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 might be dealing with a leg length discrepancy (LLD), a 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 curves to compensate. Gradually, that lopsided base can stress 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) showed that measurements from a standard pelvic X-ray differed significantly from true leg length, and advised assessing any existing discrepancy before hip replacement surgery. Kadhim, Kelly, and Sabharwal (2) found that three full-length standing X-ray methods produced similar results, but suggested using one technique consistently, especially when the legs bow or angle. Where the difference comes from matters too. 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) showed that when one part of a child's leg is shorter, the healthy part of that same leg generally 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 plays a key role. Chiropractic's biggest contribution is noticing the discrepancy and understanding how it affects spinal mechanics in ways that might cause pain. Your evaluation can include checking pelvic level, posture, and gait, along with X-rays if necessary. Care can then include precise spinal adjustments, flexion-distraction to ease pressure on aggravated joints and discs, targeted exercises, and heel lifts when helpful. If a discrepancy requires orthopedic care, your chiropractic physician can certainly help coordinate that referral.
CONTACT Layden Chiropractic
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 describes the importance of communicating well with patients and healthcare colleagues about back pain causes like leg length issues and The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management. Then, schedule a appointment with the chiropractic team at Layden Chiropractic to find out whether leg length is part of your story and how to restore your spine's balance.
