Can Orthotics Relieve Back Pain?

Finding relief from back pain can seem like an endless journey. With many different products on the market that promise to eliminate your pain, it can be difficult to determine where to begin.

Most people only consider the back muscles when evaluating back pain, but your feet may have more to do with the health and strength of your back. Using orthotics can be an effective component in relieving back pain for good.

Understanding Orthotics

Orthotics are devices that are inserted inside the shoe to correct any alignment or movement dysfunctions of the feet.

They work by restoring the position and mechanics of the feet, which influence the function of the knees, hips, and trunk. Although some orthotics provide protection from impact, specialized inserts can be used to address more serious imbalances.

Orthotics can be used to reposition the bones of the feet and eliminate pronation of the ankles. This optimizes the biomechanics of the joints for increased efficiency of movement and reduces strain on the joints and supporting tissues.

How the Feet Influence Your Back

'Flat feet' is a common issue that contribute to chronic back pain. When the ankles collapse inward, the weight of the body is unevenly distributed throughout the supporting limbs. This affects the stability and function of the hips and pelvis.

Because this acts as the supporting base of the spine, any compensations are distributed further up the chain and lead to musculoskeletal imbalances that manifest pain. A leg length imbalance is another common issue that can be corrected with orthotics.

Using different tests to evaluate gait, you can determine whether orthotics are appropriate for relieving your back pain.

Treating Back Pain With Orthotics

In order to get the best results from using orthotics, you should consult with a Podiatrist or Chiropractor who can determine the best orthotics and customize them to meet your needs.

Your orthotics will help you improve the position and stabilization of your feet, which will eliminate undue stress and misalignment of the other joints. This improves your gait pattern and reduces the compensations that lead to back pain.

The feet are the foundation of standing movement. When coupled with the other supporting joints, they form a kinetic chain. Any weakness within that system will manifest as pain over time.

The use of orthotics is an effective tool in relieving back pain. A skilled Podiatrist or Chiropractor can determine what orthotics you need in order to get the best results.

Restoring alignment and function of the feet will carry over to the rest of your body. Adding a core program will provide more stability for a strong and healthy back.