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 living with a leg length discrepancy (LLD), a common difference in the length of your legs. Small differences are normal, but when one leg is clearly shorter, the pelvis can drop toward that side and the spine bends to make up for it. Over time, that lopsided 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) reported that measurements from a routine pelvic X-ray were significantly different from actual leg length, and recommended assessing any preexisting discrepancy before hip replacement surgery. Kadhim, Kelly, and Sabharwal (2) determined that three full-length standing X-ray methods gave similar results, but advised using one technique consistently, particularly 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) found that when one part of a child's leg is shorter, 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 CHIROPRACTORS ADDRESS LEG LENGTH AND BACK PAIN
This is where your chiropractor plays a key role. Chiropractic's biggest contribution is noticing the discrepancy and understanding how it affects spinal mechanics in ways that can cause pain. Your evaluation may include looking at pelvic level, posture, and gait, along with X-rays if necessary. Treatment can then include gentle spinal adjustments, flexion-distraction to ease pressure on aggravated joints and discs, targeted exercises, and heel lifts as needed. If a discrepancy needs orthopedic evaluation, your chiropractor can certainly help coordinate that referral.
CONTACT Executive Chiropractic of Iowa
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, set up a visit with your chiropractic team at Executive Chiropractic of Iowa to discover whether leg length is part of your story and how to help your spine find its balance.
