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 may be dealing with a leg length discrepancy (LLD), a common difference in the length of your legs. Small differences are expected, but when one leg is noticeably shorter, the pelvis can tilt toward that side and the spine bends to compensate. Little by little, that uneven foundation can strain the joints, discs, and muscles of the lower back.
WHAT THE RESEARCH SAYS ABOUT LEG LENGTH DISCREPANCY
Research shows that measuring a leg length difference takes care and consistency. Tipton, Sutherland, and Schwarzkopf (1) showed that measurements from a standard pelvic X-ray differed significantly from true leg length, and encouraged assessing any preexisting discrepancy before hip replacement surgery. Kadhim, Kelly, and Sabharwal (2) observed that three full-length standing X-ray methods gave similar results, but recommended sticking with a single technique, particularly 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 upper end 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 healthy part of that same leg usually 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
That's where your chiropractor steps in. Chiropractic's biggest role is spotting the discrepancy and recognizing how it alters spinal mechanics in ways that may cause pain. Your exam might include reviewing pelvic level, posture, and gait, along with X-rays if necessary. Care may then include gentle spinal adjustments, flexion-distraction to ease pressure on irritated joints and discs, specific exercises, and heel lifts when appropriate. If a discrepancy calls for orthopedic care, your doctor of chiropractic can certainly coordinate that referral.
CONTACT Manahawkin Chiropractic Center
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 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 Manahawkin Chiropractic Center to find out whether leg length is part of your story and how to restore your spine's balance.
