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 dealing with a leg length discrepancy (LLD), a surprisingly common difference in the length of your legs. Minor differences are normal, but when one leg is measurably shorter, the pelvis can tilt toward that side and the spine shifts to compensate. Gradually, that uneven 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) showed that measurements from a typical pelvic X-ray were significantly different from actual leg length, and advised checking for any preexisting discrepancy before hip replacement surgery. Kadhim, Kelly, and Sabharwal (2) determined that three full-length standing X-ray methods gave comparable results, but advised using one technique consistently, particularly 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 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 shortened, the healthy part of that same leg generally doesn't grow longer 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 noticing the discrepancy and understanding how it alters spinal mechanics in ways that can cause pain. Your exam might include reviewing pelvic level, posture, and gait, along with X-rays when warranted. Treatment can then include gentle spinal adjustments, flexion-distraction to relieve pressure on sensitive joints and discs, specific exercises, and heel lifts when appropriate. If a discrepancy needs orthopedic care, your chiropractic physician can certainly arrange that referral.
CONTACT Medical Spine and Sports Injury and Rehab Centers
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 consultation with your chiropractic team at Medical Spine and Sports Injury and Rehab Centers to find out whether leg length is part of your back pain picture and how to help your spine find its balance.
