Does a problem with your feet cause back pain?

The old adage is, when your feet hurt, your whole body will begin to hurt. Does a problem with your feet cause back pain? It is arguably true that problems with your feet can cause pain all over your body, especially your lower back. Every fiber of our bodies are interconnected, which explains why when one part of our body hurts, a seemingly unrelated part of our body can begin to hurt as well. When our feet hurt, we compensate by walking a bit differently than we ordinarily would. With a change in our gait, pain may begin in our lower back, shoulders, or possibly our neck. The change in gait throws our skeletal system out of balance causing the resulting pain., especially your lower back. Every fiber of our bodies are interconnected, which explains why when one part of our body hurts, a seemingly unrelated part of our body can begin to hurt as well. When our feet hurt, we compensate by walking a bit differently than we ordinarily would. With a change in our gait, pain may begin in our lower back, shoulders, or possibly our neck. The change in gait throws our skeletal system out of balance causing the resulting pain.

By wearing supportive shoes, our weight is more evenly distributed as we walk. However, if for example, a woman wears stilettos daily that are not supportive, her feet will not only become to a variety of problems but her body will become susceptible to joint problems and lower back problems. Stiffness, strain, and fatigue may also result. Foot pain, however, does not always result from injury or trauma. A pinched nerve in the lower back, known as Sciatica, will cause tremendous pain to reflect down the leg and into the foot, making it difficult to walk. Other lower back conditions that cause foot pain are: herniated lumbar disc, lumbar spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis (also known as slipped disc). A herniated lumbar disc occurs when a vertebral disc ruptures and the spongy center causes pressure on the nerve roots in the spine resulting in pain. Herniations can also occur in the cervical and thoracic regions of the spine. Lumbar spinal stenosis is the tightening of the spinal canal in the lower back, causing great pain, similar in symptoms as sciatica. Stenosis can also occur in other regions of the spine but is most common in the lumbar region. Spondylolisthesis compresses the nerves when a vertebra slips forward causing terrific pain.

If you’re suffering from such horrific conditions, contact Louisiana Pain Specialists as soon as possible.

The physicians at Louisiana Pain Specialists are dedicated to practicing pain medicine in a responsible manner that brings relief to those that are suffering, recognizing that an accurate diagnosis is crucial in order to alleviate the pain. If you have chronic pain that is interfering with your daily activities, Louisiana Pain Specialists serves the Metro New Orleans area at five different locations: in Kenner at 231 West Esplanade Avenue, Suite B; in Metairie at 3434 Houma Boulevard, Suite 301; in New Orleans at 3439 Prytania Street, Suite 501; in New Orleans East at 5621 Read Boulevard; and in Marrero at 4520 Wichers Drive, Suite 205. While we participate in most insurance plans, our insurance specialist will confirm your coverage prior to attending your appointment.

To make an appointment to learn how our physicians can alleviate your chronic pain, call (504) 267-1185.

An appointment is required at all 5 locations, so join us at a location near you!