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Can Wearing The Wrong Shoes Be Responsible For My Back Pain?

Can Wearing The Wrong Shoes Be Responsible For My Back Pain

Wearing proper footwear is vital for both comfort and movement and to maintain optimal body support when walking or performing other daily tasks. When worn incorrectly, incorrect shoes can create discomfort in both feet and back due

to altering weight-bearing angles of the body and altering how weight distribution occurs throughout your system. Conversely, inappropriate footwear can alter this vital aspect of human function which provides necessary support when moving around freely and performing daily tasks.

Shoes Which May Negatively Affect The Spine

Certain shoe brands can cause significant harm to the health of your spine. They can lead to back pain and change your walking style over time; additionally, they could damage both feet.

High heels: Higher heels can often lead to back pain, as well as other injuries such as bunions or rolled ankles, as your gait becomes affected by bent feet or raised ankles, leading to altered gait patterns thrown off balance by walking with higher heels; your spine will adjust in response, compensating to maintain equilibrium.
Flip flops without arch support (or much connection to the feet): These flat shoes without arch support or much connection between the feet and arch can cause heel, ankle, and knee strain, which in turn may impact spine health. Flip-flops increase pressure on the outer part of the foot. They lack ankle support or stability which increases the risk for injury when standing or climbing over uneven ground or walking on slippery surfaces – potentially inducing serious injury!
Old gym shoes or sneakers: Shoes that are worn-out in terms of arch support, tread depth and cushion thickness will provide less support and stability. Worn-out or no longer fitting properly shoes may alter your gait while providing less stability during physical activity.

Popular Shoes And Your Spine

Many popular shoe brands may look stylish, but are often unsupportive of arch and flat structures, leading to back pain and new spinal issues when walking long distances or performing everyday activities. Shoes without arch support have an adverse effect on spinal health, therefore if necessary switch to supportive footwear when possible. Explore your options by consulting a chiropractor near your location. The average American covers an estimated daily distance of 5,120 feet, which equates to thousands of miles over their lifetimes. Wearing inappropriate footwear may lead to degenerative changes in muscles, connective tissue, and joints of the feet which in turn could impact all the way up the spine.

At St. Paul Chiropractic and Natural Medicine Center, our team offers customized treatment plans based on thorough consultations. Additionally, advice will be given regarding lifestyle changes that may help speed up recovery as well as exercises that may enhance them. Contact St. Paul Chiropractic and Natural Medicine Center now to experience a life free of pain! Book an appointment for neck or back discomfort today by contacting them today – St Paul Chiropractic and Natural Medicine Center is ready and waiting!

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We accept most major insurance plans, including HSA/HFA funds, and verify your coverage before your first visit at no cost; just bring your insurance card. We also coordinate with your primary care provider to ensure seamless care.

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Monday: 9am – 12pm & 2pm – 6pm
Tuesday : By appointment
Wednesday: 9am – 12pm & 2pm – 6pm
Thursday: 12pm – 6pm
Friday: 9am – 1pm
Saturday & Sunday: Closed

Patient Testimonial

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Emily Catton

Lead Spinal Rehabilitation Specialist

Emily serves as the Lead Spinal Rehabilitation Specialist at St. Paul Chiropractic & Natural Medicine Center, where her exceptional patient care and clinical expertise have made her an invaluable member of our team since August 2017. As our most senior team member, Emily exemplifies the practice’s commitment to compassionate, comprehensive care.

Professional Background

Emily brings a strong academic foundation to her role, having graduated from Winona State University in 2017 with dual Bachelor’s degrees in Movement Science and Psychology. This interdisciplinary education uniquely positions her to understand both the physical and psychological aspects of patient rehabilitation, allowing her to deliver care that addresses the whole person.

Since joining our team, Emily has become an expert in our proprietary treatment protocols. Her advanced training includes certification as a registered Limited Scope X-ray operator, providing her with detailed knowledge of spinal anatomy and pathology that enhances her rehabilitation work.

Olivia

Lead SoftWave Technician Specialist

Olivia brings Southern warmth and exceptional expertise to St. Paul Chiropractic & Natural Medicine Center, where she has been an indispensable team member since 2018. Originally from Georgia, Olivia made Minnesota her home in 2010, establishing roots in East St. Paul and graduating from Johnson Senior High School before pursuing her passion for healing at the Aveda Institute Minneapolis.

With over a decade of experience in therapeutic bodywork, Olivia’s journey began as a certified massage therapist in 2016, quickly distinguishing herself through her remarkable ability to address soft tissue injuries and chronic pain conditions. Her skills and commitment to patient care gained Dr. Chris’s notice, resulting in a lasting professional partnership.

In January 2024, Olivia’s role evolved to Lead SoftWave Technician Specialist, where she skillfully applies Extra-Corporal Shock Wave Therapy to address knee pain, shoulder injuries, and various soft tissue conditions. Her extensive background in massage therapy provides her with an intuitive understanding of the body’s mechanics, allowing her to achieve exceptional results with SoftWave technology.

Olivia is also a key practitioner in our proprietary Spinal Rehabilitation Therapy (S.R.T.) program, working seamlessly alongside Emily to create a therapeutic environment that promotes optimal healing and recovery. Together, they form the backbone of our patient care team, establishing an atmosphere of comfort, trust, and clinical excellence that patients consistently praise.

What truly sets Olivia apart is her genuine compassion and unwavering reliability. She greets every patient with a warm smile, approaches each case with meticulous attention to detail, and consistently demonstrates the perfect balance of technical skill and heartfelt care. Her humble nature belies her exceptional abilities, making her therapeutic presence all the more powerful.

Outside the clinic, Olivia embraces life’s simple joys with her 7-year-old daughter and spouse. She finds renewal through camping adventures, expresses her creativity through drawing, delights in culinary exploration, and soaks up Minnesota’s precious sunshine whenever possible.

We consider ourselves truly blessed to have Olivia as part of our healing community at St. Paul Chiropractic & Natural Medicine Center, where her dedication continues to transform lives daily.

Molly

Office Manager

With over two decades of dedicated patient care experience, Molly brings a wealth of expertise and compassion to her role as Office Manager at St. Paul Chiropractic & Natural Medicine Center.

After graduating from Century College’s Dental Assistant program in 2004, Molly built an impressive career as a Licensed Dental Assistant, developing exceptional skills in patient communication and healthcare administration.

Guided by her personal commitment to holistic wellness, Molly made a transformative career shift in Summer 2023 to align her professional path with her passion for natural health. She earned prestigious certifications from the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) as a Personal Trainer, Nutrition Specialist, and Corrective Exercise Specialist—qualifications that provide her with unique insights into the comprehensive care our patients receive.

“What I value most about St. Paul Chiropractic & Natural Medicine Center is our team’s dedication to treating the whole person, not just symptoms,” Molly shares. “Seeing patients progress from pain to wellness is incredibly rewarding.”

As Office Manager, Molly expertly coordinates patient care while ensuring our practice runs smoothly. Her understanding of both administrative excellence and natural healing principles makes her an invaluable bridge between our clinical team and patients.

When not welcoming patients with her warm smile, Molly embraces life as a devoted mother to three daughters. Her personal wellness journey includes strength training and fitness activities—often making these family affairs. An avid home chef, she experiments with nutritious recipes and occasional treats, believing that balance is essential to well-being. In quieter moments, she finds inspiration through reading and creative writing, nurturing her lifelong love of storytelling. Molly’s adventurous spirit also drives her passion for travel and exploring new cultures.

Her philosophy perfectly complements our center’s mission: “True health comes from understanding the body’s natural healing abilities and supporting them through proper care, nutrition, and mindful living.”