Back pain can be attributed to a myriad of causes from awkward sleeping positions to poor posture. But according to our Fareham chiropractor, wearing the wrong type of clothes can also be a major culprit for an achy spine. Those super (are they sprayed on?) skinny jeans may look the part, but clothes that are too tight, too stiff, or too constricting can limit your range of motion, which can cause more stress and strain on your back, neck, and shoulders and increase your risk of pain and injury.
The top offenders are usually skinny jeans, pencil skirts, and compression clothing or shapewear. But fear not; you don’t need to rid your wardrobe of your stylish clothes and resort to tent-like garments just to brush off back pain. All you have to do is opt for fabrics with a bit of give and stretch to them, and select a size that’s snug, but not skin tight. You should be able to easily slip a finger under the waistband of jeans or skirts, and compression items shouldn’t feel suffocating or uncomfortable. As a general rule, if you need to ease them off or undo a few buttons after eating, you could probably do with a size up!
Another one in the line up for back and neck pain is your bra. Underwear with thin straps or halter-neck designs don’t distribute weight evenly across the shoulders and as a result, pressure is concentrated into one small spot. This can force women into a slumped position which is a major cause of long-term back problems.
And of course, there are high heels! It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to work out why skyscraper shoes are bad news for the spine! When you walk in high heels you lose heel strike (having your heel hit the ground first). This tilts the pelvis, sticks out the buttocks, and stresses the lower back with every single step you take. They’re just not kind on the back at all, so don’t wear them unless you really have to.
Not many people realise the clothes they wear can have a direct impact on the health of their spines. But now that you do! Knowledge is power when it comes to looking after your back.
Our Experience Counts: 55 Years in Fareham
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