Leg Length Discrepancy and Back Pain: How Chiropractic Care Can Help
Does your back ache after a long day of standing, or does one pant leg always drag at the hem? You may be living with a leg length discrepancy (LLD), a frequent difference in the length of your legs. Small differences are perfectly normal, but when one leg is clearly shorter, the pelvis can drop toward that side and the spine shifts to make up for it. Gradually, that uneven foundation can stress the joints, discs, and muscles of the lower back.
WHAT THE RESEARCH SAYS ABOUT LEG LENGTH DISCREPANCY
Research shows that measuring a leg length difference takes care and consistency. Tipton, Sutherland, and Schwarzkopf (1) found that measurements from a typical pelvic X-ray were significantly different from actual leg length, and recommended looking for any preexisting discrepancy before hip replacement surgery. Kadhim, Kelly, and Sabharwal (2) determined that three full-length standing X-ray methods yielded comparable results, but recommended using the same technique every time, particularly when the legs bow or angle. Where the difference comes from matters too. Tolk, Eastwood, and Hashemi-Nejad (3) linked leg length differences in Perthes' disease to the top portion of the thigh bone near the hip. Birch, Makarov, and Jo (4) showed that when one part of a child's leg is shorter, the unaffected part of that same leg generally doesn't grow extra to compensate. 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 greatest role is identifying the discrepancy and recognizing how it affects spinal mechanics in ways that may cause pain. Your exam might include looking at pelvic level, posture, and gait, along with X-rays if necessary. Care might then include gentle spinal adjustments, flexion-distraction to reduce pressure on irritated joints and discs, specific exercises, and heel lifts when helpful. If a discrepancy needs orthopedic input, your chiropractor can certainly help coordinate that referral.
CONTACT Hollstrom & Associates Inc
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 causes like leg length issues and The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management. Then, set up a visit with the chiropractic team at Hollstrom & Associates Inc to learn whether leg length is part of your back pain picture and how to bring your spine back into balance.
