Clothes Shoes and Bags: They Can Hurt Your Spine

Looking good may not always be the best thing for you health-wise. Many people today are very conscious about following the latest trends — even at the expense of one’s comfort. Your look may be one-of-a-kind, but oftentimes, it is not even comfortable.

We take our seasonal fashion cues directly from the runway, which shows looks featuring tight pants, short skirts, high heels and tons of accessories. But these trendy styles can cause medical issues with your back, spine, legs or neck. It's not just a two-minute runway walk in real life. Women are walking down streets and hurrying to work in giant heels, carrying two-ton bags, completely unaware of the negative effects of these items on their bodies.

Wearing high heels is not just uncomfortable; they can cause damage to the feet and back. Women who wear them may not realize this scary fact. High heels force the musculoskeletal system of the body to adapt to a new and different equilibrium, because they throw off the body's natural balance. The pelvis tips forward when high heels are worn for any extended amount of time. This forces the normal curvature of the spine to change in order to keep a center of gravity. If one stands with flat feet, the body is perfectly balanced. In contrast, high heels compel the hamstrings to tighten and the pelvis to maintain the body's equilibrium.

Both women and men can be victims of fashion. However, it's usually women that wear form-fitting clothing. Even though they may look stylish, tight pants and skirts don't usually feel comfortable. They make walking, bending and sitting, things we all do everyday, much more difficult. A person in clothing that is too tight is uncomfortable. This may effect the posture and alignment of the spine, causing the body to be thrown off balance.

Another ridiculous trend of late is the giant handbag, purse or backpack. People are carrying huge bags filled to the breaking point which often weigh over ten percent of their body weight. An unnatural counterbalance in the shoulders results when one carries one of these huge bags primarily over one shoulder. This is because the spine tends to curve toward that shoulder. Men are known to store their wallets in the back pocket of the pants or jeans they are wearing. The has the effect of carrying extra, unnecessary weight and can harm the spine as it is not good to sit on an object for any length of time.

Although it is important to be fashionable, there ways to chose clothes, shoes, and bags that are both comfortable and stylish. Here are some tips to look and feel your best!

• Choose shoes that are comfortable for standing and walking. If you have to wear high heels, bring some flat shoes that you can change into. For your everyday shoes, wear supportive footwear that is comfortable to walk in that will evenly distribute your body-weight.
  
• Don’t wear clothes that are excessively tight. If you prefer fitted clothing, choose pieces that allow you to do everyday tasks easily.
  
• Carry a bag with adjusting straps and remember to frequently switch the side on which you are carrying the bag. Make sure to take out unnecessary “stuff” from your purse and place objects that you often use (phone, wallet, etc.) in easy to reach pockets.
  
  

Your health and well-being is your responsibility, not a fashion designer's. If you're going to be in style, make sure you're also comfortable and feeling good!