FASHION WARNING: Skinny jeans and high heels 'giving women BAD

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Skinny jeans and high heels have been blamed for giving women bad backs

Fashion conscious Brits are putting style ahead of their health with outfits that are too tight, stiff or constricting.

They cause more stress and strain to fall on the back, neck and shoulders increasing the risk of pain and injury, according to research from the British Chiropractic Association (BCA).

Top offenders also include coats with large fluffy hoods, high heeled shoes and backless shoes such as mules.

Back problems are the biggest cause of time off work in the UK and the second most common reason for going to the GP.

Poor posture, overly aggressive workouts or awkward sleeping positions are often blames – with clothes often overlooked.

Almost three-in-four (73 per cent) women have suffered with back pain – with experts pointing to their wardrobe as a major cause of discomfort.

The survey found nearly three-inten (28 per cent) are aware clothing effects their back or neck pain and posture.

But they are not influenced by this in their clothing choices – for example wearing skinny jeans and backless shoes which can aggravate pain.

Some of the most popular items of clothing can have a hidden health impact

Chiropractor Tim Hutchful

An alarming third (33 per cent) were completely unaware their garments could have an impact on their back or neck health.

Chiropractor Tim Hutchful, of the BCA, said: “I’m always surprised at how many of my patients are unaware their clothing and accessories can affect their back health and their posture – and equally how many decide their outfit-choice outweighs their pain.

“Some of the most popular items of clothing can have a hidden health impact.

“While overloaded and heavy handbags are a common culprit, some more unexpected items like skinny jeans can also wreak havoc – they restrict free movement in areas such as the hips and knees, affecting the way we hold our bodies.

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“New trends such as asymmetric hemlines, oversized sleeves and hoods and heavy jewellery can also create problems.“

Skinny jeans were the top cause of back pain among 2,082 over-16s questioned with almost half (48 per cent) citing them – ahead of bags worn on one side of the body (46 per cent).

Next came coats with large fluffy hoods (37 per cent), high heeled shoes (26 per cent), oversized bags (24 per cent) and backless shoes (20 per cent).

The findings mirror trends seen on the fashion week runways where mules and heavy jewellery featured prominently this year – seen on numerous celebrities from Alexa Chung to Jennifer Aniston and Kendall Jenner.

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Clothes that are too tight a restricting put more pressure and strain on the back, the study claims

Mr Hutchful said mules will promote strain on the legs and lower back. Similarly one-in ten women are sporting heavy jewellery – such as statement necklaces – which increase pressure on the neck and can wreak havoc with posture.

He said: “Whilst we are certainly not saying stop wearing your favourite clothes altogether, like most things in life, moderation is best and there are easy ways you can reduce the impact on your posture and overall health.

“For example, try and limit the number of times you wear skinny jeans or high heels every week so you’re giving your body a break, or try investing in a backpack for days when you have a lot to carry around.”

The BCA said variation is key to staying stylish and back pain free because donning similar pieces of clothing every day could regularly restrict certain parts of your body from moving freely.

Other top tips include looser fits such as baggy trousers, maxi skirts or straight leg jeans and reducing the weight of heavy handbags – a particularly common cause of back pain in women.

Regular checks can empty your bag of unnecessary items. Backpacks are the best design for posture as they distribute weight evenly across both shoulders.

Bags that must be carried in the crook of your arm shjould be avoided as they pull shoulder lower than the other – twisting the neck and spine.

One strap bags should be alternated on the shoulder they are carried or worn across the body if it has a long strap.

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Back problems are the biggest cause for Brits to take time off work

High heels force you to hold your body in a manner which promotes tension in your spine so wearing trainers or shoes with a lower heel from time to time will counteract this. Wedges or chunkier heels are advised over a stiletto.

Bras also need to fit properly so your shoulders don’t take all the strain – with an underband that is not too tight or loose.

Anyone suffering back pain for more than a few days should see a chiropractor to prevent further damage before it’s too late.

Previous reseach by the BCA has found two in three Brits have suffered serious neck or back pain by the age of 35 rising to eight in 10 above that age.