Today's Fashion Can Be Tomorrow's Pain Posted by BeautyCare.com
Today's Fashion Can Be Tomorrow's Pain

According to the American Chiropractic Association looking your best might not always be the best thing for you. Today's society is extremely fashion and style conscious. Unfortunately, clothing designers and stylists aim to please by
creating unique looks that might not always be practical or even comfortable.
Models in high heels and tight skirts or pants have perfected the runway
"walk," but the popular looks and accessories are frequently impractical and
could create leg, back, and spine or neck problems. "Sometimes I see a woman
walking down the street with high heels and a two-ton bag, and I want to stop
her and make her aware of what she is doing to her body," said Dr. Jerome
McAndrews, national spokesperson for the American Chiropractic Association.
Women generally wear high heels to complement an outfit, not for comfort,
but some might not realize that these shoes can cause serious discomfort in
the feet and can also exacerbate back pain. High heels alter the balanced
position of a person's body. When a woman wears high heels, a new dynamic
equilibrium occurs. Dr. McAndrews compared the musculoskeletal system to a
child's ceiling mobile, hanging in dynamic equilibrium, each part balancing
the other. If one part becomes 'fixed,' the whole system will compensate with
a movement or restriction. Essentially, wearing high heels for any length of
time increases the normal forward curve of the back and causes the pelvis to
tip forward. This alters the normal configuration of the pelvis and spine
necessary for the body to maintain a center of gravity.
"The legs are the foundation of the musculoskeletal system, and a person
standing flat-footed or bare-footed would be completely balanced," said Dr.
McAndrews. "While standing, the hamstrings are taut and both parts of the
pelvis are stabilized so that the support is normal. By bringing the heel up,
you encourage the shortness of the hamstring muscles."
Women and men alike fall into the fashion trap. However, women, more than
men, tend to wear clothes that are too tight. Stylish tight tube skirts and
tight pants can be attractive, but are often too restrictive. Clothes that
are too tight throw a person off-balance, and simple everyday tasks such as
bending, sitting and walking become difficult. "Tight clothes restrict a
person from moving comfortably, resulting in poor posture and misalignment of
the spine," said Dr. McAndrews.
Another unhealthy fashion statement is the use of heavy purses, backpacks
and handbags. Women and men tend to carry too many items in one bag or
briefcase, and are often not aware of the potential health risks associated
with toting an excessive amount of "stuff." Carrying a bag with detectable
weight-more than 10 percent of your body weight-can cause improper balance.
When hiked over one shoulder, it interferes with the natural movement of the
upper and lower body. "The person carrying the bag will hike one shoulder to
subconsciously guard against the weight, holding the other shoulder immobile,"
said Dr. McAndrews. "This results in the unnatural counterbalance movement of
one shoulder and little control over the movements of the arms and legs. Even
worse, the spine curves toward the shoulder."
Many men carry their credit cards, ATM cards and personal identification
in the back pocket of their pants. This might be a convenient way of carrying
the necessary items with you each day, but carrying your wallet in the back
pocket of your pants can cause discomfort. Dr. McAndrews suggested men remove
their wallets or other items before sitting for long periods of time.
"Sitting on your wallet or card holder for the entire day will create a pocket
in the muscle lying underneath the wallet, and whether your pants are tight or
loose-fitting, this can result in discomfort or pain."
In today's society, it might be important to you to look fashionable, but
it is more important to choose clothes, shoes and bags that are comfortable
and that suit your style. The American Chiropractic Association urges you to
follow these simple steps to look and feel your best.

* Choose comfortable shoes. If you must wear high heels, bring a pair
of flat shoes along with you to change into should you become
uncomfortable. If you walk to work, wear flat shoes and change into
your more fashionable shoes when you arrive to alleviate any pain or
discomfort.
* If the shoe is uncomfortable while standing, chances are it will not
be any more comfortable while walking. The wrong shoe can affect
the body's center of gravity.
* Choose supportive shoes. Designer spikes or non-supportive loafers
may look nice but do not allow for easy, symmetrical walking.
* While sitting, whether or not you are wearing heels, it is important
to take frequent stretch breaks to alleviate atrophy of the
hamstring muscles.
* Avoid excessive wear of tight pants or clothing. If you prefer
tighter clothes, choose styles that allow you to perform daily tasks
with ease.
* Select a briefcase or purse with a wide adjustable strap. Ideally,
the strap should be long enough to place over the head. This evenly
distributes the bulk of the weight across the body.
* When carrying a bag, or briefcase, switch sides frequently to avoid
placing the burden of the weight on one side of your body.
* Take the time to empty unnecessary items from your bag.
* Place all necessary items-such as wallets and cellular phones-in the
front pockets of the bag. Stretching around to reach for your
wallet can result in a pulled neck or back.
* If you are driving or sitting for long periods of time, remove your
wallet or card holder from the back pocket of your pants.
* Think about your daily tasks. If your clothes affect your
movements, consider outfits that fit your lifestyle.

Designers and stylists tend to be more concerned about the way something
looks rather than the way it feels. Listen to your body. One of the most
important aspects of being in style and looking your best is to maintain
healthy judgment. By following simple suggestions, being fashionable can be
comfortable.

Chiropractic Care Can Help ...
If the pain persists, see a doctor of chiropractic. The goal of a
chiropractor is to manipulate, or adjust the spine and help stimulate your
body's natural healing process.

Chiropractic in Cyberspace
If you like to surf the Net, check out the American Chiropractic
Association's Web site. Not only can you find a doctor of chiropractic near
you, but you can learn about exercises to avoid spinal problems, chiropractic
history and education and important studies about the effectiveness of
chiropractic care. Visit ACA today at http://www.amerchiro.org.




SOURCE American Chiropractic Association