Do You Have Lower Back Pain? Why You Might Need a Podiatrist, Orthotics, or a New Office Chair

Lower back pain could just be something we have to experience because of our evolutionary history says Mark Lin and Wei Lee of The Footwork Clinic, but these days, it’s just as likely to come from the new demands we’re placing on our bodies.

“There are a lot of things that can cause lower back pain,” Lin says, “But a lot of people don’t realise it could come from their feet.”

How Your Foot Problems Can Be the Cause of Your Lower Back Pain

The logic is straightforward, says Mark. Because we, unlike any other animal on the planet, walk around on our hind legs. As a result, our legs and feet take a lot of strain. Although we’ve evolved to be upright, there are still a few variations in the gene pool that, while they don’t get us down in the literal sense, certainly do so in the figurative one.

It’s an obvious chain reaction. Muscles, joints, and ligaments strain when the feet don’t carry their load correctly, and since our backs also take up the lot of the physical strain inherent in our upright posture, the chain reaction is easy to follow.

Foot problems can cause pain in the ankles, shins, knees, hips and lower back – and some people experience the full chain of pain from the feet upward.

Why Orthotics Aren’t the First Choice

Orthotics could be a way to correct lower back pain caused by foot issues, but Wei says they’re not a solution they prefer for their patients. They support the foot and strive to correct the way that the feet carry their load. But not all of them are created equal, and they only help you when you’re wearing them- there’s no long-term correction.

A look through research on the topic of orthotics doesn’t show anything very conclusive regarding easing lower back pain, but it’s interesting to note that some widely-cited trials looked at “off-the-peg” arch supports rather than custom orthotics. Other studies show more positive results, but note that patients were told about the theory behind their custom orthotics and speculate that this may have heightened the placebo effect.

“We do occasionally use orthotics, and they help some people” says Mark, but we prefer to use them as adjunct to therapies that correct the real problem that causes the lower back pain. If we can achieve a solution without making our patients depend on orthotics, we will.”

Lower Back Pain Advice

Getting to the root of the matter is the best solution for those with lower back pain, says Lin. His mission isn’t just treating pain – it’s also about preventing its return.

“There are a lot of possible causes to examine and eliminate,” says Lin. “It could be your office chair – or it could be the way you walk.”

He suggests that to find the root cause of lower back pain, we begin with the physical activities we perform most. “If you spend most of your day seated, your posture or your desk and chair are likely to blame,” says Mark. “If you spend most of your day standing or walking, your feet, your shoes, and your posture are among the most likely culprits.

If you’re still not sure, Wei suggests starting from the feet and working your way up. “Our assessment will help you to make progress towards finding the cause of your lower back pain,” he says. “And if it lies in your feet, or if the way you use your lower limbs are contributing to it, then we have the solutions to the problem too.”

Mark Lin and Wei Lee are  leading Sports Podiatrists in Sydney. The Footwork Clinic, situated in Chatswood on Sydney’s North Shore and Sydney CBD, is there to help should you have an injury or condition that you think would benefit from heat or ice treatment. They offer advanced manual therapies and a holistic and corrective care approach, with a proven track record of success in resolving acute and chronic conditions, and they will gladly offer advice to get you on the road to recovery as soon as possible.

For further information, visit the The Footwork Clinic – Leading Sports, Podiatry, Foot And Lower Limb Corrective Services to book online, or call Mark Lin or his friendly team on +61 2 9131 6891.

Want a faster response or ask us a quick question?
 Click here to chat with The Footwork Clinic LIVE on Facebook Messenger.

The information contained in this guide is provided in good faith and is not intended to be nor is it to be used as a substitute for any sort of professional, medical or podiatric advice. An accurate diagnosis can only be made following personal consultation with a podiatrist. Any users should always seek the advice of their podiatrist, or other qualified healthcare providers before commencing any treatment.

Article managed by Storybrand Website Designs & Digital Marketing Agency Results and Co

Director | Rehabilitation or Rehab / Sports Podiatrist,

Foot Mobilisation & Trigenics® Lower Limb Practitioner, Movement Restoration Coach (MRC™), Strength and Conditioning Coach

Is Pain Impacting Your Life?

You don’t need to live like this. Let us help you!

The Footwork Clinic, situated in Chatswood on Sydney’s North Shore and Sydney CBD, is there to help should you have an injury or condition that you think would benefit from heat or ice treatment. They offer advanced manual therapies and a holistic and corrective care approach, with a proven track record of success in resolving acute and chronic conditions, and they will gladly offer advice to get you on the road to recovery as soon as possible.

For further information, visit the The Footwork Clinic – Leading Sports, Podiatry, Foot And Lower Limb Corrective Services to book online, or call Mark Lin or his friendly team on +61 2 9131 6891.

Want a faster response or ask us a quick question?

to chat with The Footwork Clinic LIVE on Facebook Messenger.

The information contained in this guide is provided in good faith and is not intended to be nor is it to be used as a substitute for any sort of professional, medical or podiatric advice. An accurate diagnosis can only be made following personal consultation with a podiatrist. Any users should always seek the advice of their podiatrist, or other qualified healthcare providers before commencing any treatment.

The Footwork Clinic Online Booking​

In order to make an appointment, Please select an appropriate response.

I'm an existing patient.

I'm a new patient.

Are you experiencing:

All other Joint or Muscle Pain/Problems?

Nail or Skin Issue?

New Patient Online Booking

Are you experiencing Joint and Muscle Pain / Problem? 

Just enter your Name and Phone Number then select Time and Location.

New Patient Online Booking

Are you experiencing Nail and Skin issue? 

Just enter your Name and Phone Number then select Time and Location.