Back pain treatment plans utilize technologies ranging from simple applications of heat and cold to complicated surgical intervention. One such treatment philosophy advocates the use of shoe insoles as a means of preventing and alleviating back pain.
It has been suggested that when the foot hits the ground, everything changes. While there is no argument (at least from me) on the importance of normal foot mechanics in preventing complications in the knee and hip, there is a wee bit of controversy related to the use of shoe insoles as a beneficial form of back pain treatment.
The debate does not question whether or not shoe insoles are helpful in reducing shock as the foot strikes a hard surface. No argument there. What is questioned is whether or not shoe insoles actually prevent, or are useful in treating, back pain.
Recent medical research suggests NO.
In an extensive study examining the effectiveness of insoles on back pain in over 2000 subjects, the researchers found stroing evidence that the use of shoe insoles had no effect on back pain.
However, I have found that the use of an insert in specific circumstances involving sacroiliac joint or hip pain has been VERY HELPFUL in reducing and, in some cases, eliminating low back pain.
In the Erase Your Back Pain program I tell you how I use inserts as part of my overall back pain treatment approach.. To find out more, go her ==> No More Back Pain!
I invite your comments and questions. Please let me know how i can help you solve your back pain issues below
Dedicated to Erasing Your Back Pain,
Malton A. Schexneider, PT, MMSc Clinical Specialist Orthopaedic Physical Therapy
3 comments ↓
I have had much pain from my sciatic nerve over 3 years. I played a lot of golf before but gave up for a time. I also have 1 hip replacement and was told I would need another. The back specialist I went to suggested a back operation….NOT! as far as I was concerned. My doctor put me on to a manipulative therapist, I was given 4 exercises and 3 months later I feel great,just a little soreness in the hip but otherwise great. Do you think I am on the right track? or should I order your book and learn more Not in pain anymore Pam Long
Hi Malton, as a retired State Registered Nurse& Nurse Teacher, I agree with all your comments. It is common sense to opine that if you have a crushed nerve at L5 or anywhere else spine related, insole adapted have no long term effect. For myself, I have not chased your offer of treatment because my Scottish Orthopod tells me (after the MRI scan) that I have a crushed nerve at L5 & he can only offer surgery with a 50/50 chance of success. So what is the point if this is the case & the crushed or trapped nerve remains so. The acute & debilitating pain & numbness will remain plus I will need to cold turkey the pain-killers prescribed by my G.P.,,,which are DAILY..8 paracetamol,,8 gabapentin,,,8 dihydrocodeine…all with minimal effect. May I ask for your suggestion & I do enjoy your mails…..Harry.
Actualy i have got nerve pain of right leg from right side of back to the foot i hardly can got up my leg like sitting on the chair , the thing that i want to say is i cant’ make horizontal (straightly) it go a sever pain opposite side of on the joint of knee and on the joint of wairst
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