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!

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.

Does Sitting Up Straight Hurt Your Back?

Many people hear their mom or teacher say those famous words, "Sit up straight and stop slouching." Sitting up straight does improve your posture; however, maintaining good posture requires strong abdominal muscles and back strength.  These core muscles help with keeping your spine aligned.  If they are weak, it will cause poor posture and pain when trying to sit up straight.  Here are a few things that happen to your body when you slouch:

• Pelvis tilts backwards --- tightens hamstrings
• Upper back rounds --- over stretches muscles
• Shoulder roll forward --- shortens chest muscles
• Chin juts forward, shortening the back of the neck --- limits the ability to take deep breaths

Stretching the tight muscles and strengthening the weak muscles help to prevent slouching and back pain.

Need extra help to stretch and strengthen your back muscles?  Come by Dr. Harper's office to learn the most effective techniques. Schedule an appointment today!

Slouching effects even the Hollywood crowd. Take a look at the picture to the left of music performer, Justin Bieber caught in the act!

Do Doctors Recommend Firm or Soft Mattresses?

I am often asked by my patients how often they should reverse or purchase a new mattress.  The answer is not as cut-and-dry as one might think.  However, this is my take on the perverbial mattress debate.  Mattresses should be reversed every 3 to 6 months.  A mattress should be replaced every 5 to 7 years.  There are many different types of mattresses with variant price tags to accompany them.  Doctors try to fit the mattress with the patient and their condition.  This can be a tough question to answer because of the patients' different body shapes, ages, and support needs.  There's no "one-size-fits-all" mattress.  However, a mattress that is too firm or too soft can exacerbate lower back pain. A sound option would be to purchase a mid-range mattress.

There are a variety of mattress manufacturers, so do your homework!  Similarly to buying a car, you need to research, ask questions, and test various ones to determine the right fit for you.  Lying on them at the store is a great way to see which one is the most comfortable.  Also, be sure to consider a mattress top and properly fitting pillows to enhance your well deserved rest!

If you've been experiencing back pain because of your mattress and are looking for chiropractic care, schedule an appointment with Dr. Harper today! He would be more than happy to make a mattress recommendation.

Don’t Let Back Pain Keep You Down

Performing physical activities with bulging or herniated discs can be quite painful and make activities like our upcoming 5K seem impossible.  Let’s take a deeper look into what’s going on to see how you can stay out of pain:

• The discs in your back begin to degenerate (or break down) over time. This is simply caused by normal day-to-day wear and tear on the body. The degeneration process can cause them to bulge or herniate (rupture), which can cause compression on the nerves around them.  

• Sporadic mild back pain in your 20’s and 30’s may escalate as the discs dry out and further degenerate.  This could cause a more persistent ache throughout the years.

• While not all herniated discs cause the symptoms mentioned above, some can protrude into the spinal canal.  This will put them close to, or even touching, nerves that could cause existing back pain to shoot down your leg or arm (depending on the section of the spine where the disc is protruding).

• In the majority of these cases, patients can be out of pain and back to normal activities within 8-12 weeks with regular chiropractic treatment. This gives you plenty of time to get healthy for our upcoming 5K event!

Start your treatment today! You can get back on track with your work out schedule, and feel like a new person! Remember, set achievable goals that you can be accountable for! To schedule an appointment with Dr. Harper about any pain you are having, just give us a call at (205) 425-5428.


*Some information in this blog was derived from an article located at www.health.com

The Chiropractic Approach Toward Obesity

The chiropractic advantage is a welcome approach in the fight against obesity. We as chiropractors, provide beneficial services to patients who struggle with obesity. Patients may initially come to us because of lower back pain brought on by their additional weight. The extra weight that people carry can also affect their knees and hip joints. A 10 pound weight gain can have an impact on your balance and alignment. As these patients come into the office, the chiropractor will have the opportunity to assist them in making better lifestyle choices that will result in achieving overall health. The unique advantage is that the chiropractor can monitor their patients increased physical activity, reduce musculoskeletal (muscle and joint) pain that may occur, make any adjustments to their specific weight loss plan, address concerns, and offer helpful words of encouragement to stay on course.

Dr. Harper is eager to offer his expert advice in order to aid you in achieving your weight loss goals. Call (205) 425-5428 today!