Is wearing high heels bad for your back?

Hi Everyone,

In practice, some of my patients that complain of back pain realize that it coincides with a night out when they wore their high heels.  I often get asked that question “could my back pain be due to the fact that I wore high heels yesterday? “. While I was browsing the internet, I found this research report on the topic and thought it may be appropriate to talk about it  and stir up some discussions. The easy answer to the comment is that it  may create  muscle fatigue or calf tightness, that it changes the alignment of the spine and creates compensations but does it really?  More and more researchers are looking at the topic. This research actually looked at the impact of wearing high heels on the erector spinae muscles ( muscles close to your spine) and the way your pelvis gets affected when you walk.

Women have been wearing high heels since the 17th century either for social or work events. There are some reports that 59% of women  actually wear high heel shoes for 1- 8 hours per day.  We have thought that high heel actually changes and raises your centre of mass of the body which will change the stability of the posture and will affect the lumbar muscle timing which will result in fatigue and pain.  It will tend to have an effect on the low back curve called the lordosis by increasing it and will change the way women walk or pelvis mechanics. Are these true facts,  what did the research say!

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Breastfeeding Challenge 2012!

Hi everyone 

Have you heard of the breastfeeding challenge? It is an interesting event that has been started in Canada by the Quintessence foundation. The foundation had heard of an event in Australia called the “latch on” where people were in the same place and latched their baby all at the same time. They decided to try it at first only in BC and it was so popular that now it is all across Canada.  The goal is to have  the biggest number of mothers latching their babies at the same time at 11am.  It is a fun event where mothers get together. What a great way to help  promote breastfeeding!  Now many  countries are doing Latch on at the same time.  The record actually is from the Philippines in 2006 where  3738 women latched their babies at the same time.

I remember participating with my twins when they were almost a year old and I had a great time. I encourage every nursing mother to attend the event!

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Back to School!

Hi everyone

Time has passed quickly again! It was back to school for my gang this morning. Everything was ready to go! All the bags were full with books and supplies.All the names were written on everything. The kids were really excited but also a bit nervous!  There were really excited to see their new class, teacher and to see there friends again. I could not believe that my daughter was starting her 6th grade last year of elementary and my boys are starting 3rd grade. Wow they all look so grown up!

I wanted to include a few recommendations that I wrote last year to remind you how important it is to verify the kids back pack to avoid pain and discomfort.

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Summer is here!

Hi everybody

In Montreal, summer has definitely arrived! It is now 34 degrees with humidity. Records were broken yesterday on the thermometer!

Summer means no school and fun ! My kids finished school yesterday and are ready to enjoy a summer full of fun and activities. Most of our activites are centered around sailing and the water. It is  a time where we can relax and enjoy vacations. No homework and schedule necessarily.

What are your summer plans and vacations?

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Computer Posture and Chiropractic

Hi everyone

It has been a while since I updated my blog!! I have been quite busy with my travels for my master and all the homework that comes with it!!

 

Last week, I posted this photo on my facebook page. It triggered quite a bit of discussion. It was even brought up at a cocktail that I attended on Friday. Somebody said once they saw it, they immediately straightened out. It goes to show you that I am sure many of you have very poor posture while you sit at the computer. In the long run, this posture will cause you  lots of spinal issues and pain !!! I tease sometimes my patients by saying that computer is the best invention that  keeps us in business!!!

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