I love these shoes, but my back hurts!!!

Hello friends! I'd like to introduce you to my new pair of boots -- thank you Charlotte Ronson for creating an affordable, FEMININE, combat boot. I love them and can't wait to style them into my fall/winter wardrobe. I can already see them working perfectly with a mini-dress, opaque tights and fall sweater, as well as skinny blue jeans and a basic tee. These are going to be a staple for both the fall and winter season.

But I have an issue, my back! And I know most of you girls understand, especially you fabulous city girls! We carry the world with us every day...our bags filled with essentials and non-essentials (a la Mary Poppins), our gym clothes, yoga mats, groceries, a bunch of flowers for the apartment, mail, etc., etc. NO WONDER we have achy breaky backs by the time we walk in the apartment door. And to boot, we are all driven by style and less concerned about the consequences. If the red pumps work best with our outfit, then we're going to wear them! At least until the pain sets in...duh, duh, duuuhhhhhh!!!

Recently, I've had my share of back issues and shoulder pain. Thankfully I just discovered (thanks to Terry at Clay Gym) a great chiropractor in the West Village that has really helped me out -- Giulio Mazzarelli (http://www.vcanyc.chiroweb.com). Giulio has built his practice by using a holistic approach and the treatments are helping me heal quickly. Each session consists of stim, deep tissue massage, and gentle alignment. I'm even sleeping better!

Anyhow, Giulio has put together some healthy tips for all of you sassy folks to get you back on track! So wear those fabulous shoes this season, but remember to be mindful so you can save yourself from the back pain. Your body is worth it and so are those fabulous boots!

WHEN STANDING/WALKING

1. Keep your head neutral and your eyes level with the horizon.

2. Stand tall, stretching the top of your head toward the ceiling.

3. Keep shoulders back and relaxed.

4. Tighten your stomach muscles. This will help stabilize the lower back.

5. Do not shift your weight onto one leg, stand with legs in neutral position without locking your knees.

6. Wear comfortable, rubber sole shoes. Ladies avoid high heels when possible (but only when it works with your outfit)!!! :)

WHEN SITTING AT THE COMPUTER

1. Keep your head level and your chin up.

2. Keep your buttocks to the back of the chair and maintain a slight inward curve in your lower back. Sometimes a small pillow or rolled towel in the small of your back helps. Do not slouch.

3. Your knees should be slightly lower than your hips and your feet comfortably apart and flat on the floor.

4. Be sure your computer monitor is directly in front of you and level with your vision, approximately 24” from your eyes so that your head is in neutral alignment.

5. Place your keyboard and mouse at elbow level on a pull-out drawer. If you are using a laptop you must attach an external keyboard and mouse for proper ergonomic use.

6. Do not sit for longer than 30-45 minutes at a time. Set an alarm to remind yourself.

7. Be sure your wallet is not in your back pocket when sitting.

8. Place your arms on the armrests to distract some of the weight being placed on your spine.

WHEN LYING/SLEEPING

1. Your mattress should be firm so that it supports the spine and does not sink at your heavy parts (shoulders and hips).

2. The most neutral, supportive posture to sleep is on your back. If you are experiencing lower back pain, place a pillow under your knees.

3. Be sure to use a flat pillow or a contoured cervical pillow under your head to maintain neutral neck posture (contoured cervical pillows are available at our office).

4. If you find you are unable to sleep on your back, sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees and use an appropriate size pillow under your head which will maintain neutral posture in the neck.

5. Do not sleep on your stomach.

WHEN LIFTING

1. Keep your head level and your chin up.

2. Keep your back straight, bend at your knees and squat as low as possible, keeping your feet apart.

3. Lift with the strength of your legs, not your back.

4. Never twist while bending, wait until you are erect and turn your body.

5. Once you have picked up the object, hold it close to you.

Thank you Giulio!