JeffB Posted February 25, 2015 Posted February 25, 2015 I read this piece in yesterday's Metro where spine surgeon Dr. Alfred Bonati recommends women wear high heels to alleviate back pain. He recommends a three inch heel at minimum and to go for the good shoes, like Jimmy Choo. I found that rather illuminating, and who's to say such advice can't work for us guys as well! Opinions? http://www.metro.us/lifestyle/jimmy-choo-shoes-could-be-your-answer-to-back-pain/zsJobs---PLqCHH3eNSyio/ I don't want to LOOK like a woman, I just want to DRESS like a woman!
Shyheels Posted February 25, 2015 Posted February 25, 2015 Speaking for myself I would have to agree. I have had some very serious back issues, including a ruptured disc that, according to the prominent spinal surgeon who removed it, was as bad as he'd ever seen in a very long career. I actually had to learn to walk again. The surgery was wonderfully effective, although I still get the odd back spasms now and then. I had been suffering a bout of them when I first took the plunge and wore heels for the first time last May, having wanted a pair of heeled boots for a very long time. I had actually been rather afraid they might aggravate the trouble, which would have been sad, but to my surprise found quite the reverse. The heels eased the spasms noticeably - startlingly so. My heels were not anything like as high as the doctor in your article talks about, being only about two and three-quarters inches on a size 46-47 foot, but they certainly did the trick. They are well made and fit well too - chunk-heeled, suede Jean Gaborit over-the-knee boots - which no doubt helps. But, yes, knowing what I know now I would wear them even had I not fancied a pair previously, for the sheer therapeutic qualities.
Thighbootguy Posted February 25, 2015 Posted February 25, 2015 I think that standing up straight, which is naturally encouraged by wearing heels, is a major relief to muscular lower back pain. I have discovered two causes of this pain for me are: getting the muscles chilled, or wearing a waist band that is too tight. I took me many years of pain before I discovered that the jeans I was wearing was causing the problem. I currently have a couple of muscles that are complaining when I pass through the last few degrees of standing up straight which was caused by the recent cold weather that I errantly let hit my back. I do find that wearing heels does make waking easier. Just make sure that your shoes/boots have good arch support. Without it you constantly hold too much weight to the ball of your foot which pulls muscles all the way up your legs and back. Always bend your knees when you lift anything. Just get into the habit of doing that. Once you pull a muscle It is more likely to give out again, and hurting a disk in your spine is really serious trouble. For all of you folks that don't know about lower back pain... may you never find out. I dream of a world where chickens can cross roads without having their motives questioned.
Shafted Posted February 25, 2015 Posted February 25, 2015 As I have said in the past, heels have done wonders for my lower back. The reason for this is not much that you have to stand up straighter, but the heels induce a pelvic tilt forward which causes the spine to take on it's proper s-curve. This in turn causes the pressure to be evenly distributed on the discs. Simply standing up straight in flats will not accomplish this. Shafted, the boots that is! View my gallery here http://www.hhplace.o...afteds-gallery/ or view my heeling thread here http://www.hhplace.org/topic/3850-new-pair-of-boots-starts-me-serious-street-heeling/ - Pm me if you want fashion advice or just need someone to talk to.
Heelster Posted February 25, 2015 Posted February 25, 2015 As I have said in the past, heels have done wonders for my lower back. The reason for this is not much that you have to stand up straighter, but the heels induce a pelvic tilt forward which causes the spine to take on it's proper s-curve. This in turn causes the pressure to be evenly distributed on the discs. Simply standing up straight in flats will not accomplish this. Second that. As I have a very tight muscle structure (I have NEVER been able to touch my toes) I have discovered that heels do help my back, and also straighten out my feet and relieve my achilles tendons. After spending hours in steel toe boots, it's amazing how everything seems to correct itself when in heels. I wish I had discovered this in my 20's although I wore a lot of taller mens western boots for years. Seems all the mens heeled boots are pretty flat these days.
Histiletto Posted March 1, 2015 Posted March 1, 2015 After reading the article that quoted the spine surgeon - Dr. Alfred O. Bonati, the post comments of two people seemed more questionable as their rebuttal uses innuendos and suggestive claims of self enumerations for making such statements to wear good fitting high heel shoes (even stilettos) with proper arch supports as an answer for the relief of back pain. From my experience, the doctor was more harmonious with the actual facts than the naysayers.Here at HHPlace, it has been said over and over again to find good fitting heels (no matter what the labeled sizing is) that support your feet properly, that aren't over taxing your limits and abilities to walk at such heights gracefully (unless you're challenging yourself to see if you can eventually wear higher heels), and you have found them comfortable to the degree that you know the upper material of the heels (especially at the toe box) tends to conform more to the shape of your feet as you wear them. Don't depend on different or other heels to fix or heal foot ailments. Correct the problem first, if possible.
Guest Posted March 1, 2015 Posted March 1, 2015 Major accident 10 years ago towing a large caravan in France, lost control quickly, unit detatched and we rolled away coming to a halt inverted 1 1/2 rotations. Wife semi trapped between headrest and roof. I've put my head through the sunroof =34 stitches and partial dislocation of spine at C5/C6. High stress trauma of left shoulder muscles and tendons. That feeling when you hit the nerve on your elbow or "funnybone" think 24 hours a day continuous, 6 days in Saint Lo and 22 back in my local hospital. Let out post op after 3 days. Butterfly plate and bone graft. The changes in posture by wearing heels eased much of the pain, warm weather +25 works well but that is only part of the solution, the UK isn't that warm 12 months of the year. Heeling has been the "drug" that has made life better than bearable. Al
Steve63130 Posted March 2, 2015 Posted March 2, 2015 Al, Wow, what a terrifying experience. You must have had nightmares for years! Near-death experiences are things they say you never forget. Glad you're still with us and that heels have made a big difference in your quality of life. Steve
Guest Posted March 5, 2015 Posted March 5, 2015 Strangly not Steve. Only during the first days whilst still in france was it "dreamlike". Not being in at the wheel didn't give the responsibility that would have triggered the blame and rerun nightmares. Fear of the future was there but I didn't get the full extent of the injuries until back in the UK hospital. French nurses and below had limited english and loved using it, the professionals however wouldn't and even sent my lady out of the room as we were not married. 5 months off work with a estimate of best recovery point in 18-24 months, I've lost about 10% total movement of head turn and tilt. Al
Steve63130 Posted March 6, 2015 Posted March 6, 2015 Al, Interesting story. Thanks for the details. Well, like I said, I'm glad you're still with us, and enjoying wearing heels! Steve
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