The Real Deal of High Heels

Inaccurate Myth: High heels lead to lower back pain.

High heels measuring three inches or higher may look great and be trending in the fashion world, but they put significantly higher pressure on joints, than their less fashion-forward alternatives, when they are worn frequently. Research now shows that high-heeled shoes change the coordination between the ankle and the knee, causing knee injury. These shoes are also associated with a predisposition to Morton’s Neuroma. This is a painful condition that affects the ball of the foot, commonly the area between the third and fourth toes. If you choose to wear flat shoes instead, be sure that they have ample support for the arches in your feet.

Dr. Harper has many techniques to alleviate knee and ankle pain, as well as the spine. If you have been experiencing any of these pains or would like to come in for a consultation, we would love to hear from you! Give us a call at (205) 425-5428 to make an appointment.

Ye Ole Worn-Out Shoes

Who would believe that the foot contains more bones than any other single part of the human body? This means that good footwear is important! It can prevent unnessesary pain for you in the future. Here are a few things to look for that will indicate that your shoes need to be replaced:

Examine your shoes:

•         Are the heels stretched out?
•         Has the shoe molded to your foot?
•         Is the sole tread pattern worn down?
•         Are the heels worn more on one side than the other?
•         Are there wrinkles in the side of the bottom of the soles?

Feeling pain:

•         In your feet
•         Legs
•         Hip(s)
•         Back
•         After your shoes are worn

These pains are symptoms associated with shin splits, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, iliotibial band syndrome, and stress fractures.

To prevent injury and pain, runners should replace their shoes every 3 to 6 months or every 400-500 miles. Non-runners should replace their shoes at least once per year.

Once a shoe is broken down, it can't be remedied with an insole.

Keep in mind, a new pair of shoes is much less expensive than any surgery to your feet, knees, hips, or lower back, and will help to keep you out of pain!

If you have been experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned previously in this post, feel free to give Dr. Harper's office a call at (205) 425-5428 to schedule an appointment. He has many chiropractic techniques to relieve you from the pain you may be suffering from.

Heavy Hand Bags

Large purses and book bags have become a trendy torture. It's not the size of the purse or bag, but the amount of items inside them. They become very heavy and throw off your line of symmetry. This places major stress on your shoulders and back. To correct this problem, some studies suggest that bags and purses should weigh less than 10% of your body weight. You can also switch the purse from shoulder to shoulder, allowing each side of your body ample time to recover from the stress.


If you are experiencing any back problems, give Dr. Harper a call at (205) 425-5428. He has many techniques to relieve pain that may work for you!

Chicken Soup for a Cold

Chicken Soup actually helps with your cold! The anti-inflammatory and mucus-thinning effects make you feel much better. Here is a recipe from the Medical Journal Chest, Vol. 118, 2000, Drs. B. Rennard, Erti, Gossman, Robbins, and S.I. Rennard:

1  5-to-6-lb stewing hen or baking chicken

1  Package of Chicken Wings

3  Large Onions

1  Large Sweet Potato

3  Parsnips

2  Turnips

11-12  Large Carrots

5-6  Celery Stems

1  Bunch of Parsley

Salt & Pepper to taste

Cover the chicken with cold water, and bring it to a boil.  Add chicken wings, onions, sweet potato, turnips, and carrots. Boil about 1½ hours, removing fat regularly.  Add the Parley and celery.  Cook all about 45 minutes longer. Remove the chicken, which is no longer used for the soup. Put the vegetables in a food processor until chopped or pass them through a strainer. Add salt and pepper.

Cherries to Relieve Gout

Gout is a form of arthritis that affects mostly men. It results from uric acid build up in the blood that hardens around the joints.  

Eating 1- 1½ cups of cherries daily may reduce the pain of gout. This may work because cherries contain an enzyme that breaks down uric acid. It may not work for everyone, but it wouldn't hurt to give it a try!

Carpal Tunnel

Repetitive hand and wrist motion, when combined with spinal problems, can cause a condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome. Careers in the field of cosmetology, assembly line workers, and keyboard operators are just a few positions that can cause joint dysfunction to the wrist. Carpal tunnel syndrome may include the following symptoms:

• Pain
• Numbness
• Tingling
• Weakness
• Loss of strength in the hands

Chiropractic care can produce excellent results with this condition without drugs and surgery. Recommended exercise will not only help carpal tunnel, but also help reduce any future exasperations. Call (205) 425-5428 to make an appointment to consult with Dr. Harper. Don't delay! 

True or False: Back pain will go away by itself.

False. Back pain does not heal on its on. Contrary to what many people believe, if back pain is not treated or corrected properly the problem can become long term. Sometimes the pain may temporarily go away, but if the problem is not corrected the pain will return. A chiropractor is effective in preventing long-term or recurring spinal pain.

Consult with your chiropractor today to learn state of the art FDA approved methods of treating this condition. Looking for a chiropractor? Contact Dr. Harper's office at (205) 425-5428.