Have you ever considered that your feet could be contributing to your back pain? Back pain is a prevalent complaint among people of all ages, and it can occur anywhere along the spine, causing mild aches, burning sensations, and shooting or stabbing pain.
While many factors can contribute to back pain, including poor posture, muscle strain, and spinal misalignments, foot problems can also be a contributing factor. Structural imbalances in the feet can lead to poor alignment and stress on the joints, muscles, and ligaments of the legs and spine, resulting in pain and discomfort.
How the Feet Can Cause Back Pain
As the name suggests, back pain is often experienced in the lower or mid-back. However, what many people don’t realize is that back pain, rather than being caused by back issues, often originates from somewhere else in the body. One frequently overlooked source of back pain is the feet.
Pes planus, commonly known as flat feet, is a foot condition that can cause upper back pain. When the arches of the feet flatten, pressure is placed on the legs, causing them to rotate inward. This tilt of the pelvis can cause the muscles of the lower back to become strained and stretched, resulting in pain.
On the other hand, supination, a condition where an individual has higher than normal arches, can also cause back pain. As the feet become more rigid, they lose the ability to absorb shock from activities such as running or jumping. This shock travels up the leg and into the pelvis, causing pain in the surrounding muscles.
Furthermore, poor foot posture can cause strains and pains in the feet, leading to a compensatory limp or hobble. Over time, this can place strain and pressure on different muscles in the leg and lower back, potentially pulling the pelvis or spinal column out of alignment and causing back pain.
How We Treat Back Pain
If you suspect that your foot condition is contributing to your back pain, consider seeking upper cervical chiropractic care from our specialist, Dr. Bejian Shamloo at Upper Spine Knoxville. We use specialized upper cervical chiropractic techniques to treat musculoskeletal conditions and secondary symptoms resulting from foot conditions like pes planus or supination.
At your initial appointment, Dr. Shamloo will conduct a series of advanced diagnostic tests to evaluate your upper cervical spine and identify areas that may have become misaligned due to your foot condition. Using advanced imaging tools like infrared thermography and CBCT scanning, Dr. Shamloo can take an in-depth look at your spine and develop a personalized treatment plan.
If a misalignment is detected, Dr. Shamloo will perform a range of traditional upper cervical chiropractic correction techniques to gently restore any misaligned vertebrae back into their natural alignment. While this may initially alleviate your back pain, it's important to address the root cause of the pain for effective long-term relief. Dr. Shamloo can also work with you to adjust, stretch, and mobilize your feet to improve your arches and overall foot condition. This comprehensive approach can help to reduce strain and pressure on your back and allow the pelvis and surrounding muscles to return to their natural position.
If you’re suffering from foot-related back pain, Dr. Shamloo is here to help. Dr. Shamloo provides patients with upper cervical chiropractic treatments in Knoxville, Alcoa, Maryville, Farragut, Clinton, Oak Ridge, Sevierville, Lenoir City, Karns, Hardin Valley, Powell, Halls, and Fountain City in Tennessee, as well as the surrounding areas.