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 could be dealing with a leg length discrepancy (LLD), a common difference in the length of your legs. Minor differences are perfectly normal, but when one leg is clearly shorter, the pelvis can drop toward that side and the spine shifts to compensate. Gradually, that uneven foundation can stress the joints, discs, and muscles of the low back.
WHY ACCURATE LEG LENGTH MEASUREMENT MATTERS
Research shows that measuring a leg length difference takes care and consistency. Tipton, Sutherland, and Schwarzkopf (1) found that measurements from a standard pelvic X-ray were significantly different from true leg length, and recommended checking for any existing discrepancy before hip replacement surgery. Kadhim, Kelly, and Sabharwal (2) found that three full-length standing X-ray methods gave similar results, but recommended using the same technique every time, especially when the legs bow or angle. Just as important is where the difference begins. 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 typically doesn't grow extra to make up the difference. You can trust your chiropractor to figure it all out for you!
HOW CHIROPRACTORS ADDRESS LEG LENGTH AND BACK PAIN
This is where your chiropractor can make a real difference. Chiropractic's biggest role is identifying the discrepancy and recognizing how it changes spinal mechanics in ways that may cause pain. Your assessment may include looking at pelvic level, posture, and gait, along with X-rays if necessary. Care can then include gentle spinal adjustments, flexion-distraction to relieve pressure on aggravated joints and discs, specific exercises, and heel lifts as needed. If a discrepancy calls for orthopedic care, your doctor of chiropractic can certainly arrange that referral.
CONTACT OrthoIllinois Chiropractic
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, schedule a consultation with your chiropractor at OrthoIllinois Chiropractic to learn whether leg length is part of your story and how to help your spine find its balance.
