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 living with a leg length discrepancy (LLD), a surprisingly common difference in the length of your legs. Slight differences are expected, but when one leg is noticeably shorter, the pelvis can drop toward that side and the spine bends to make up for it. Little by little, that unbalanced foundation can strain the joints, discs, and muscles of the low back.
WHY ACCURATE LEG LENGTH MEASUREMENT MATTERS
Studies show that measuring a leg length difference requires care and consistency. Tipton, Sutherland, and Schwarzkopf (1) showed that measurements from a standard pelvic X-ray differed significantly from actual leg length, and advised checking for any preexisting discrepancy before hip replacement surgery. Kadhim, Kelly, and Sabharwal (2) observed that three full-length standing X-ray methods yielded similar results, but suggested using the same technique every time, especially when the legs bow or angle. Where the difference comes from matters too. 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) 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!
HOW CHIROPRACTIC CARE CAN HELP WITH UNEVEN LEG LENGTH
That's where your chiropractor steps in. Chiropractic's biggest role is identifying the discrepancy and recognizing how it affects spinal mechanics in ways that might cause pain. Your exam might include checking pelvic level, posture, and gait, along with X-rays when needed. Treatment may then include gentle spinal adjustments, flexion-distraction to reduce pressure on sensitive joints and discs, targeted exercises, and heel lifts as needed. If a discrepancy needs orthopedic care, your doctor of chiropractic can certainly coordinate that referral.
CONTACT Dr. Le's Chiropractic & Wellness, L.L.C.
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 chiropractor at Dr. Le's Chiropractic & Wellness, L.L.C. to discover whether leg length is part of your story and how to restore your spine's balance.
