When treating patients with low back pain (LBP), chiropractors have three common goals. These include pain management, posture alignment or correction, and 3) prevention. When warranted, the use of corrective prescription foot orthotics can help achieve all three goals.

In a 2017 study, researchers recruited 225 adult subjects with chronic low back pain (cLBP). They were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups. 1) shoe orthotics only; 2) chiropractic care (including spinal manipulation, hot or cold packs, and manual soft tissue massage) with shoe orthotics; or 3) a non-treatment group.

The primary outcome measures used to track change over time included a numerical pain rating scale and a functional rating questionnaire (Oswestry Disability Index – ODI) at baseline. The questionnaires are six weeks after treatment, with follow-ups three, six, and twelve months later.

After six weeks, only the first two groups experienced improvements in both average back pain intensity and function. The orthotic plus chiropractic group report even greater functional improvement.

Podiatrists have long suggested the use of foot orthotics for some cases of LBP. This is due to the effects of foot function on the “kinetic chain.” Within the last decade, researchers in other fields report the effects the feet have on knee, hip/pelvic, and back function.

Studies have now demonstrated the adverse effects of hyperpronation (rolling in) of the foot on pain, function, and alignment of the pelvis. These studies point out the importance of not overlooking foot dysfunction as a potential (and important) contributing factor when managing patients with LBP.