Causes of Lower Back Pain:

There are many causes of lower back pain.  These can be:

• Spine (bone degeneration)
• Nerve damage (compression through the spinal discs)
• Poor alignment of the pelvis
• A number of diseases

However one of the major causes of lower back pain is incorrect positioning of the pelvis during walking and this is often due to poor poor alignment and mechanical function of the foot, ankle, knees and hips.

How can a Podiatrist help with your back pain?

An experienced Podiatrist can help your back pain significantly if your back pain is related to your foot biomechanics.  A Podiatrist can clinically assess this during a consultation.

However if there is other pathology causing the back pain, the success of treating the pack pain is minimized.

Understanding foot Biomechanics:

Flat feet  or feet that excessively pronate (roll inwards) causes internal rotation of the ankle, knees, groin and pelvis.

These rotatations cause  a forward tilt of the pelvis which increase the curvature of the spine.  Ultimately this places strain on the muscles, tendons and ligaments of the lower back causing inflammation and pain.

 

 

Bunions, or restriction of the big toe joint can reduce the pivot motion at this joint.  When the foot can no longer pivot it loses its ability to propel forward fluidly, causing the foot to slap the ground reducing the foot being able to absorb shock.

Bunions can also cause the foot to turn outwards changing the knee and hip rotation and ultimately changing the spine curvature.  This lack of shock absorption and change of alignment can lead to major spine and hip pain.

 

Treatment for back pain related to poor foot function:

Custom made orthotics are the ideal choice.  The orthotics help to balance the feet and control abnormal motion.  This then assists to stabilize the pelvis and enhance normal function of the spine.

 

 

 

 

Contact Kew Foot Clinic to make an appointment with one of our experienced Podiatrists.

T: 03 9853 6877