High Heels Hazardous to Health
High heels can make you look fabulous and with the spring season in full swing, you may be pulling out your favorite pair. But looking your best might not always be the best thing for you. Chiro One Wellness Centers cautions that high heels can be dangerous to your health.
“Today's society is extremely fashion and style conscious. Unfortunately, clothing designers and stylists aim to please by creating unique looks that might not always be practical or even comfortable,” says Dr. Phillip Shaw, Clinic Director of Chiro One Wellness Center of Wheeling. “The most popular looks and accessories are frequently impractical and could create leg, back, and spine or neck problems.”
According to Shaw, women generally wear high heels to enhance their look and to complement an outfit, not for comfort, but some might not realize that these shoes can cause serious discomfort in the feet and can also exacerbate back pain. “High heels alter the balanced position of a person's body,” says Shaw. “When a woman wears high heels, a new dynamic equilibrium occurs.”
Another unhealthy fashion statement that Dr. Shaw cautions about is the use of heavy handbags. “Women tend to carry too many items in one bag and are often not aware of the potential health risks associated with toting an excessive amount of “stuff,” states Shaw. “Carrying a bag with detectable weight—more than 10 percent of your body weight—can cause improper balance. When hiked over one shoulder, it interferes with the natural movement of the upper and lower body. In today's society, it might be important to you to look fashionable, but it is more important to choose clothes, shoes and bags that are comfortable and that suit your style.”
Dr. Phillip Shaw and Chiro One Wellness Centers recommend these healthy fashion tips for saving your back while looking and feeling your best!
• Choose comfortable shoes. If you must wear high heels, bring a pair of flat shoes along with you to change into should you become uncomfortable. If the shoe is uncomfortable while standing, chances are it will not be any more comfortable while walking. The wrong shoe can affect the body's center of gravity.
• Choose supportive shoes. Designer spikes or non-supportive loafers may look nice but do not allow for easy, symmetrical walking.
• Take Frequent Breaks. While sitting, whether or not you are wearing heels, it's important to take frequent stretch breaks to alleviate atrophy of the hamstring muscles.
• Avoid excessive wear of tight pants or clothing. If you prefer tighter clothes, choose styles that allow you to perform daily tasks with ease.
• Select a briefcase or purse with a wide adjustable strap. Ideally, the strap should be long enough to place over the head. This evenly distributes the bulk of the weight across the body.
• When carrying a bag, or briefcase, switch sides frequently to avoid placing the burden of the weight on one side of your body.
• Take the time to empty unnecessary items from your bag.
• Place all necessary items—wallets/cell phones—in front pockets of bag. Stretching to reach for your wallet can result in a pulled neck or back.
• Listen to your body. Designers and stylists tend to be more concerned about the way something looks rather than the way it feels. One of the most important aspects of being in style and looking your best is to maintain healthy judgment. By following simple suggestions being fashionable can be comfortable.
• Chiropractic Care Can Help. The abnormal weight bearing and stressful posture induced by high heels and heavy handbags can strain both the lower back and the neck – not to mention the feet, ankles or knees. If you continue to experience pain and discomfort, visit your doctor of chiropractic. To make an appointment at a Chiro One center near you, call (877) 724-4761 or visit http://www.ChiroOne.net/locations. Chiro One Wellness Centers serves Chicagoland, Kentucky and Texas with 60 convenient locations and are leaders in developing extraordinary wellness for families and individuals.
Dr. Phillip Shaw serves as Clinic Director of Chiro One Wellness Center of Wheeling located at 41 Huntington Lane Wheeling, IL 60187. Dr. Phillip is accepting new patients and can be reached at (847) 850-7740.