LOW BACK PAIN

Low back pain is often influenced by the way the feet absorb shock and support the body. Because the feet are the foundation for every step, even small changes in arch height or foot posture can create ripple effects up the legs and into the spine. When symptoms are persistent or worsening, a qualified healthcare professional should evaluate them, especially if they interfere with daily activity.

What Low Back Pain Is in the Context of Foot Biomechanics

Low back pain can come from many sources, but one of the most overlooked contributors is faulty foot posture. Each time the foot hits the ground, the arch is meant to absorb shock and transfer force smoothly up the body. When the arch collapses or fails to function properly, the spine absorbs more impact than it should.

People often notice their back pain changes depending on:

• The shoes they wear

• How long they stand or walk

• Whether they are barefoot

• The surfaces they walk on

These patterns often indicate that the feet are contributing to the strain on the lower back.

How Foot Biomechanics Cause Low Back Pain

The arch of the foot plays a key role in stabilizing the lower body. When the arch collapses, the alignment of the legs and pelvis changes, placing extra stress on the lumbar spine.

Key biomechanical effects include:

• Loss of shock absorption — a flattened arch sends more impact forces directly into the spine.

• Inward rotation of the legs — arch collapse causes the knees and hips to rotate inward, altering pelvic alignment.

• Pelvic tilt and spinal compensation — the spine adjusts to the misalignment below, increasing strain on the lower back muscles and joints.

• Muscle fatigue — stabilizing muscles in the hips and lower back work harder to maintain balance.

• Uneven loading — the spine absorbs forces unevenly, contributing to chronic discomfort.

These forces accumulate with every step, eventually creating persistent low back pain.

Why MASS Posture Orthotics Help

MASS posture orthotics are designed to restore the foot to a healthier, more functional position rather than supporting it in a collapsed state. This directly reduces the compensations that overload the lower back.

They help by:

• Re‑establishing proper arch height, improving shock absorption and reducing impact forces.

• Aligning the legs and pelvis, decreasing rotational stress on the lower spine.

• Supporting natural gait mechanics, allowing the body to move more efficiently.

• Reducing muscle fatigue, helping the lower back function with less strain.

• Stabilizing the foundation, which improves posture from the ground up.

By correcting the structural cause, MASS posture orthotics address the root biomechanical contributors to low back pain—not just the symptoms.

Importance of Custom Calibration

Every foot is different, and the degree of arch collapse varies widely. Custom calibration ensures the orthotic flexes appropriately for the individual’s structure and bodyweight.

Calibration considers:

• Arch flexibility — determines how much corrective support is needed.

• Forefoot mobility — influences how the orthotic should flex during walking.

• Bodyweight and activity level — affect how much force the orthotic must manage.

• Postural alignment — helps tailor support to reduce stress on the lower back.

Proper calibration allows the orthotic to guide the foot toward healthier alignment while still allowing natural movement.

What Patients Often Notice

People with low back pain related to arch collapse commonly report:

• Reduced back discomfort during walking or standing

• Less fatigue in the lower back

• Improved posture and alignment

• A smoother, more natural gait

• Better comfort in shoes

• Relief from stiffness after long periods on their feet

These improvements come from restoring proper foot posture and reducing the compensations that overload the spine.

Long‑Term Foot and Back Health Considerations

If the underlying foot mechanics are not addressed, low back pain often progresses. Long‑term risks include:

• Increased strain on lumbar discs and joints

• Worsening pelvic misalignment

• Compensatory hip or knee pain

• Reduced ability to tolerate standing or walking

• Greater reliance on pain‑management strategies rather than correction

Supporting the arch early—especially with calibrated MASS posture orthotics—helps protect the spine from ongoing stress and supports healthier long‑term function.