every foot is different. People who receive chiropractic adjustments, in addition to wearing orthotics, have a better outcome compared to patients that just used fitted orthotics alone. With regular chiropractic treatment and orthotics use, a patient will experience an improvement in their quality of life, pain, and function.

When a chiropractor adjusts the spine, knees, and feet, balance is restored in the body, causing an improvement in the motion of the joints and a decrease in muscle strain. This will allow the feet to adapt to orthotics faster.

Other Ways to Prevent Back and Foot Pain

Other ways you can reduce your risk of back and foot pain include:

• Use the proper running shoes when you run or work out and supportive shoes at the office
• Maintain a healthy weight. Excess body weight can increase your chances of foot-related back pain
• Pay attention to posture
• Seek regular chiropractic treatment

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Schedule an Appointment at The Chiropractic Doctors Today

If you’re experiencing ongoing stiff or sore back pain, your feet may be to blame. By performing a thorough physical assessment, our chiropractors can identify any misalignments and the root cause of your pain. If your feet are the issue, your chiropractor can create a personalized treatment plan that includes recommendations for orthotics, exercises, and chiropractic treatments. This multi-pronged approach to treating the underlying source of your pain will restore balance in the body, allowing the body to heal itself, without the use of harmful medications or invasive procedures.

If you’re ready to start on your path to wellness, contact The Chiropractic Doctors today at (616) 432-3103, or book an appointment online. We look forward to meeting you and helping you feel better, stronger, and healthier than ever before.

Call our office to book your next appointment, and discover why The Chiropractic Doctors are consistently rated 5 stars by your neighbors!