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 might be living with a leg length discrepancy (LLD), a frequent difference in the length of your legs. Slight differences are expected, but when one leg is clearly shorter, the pelvis can tip toward that side and the spine bends to compensate. Little by little, that uneven foundation can strain 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) reported that estimates from a standard pelvic X-ray were significantly different from true leg length, and advised assessing any preexisting discrepancy before hip replacement surgery. Kadhim, Kelly, and Sabharwal (2) found that three full-length standing X-ray methods yielded similar results, but recommended sticking with a single technique, especially when the legs bow or angle. The source of the difference matters as well. Tolk, Eastwood, and Hashemi-Nejad (3) traced leg length differences in Perthes' disease to the upper end of the thigh bone near the hip. Birch, Makarov, and Jo (4) found that when one part of a child's leg is shorter, the healthy part of that same leg typically doesn't grow extra to compensate. You can trust your chiropractor to figure it all out for you!
YOUR CHIROPRACTOR'S ROLE IN RESTORING SPINAL BALANCE
That's where your chiropractor steps in. Chiropractic's most important role is identifying the discrepancy and understanding how it changes spinal mechanics in ways that may cause pain. Your evaluation can include checking pelvic level, posture, and gait, along with X-rays when needed. Treatment might then include careful spinal adjustments, flexion-distraction to ease pressure on aggravated joints and discs, targeted exercises, and heel lifts as needed. If a discrepancy requires orthopedic care, your chiropractor can certainly arrange that referral.
CONTACT Shoreline Medical Services/ Hutter Chiropractic Office
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 illustrates 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 Shoreline Medical Services/ Hutter Chiropractic Office to find out whether leg length is part of your back pain picture and how to bring your spine back into balance.
