Don’t let a fashion statement put you at risk for back, shoulder or any other type of physical discomfort. Pencil-thin skirts, stilettos and platforms may offer a nice look—and they have their place—but a steady routine of them can be perilous to the feet and back. Dramatically high heels, in particular, force a shift in the body’s balance, making muscles work unnaturally to compensate. And we’re not even taking into account the potential damage to pinched feet.

Research has shown that prolonged wearing of high heels increases the normal forward curve of the back and makes the pelvis tip forward. The hamstring muscles —those in the back of the leg—are also put in an unnaturally shortened position.

Tight skirts may look terrific but the restriction they put on free movement of legs and hips can force parts of the body to move unnaturally. If a tight skirt interferes with the natural mechanics of a woman’s stride, that can cause problems. A tight skirt also can make sitting and bending uncomfortable.

A large, heavy bag is another potential problem—for men as well as women. Any bag that weighs more than 10 percent of your body weight has the potential to put you out of balance. When slung over a shoulder, a heavy bag forces a person to hike that shoulder higher and can strain the spine. Talk with your chiropractor about how to balance fashion and safety. 

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