Leg Length Discrepancy and Back Pain: How Chiropractic Care Can Help
Do you notice one pant leg dragging more than the other, or a sore back after hours on your feet? You could be living with a leg length discrepancy (LLD), a common difference in the length of your legs. Slight differences are normal, but when one leg is clearly shorter, the pelvis can tilt toward that side and the spine shifts to compensate. Gradually, that uneven foundation can overwork the joints, discs, and muscles of the lower back.
WHAT THE RESEARCH SAYS ABOUT LEG LENGTH DISCREPANCY
According to research, accurately measuring a leg length difference calls for care and consistency. Tipton, Sutherland, and Schwarzkopf (1) found that measurements from a standard pelvic X-ray were significantly different from actual leg length, and recommended looking for any existing discrepancy before hip replacement surgery. Kadhim, Kelly, and Sabharwal (2) observed that three full-length standing X-ray methods yielded comparable results, but advised 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) reported that when one part of a child's leg is shortened, the healthy part of that same leg generally 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
This is where your chiropractor plays a key role. Chiropractic's biggest role is noticing the discrepancy and recognizing how it alters spinal mechanics in ways that might cause pain. Your exam can include looking at pelvic level, posture, and gait, along with X-rays when warranted. Your care plan might then include careful spinal adjustments, flexion-distraction to reduce pressure on irritated joints and discs, individualized exercises, and heel lifts as needed. If a discrepancy requires orthopedic care, your doctor of chiropractic can certainly arrange that referral.
CONTACT Cox Chiropractic Medicine Inc
If your back pain seems to have no clear cause, the answer might 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 well with patients and healthcare colleagues about back pain sources like leg length issues and The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management. Then, set up a visit with your chiropractic team at Cox Chiropractic Medicine Inc to learn whether leg length is part of your story and how to restore your spine's balance.
