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 may be dealing with a leg length discrepancy (LLD), a frequent difference in the length of your legs. Minor differences are normal, but when one leg is clearly shorter, the pelvis can tilt toward that side and the spine curves to make up for it. Gradually, that unbalanced base can stress the joints, discs, and muscles of the lower 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 measurements from a routine pelvic X-ray differed significantly from true leg length, and advised checking for any preexisting discrepancy before hip replacement surgery. Kadhim, Kelly, and Sabharwal (2) found that three full-length standing X-ray methods gave comparable results, but advised 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) 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 shortened, the unaffected part of that same leg usually doesn't grow extra to compensate. 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 plays a key role. Chiropractic's greatest contribution is spotting the discrepancy and understanding how it changes spinal mechanics in ways that can cause pain. Your exam might include looking at pelvic level, posture, and gait, along with X-rays if necessary. Treatment might then include careful spinal adjustments, flexion-distraction to relieve pressure on irritated joints and discs, individualized exercises, and heel lifts as needed. If a discrepancy requires orthopedic care, your chiropractor can certainly help coordinate that referral.
CONTACT Satterwhite 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 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 appointment with the chiropractic team at Satterwhite Chiropractic to discover whether leg length is part of your story and how to restore your spine's balance.
