Your Feet

December 3, 2025 / Barton Chiropractic Clinic
Your Feet

When most people think about back pain, they picture the spine, the muscles, or maybe even a pulled ligament. But one of the most overlooked causes of chronic back pain starts much lower in the body—your feet. We help patients every day who are shocked to learn that their foot mechanics have been affecting their spine for years.

Your Feet Are Your Foundation

Your feet act as the foundation for your entire body. Every step you take sends force upward through your ankles, knees, hips, and finally your spine. When your feet function properly, your body stays aligned and balanced. But when something is off—flat feet, high arches, overpronation, or weak arches—your foundation becomes unstable, and your spine is forced to compensate.

That compensation often leads to:

  • Lower back pain
  • Pelvic misalignment
  • Hip tightness
  • Sciatica
  • Knee discomfort

In other words, foot problems don’t stay in your feet—they travel upward.

Foot imbalance changes the way your body absorbs impact. With each step, uneven mechanics cause one side of your pelvis or spine to receive more force than the other. Over time, this imbalance creates inflammation, joint stress, and muscle fatigue through the whole back.

Common contributors include:

  • Flat feet or collapsed arches
  • Uneven wear on shoes
  • Walking on hard surfaces all day
  • Old or unsupportive footwear
  • Previous ankle or foot injuries

Even a small foot imbalance can throw off the natural alignment of your spine.

The good news? Back pain caused by your feet is highly treatable. Chiropractic adjustments restore alignment in the spine and pelvis, reducing pain and improving movement. Combined with a foot-focused approach, results are often faster and longer-lasting.

We may recommend:

  • Targeted spinal adjustments
  • Pelvic and hip alignment
  • Custom orthotics or arch support
  • Strengthening or mobility exercises for feet and ankles
  • Practical footwear recommendations

When your feet move correctly, your back doesn’t have to work overtime.

If you’ve tried everything for back pain and nothing seems to stick, it may be time to look down. Your feet might be the missing piece. With the right chiropractic care and support, you can rebuild your foundation—and finally get lasting relief.

Click here to contact Barton Chiropractic Clinic or call 708-922-1400