Leg Length Discrepancy and Back Pain: How Chiropractic Care Can Help
Does one pant leg always seem to drag, or does your back ache after a long day on your feet? You may be dealing with a leg length discrepancy (LLD), a frequent difference in the length of your legs. Small differences are normal, but when one leg is clearly shorter, the pelvis can tilt toward that side and the spine bends to make up for it. Little by little, that lopsided base can overwork the joints, discs, and muscles of the low back.
WHY ACCURATE LEG LENGTH MEASUREMENT MATTERS
According to research, accurately measuring a leg length difference calls for care and consistency. Tipton, Sutherland, and Schwarzkopf (1) found that estimates from a standard pelvic X-ray differed significantly from true leg length, and advised looking for any preexisting discrepancy before hip replacement surgery. Kadhim, Kelly, and Sabharwal (2) determined that three full-length standing X-ray methods yielded similar results, but advised using one technique consistently, especially when the legs bow or angle. Where the difference comes from matters too. Tolk, Eastwood, and Hashemi-Nejad (3) traced leg length differences in Perthes' disease to the top portion of the thigh bone near the hip. Birch, Makarov, and Jo (4) reported that when one part of a child's leg is shorter, the unaffected part of that same leg typically doesn't grow extra to even things out. You can trust your chiropractor to figure it all out for you!
HOW CHIROPRACTIC CARE CAN HELP WITH UNEVEN LEG LENGTH
That's where your chiropractor steps in. Chiropractic's biggest role is noticing the discrepancy and recognizing how it alters spinal mechanics in ways that may cause pain. Your exam may include looking at pelvic level, posture, and gait, along with X-rays when needed. Care may then include precise spinal adjustments, flexion-distraction to relieve pressure on aggravated joints and discs, targeted exercises, and heel lifts when appropriate. If a discrepancy calls for orthopedic evaluation, your doctor of chiropractic can certainly arrange that referral.
CONTACT Lombardy Chiropractic Clinic
If your back pain doesn't seem to have an obvious cause, the answer may be right beneath you. Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. William Owen on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he describes the importance of communicating clearly with patients and healthcare colleagues about back pain sources like leg length issues and The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management. Then, schedule a appointment with the chiropractic team at Lombardy Chiropractic Clinic to find out whether leg length is part of your back pain picture and how to help your spine find its balance.
