Style May Interfere with Your Spinal Health

Being in style is important to many people, but often they sacrifice their chiropractic well-being in order to look good. It's understandable to want to stay ahead of the latest trends, but it's important to be comfortable and take care of your body as well.

The season’s look coming straight from the runway usually includes high heels, short skirts, tight pants, and a slew of accessories. However, did you know that these popular looks can create pain and problems in your leg, back, spine, or neck? In reality, women are not just walking down a catwalk; they are walking down the street or racing to work in 5-inch heels and a 2-ton bag, and unaware of how they are treating their bodies.

High heels are worn to add something special to an outfit, but women don't realize the damage and discomfort shoes like this can cause to the feet and back. The body's inherent balance is disrupted by wearing high heels. They force the body's musculoskeletal system to conform to a different equilibrium. Essentially, when one wears high heels for a long period of time, the pelvic area angles forward and the curvature of the spine must adjust in order to sustain a center of gravity. The body is in perfect balance when a person stands flat-footed. When women wear high heels, though, their hamstrings tighten and the pelvis must keep the body's balance.

Men, as well as women, are known to sacrifice function for fashion. But it is mostly women that wear clothing that may be too tight. These items look good, but they may be too tight to feel good. Easy, everyday movements like walking, bending and sitting become labored in clothing that is too tight. Being uncomfortable in tight clothing can also put the body off balance, as an uncomfortable person may demonstrate poor posture and spine misalignment.

Something often seen on the street is people carrying huge and heavy handbags, purses or backpacks. Some of these giant bags weigh over ten percent of the person's body weight. The spine curves toward the shoulder that most often carries the weight of one of these bags, causing an unnatural counterbalance in the shoulders. The back pocket of a pair of pants or jeans is a common place for many men to keep their wallets. Keeping this extra weight in the pocket is unnecessary and also harmful, as sitting on an object for any extended time period can hurt the spine.

Of course it's important to all of us to be stylish, but you don't have to sacrifice your well-being to do so. The following are some tips that will help you look good and feel good, too!

• When choosing shoes for everyday, make sure they feel totally comfortable while standing and walking, and that they feel supportive. This will ensure that your weight is distributed evenly. When you have to wear high heels, try to bring along an extra pair of flat shoes to change into.
  
• Make sure your clothing isn't too tight. It's okay to wear clothes that are form-fitting, but when taking part in everyday activities becomes uncomfortable, you know you are wearing clothes that are bad for you.
  
• Clean out your handbag regularly to get rid of all the excess items that you don't need, and be sure to place often-used accessories like a phone or wallet in easy-to-find places. Regularly alternate which shoulder you use to carry your bag and make sure it has adjustable straps.
  
  

Keep in mind, designers care more about how clothing looks rather than how it functions or feels. It is up to you to choose what is both fashionable and comfortable.