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. Minor differences are perfectly normal, but when one leg is clearly shorter, the pelvis can tilt toward that side and the spine bends to adjust. Little by little, that lopsided base can strain the joints, discs, and muscles of the low 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 estimates from a routine pelvic X-ray were significantly different from actual leg length, and advised assessing any existing discrepancy before hip replacement surgery. Kadhim, Kelly, and Sabharwal (2) determined that three full-length standing X-ray methods yielded similar results, but recommended 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) 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 shorter, the healthy part of that same leg usually doesn't grow longer to make up the difference. 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 can make a real difference. Chiropractic's biggest role is noticing the discrepancy and recognizing how it changes spinal mechanics in ways that might cause pain. Your evaluation may include reviewing pelvic level, posture, and gait, along with X-rays when needed. Treatment may then include precise spinal adjustments, flexion-distraction to ease pressure on irritated joints and discs, targeted exercises, and heel lifts as needed. If a discrepancy requires orthopedic evaluation, your chiropractor can certainly coordinate that referral.
CONTACT Johnson 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, book a visit with your chiropractor at Johnson Chiropractic to learn whether leg length is part of your story and how to bring your spine back into balance.
