More on Orthotics – Low Back Pain

Low Back Pain

There are many causes of low back pain. In the context of this article we will look at excessive muscle tightness in the low back as a result of bilateral pronation of the feet (both feet).

This can cause internal rotation of the tibial (shin) and femoral (thigh) bones which leads to an anterior (forward) tilt of the pelvis. This changes the body’s centre of gravity. It also increases the natural forward curvature of the lower spine, known as lordosis, to an unnatural degree, generating compensatory muscle tightness of the entire lumbo-sacral area. The thoracic region adapts by generating a backward or kyphotic curve, and the neck follows suit in an attempt to stabilize by generating an excessive forward curve.  The body will always try to be in balance.

So now the entire spine has multiple compensatory imbalances, causing subluxations and thus widespread symptoms from the many nerve root irritations.

Should a unilateral or one-sided pronation of the foot occur, this can create what is known as a functional short leg which will lead to a sideways curvature of the spine or functional scoliosis. No, one leg is not actually shorter than the other, but because one foot is angling inwards it causes the pelvis to lose its horizontal axis thus appearing as if the one leg is shorter. A functional short leg can lead to many chronic subluxation patterns, as once again, the body tries to maintain balance. So you may be uncomfortable with normal activities such as lifting or sitting.

There are two avenues of care. The first is the use of prescribed orthotics to correct the pronation. The second is spinal care. With a sideways curvature or scoliosis, if left for a period of time uncorrected the vertebrae will become deformed. As the excessive pronation of the foot or both feet is lessened, this change will impact on the spinal dynamics and can possible generate back pain of seemingly unknown aetiology. Because once again, the body is apparently unbalanced compared to what had become “normal”. Chiropractic care during this period of restabilization will ensure that recovery is as free from discomfort as possible, and will speed that process.

Now, excessive pronation cannot be corrected. Orthotics will be necessary permanently, they do not cure or reverse this problem, only stabilize. Once pronation or supination is diagnosed, it means orthotics for life,  to maintain pelvic balance and correct tibial rotation. Keep your orthotics in good condition, and have them re-checked for balance at least once a year. Your Doctor of Chiropractic or your Podiatrist can do this for you.