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. Slight differences are normal, but when one leg is measurably shorter, the pelvis can tip toward that side and the spine curves to compensate. Over time, that lopsided foundation 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 measurements from a routine pelvic X-ray differed significantly from actual leg length, and advised looking for any existing discrepancy before hip replacement surgery. Kadhim, Kelly, and Sabharwal (2) observed that three full-length standing X-ray methods produced comparable results, but recommended sticking with a single technique, 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 upper end 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 longer to compensate. You can trust your chiropractor to figure it all out for you!
HOW CHIROPRACTIC CARE CAN HELP WITH UNEVEN LEG LENGTH
This is where your chiropractor can make a real difference. Chiropractic's greatest contribution is noticing the discrepancy and understanding how it changes spinal mechanics in ways that may cause pain. Your exam can include looking at pelvic level, posture, and gait, along with X-rays when warranted. Treatment may then include precise spinal adjustments, flexion-distraction to reduce pressure on aggravated joints and discs, individualized exercises, and heel lifts when appropriate. If a discrepancy requires orthopedic input, your chiropractor can certainly help coordinate that referral.
CONTACT Dr. Paulette Hugulet, DC, LLC
When back pain seems to come from nowhere, the answer might be right under your feet. 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, book a consultation with your chiropractor at Dr. Paulette Hugulet, DC, LLC to find out whether leg length is part of your back pain picture and how to bring your spine back into balance.
