Have MBTs given me back pain?

by Dori

I've been wearing MBTs at work for about 5 months loved them so much bought a pair for home and loved them too.

However I am now suffering from back pain, slightly protruding disc and sciatica. My physician believes it could totally be related to the change in my gait and stance. Anyone have any feedback on this?

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Have MBTs given me back pain?

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Nov 19, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		It's never one solution, it's a combination
by: Steve

Anonymous - I think you're right. It's never one thing that solves lower back pain, it's inevitably a combination.

It's just getting that right combination that's so tricky!
Nov 18, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Dori's back pain
by: Anonymous

Dori, you didn't mention what else you might be doing to relieve your pain from your herniated disks.

If you are not in an exercise program, I would recommend starting with Pilates. Pilates strengthens your core muscles with stretching and strengthening movements. Beginners start with mat Pilates, which is quickly effective at building core muscles and stamina.

My back pain from a herniated disk was severe. After an MRI the doctor suggested physical therapy, yet didn't recommend anyone. He sort of cut me loose to figure it out on my own.

I decided to try Pilates first, as there is a trainer in my building who is reasonably priced and highly recommended. I attended two days a week, and by the third week I felt significant improvement.

By the 6th week, I added a more intense exercise program (with the same person) that focuses on core muscles but also strengthens both upper and lower body muscles. After several months I heard about the MBTs and bought a pair of MBT sneakers. They made my legs very tired at first and it took me awhile to adjust. I didn't wear them much. They helped walking, but standing still for more than a few minutes was so painful I was miserable.

I took them on a trip and had a snafu with my regular shoes and had to wear them all day. I thought they'd kill me, but by the end of the day the pain had disappeared. So I wore them the next day, and every day I wore them they made me tired but helped my back more and more.

When I returned home from my trip I bought a pair of Mary Janes for everyday wear (sports shoes are hot) and I wear them every day. I don't wear any other type of shoe.

It has been a month now, and the improvement is incredible. I can walk and stand and sleep comfortably. I am sometimes still sore after my workouts, but I have been able to go from daily maximum doses of analgesics to only occasional use.

The progress has been unbelievable to me. I started the Pilates in March 2009, second exercise class in May, shoes in June, trip in September: the relief is wonderful, and exercising with a trainer is a lot less expensive than medical physical therapy.

Strengthen your core AND wear the shoes and you will see improvement--just the shoes won't do it alone. Good luck!

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My Lower Back Pain