The London Paper – 22nd September 2008

THE STYLES THAT HURT

Fashions’ Victims

Elizabeth Hotson

When London Fashions Week’s offerings hit the high street, shop floor scrums won’t be the only cause of fashion injuries this year.

Skyscraper stilettos and organ-hugging skinny jeans may look fabulous, but some experts believe they’re damaging our bodies.  Here’s our spine-bending look at wardrobe perils.

Skyscraper Stilettos

“Waring high heels alters the spine’s shape” says Spencer McGawley, a Harley Street back pain specialist. “This puts stress on the lower back.  Heels also cause corns, bunions and swelling”.  To ease the pain, stretch your back regularly; lie face down and, keeping your hips on the ground, push up with your arms.  For feet, lay a cloth down, screw it up with your toes, spread your toes out and repeat.

Big Bags

“Big bags will tighten muscles and restrict the vertebrae” says Spencer.  “To ease the pain, take a towel in one hand (the arm you rest your bag on) and stand on the other end.  When the towel is tight enough to pull your arm down, bed your neck to the other side and stretch your neck and shoulder”.

Skinny Jeans

“Groin pressure may damage the lateral cutaneous nerve of the though, causing pain” says Helen Fidler, consultant gastroenterologost at BMI Healthcare.  “The pressure on the abdomen can worsen hiatus hernias and the bloating of irritable bowel syndrome. Cramps, burping and discomfort after eating can become more noticeable.  The best cure is to wear looser jeans with a higher waist whenever possible”

Out of Date Makeup

“It’s a breeding ground for bacteria” says Dr Rob Hagan, president of the Royal College of Optometrists.  “You risk red, itchy or watery eyes, often caused by bacterial conjunctivitis.  The best way to treat conjunctivitis is with anti-bacterial eye drops or ointment.  Throw away make-up you’ve used since getting the infection and don’t touch your eyes.  If you wear contacts, destroy infected lenses.”

Control Pants

If you’re a closet Bridget Jones, control pants are a great way to hide your muffin top, but your back won’t thank you, says Spencer McGawley.  “The constant pressure that the pants exert on the abdomen and lower back causes the vital muscles to become lazy” he says.  “The lower back is left weak and at risk from injury because it’s less able to control the forces that everyday life exerts on the spine.”  McGawley recommends exercises to combat the effects.  “Keep your back strong by laying face down on the floor” he says. “Resting your hands on your head, lift your upper body off the ground ten times.”

Also, given that 35 per cent of UK women are overweight, dietitians fear that control pants simply mask weight issues, when they should be addressed with a proper diet and healthy lifestyle.