The causes of back pain can sometimes be mysterious. This is because there are many factors that can play a role in the discomfort experienced, how long it lasts, and what triggers it. While it’s easy to see how something like repetitive bending and reaching or overdoing it when horsing around with the kids in the backyard can lead to backaches, not all possible sources of back pain are obvious, and not all instances require treatments such as spine surgery. Beverly Hills back experts believe one contributing factor may be how your fashion choices impact your back pain.
Identifying a Connection Between Fashion and Back Health
A British study has found evidence to suggest the clothing choices people make may contribute to their back pain. Researchers looked at fashion selections such as skinny jeans and large hooded jackets in relation to all types of spine-related pain. Assessments were based on a survey of more than a thousand women regarding their health-related complaints and their fashion choices. Over 70 percent of the respondents reported back pain.
Skinny Jeans and Restrictive Movements
Nearly half of all respondents reported wearing skinny jeans on a regular basis. Skinny jeans may contribute to back pain by limiting movement in the hips and even down to the knees, placing more pressure on the lower back and its supporting muscles. Limited knee movement may cause you to lift things improperly, which could also over-burden your spine.
Hooded Coats and Upper Spine Motion
A smaller portion of women surveyed reported wearing coats with large hoods on a regular basis. The connection with spine-related pain is an increased risk of strain to the cervical spine (neck) vertebrae or muscles that assist with upper body movements. Researchers suggest large-hooded coats cause the wearer to move the upper spine at unusual angles to compensate for a lack of adequate peripheral (side) view.
Disruptions to Alignment and Circulation
Most people aren’t aware of the possible connection between their clothing preferences and their spine health. Regardless of what specific type of clothing is involved, the primary contributing factors to back pain are issues with alignment and circulation. Alignment of your spine can be affected by everything from the way you’re forced to stand in certain clothes to the shoes you choose to wear. Circulation can be affected if clothing constricts blood vessels by pressing on muscles and other soft tissues.
Whether or not back pain is currently an issue, researchers stress the need to be mindful of clothing choices with regards to personal comfort and mobility. However, your back pain doesn’t have to dictate what you wear. Mix up your wardrobe and avoid anything that affects your posture, especially accessories like high heels. If you do experience persistent back pain that doesn’t have a clear source, start by talking to your doctor to see if adjusting your fashion choices may help.
Severe back pain may require extensive treatment. Luckily there are a variety of surgical and non-surgical solutions. At The Spine Institute, we specialize in procedures ranging from spinal cord stimulation to kyphoplasty surgery. Beverly Hills patients can trust in Dr. Hyun Bae and his team of expert surgeons to diagnose the source of their pain and find a solution for relief. Call 310-828-7757 to schedule an appointment.