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 might be dealing with a leg length discrepancy (LLD), a frequent difference in the length of your legs. Minor differences are normal, but when one leg is noticeably shorter, the pelvis can tilt toward that side and the spine curves to adjust. Over time, that lopsided foundation can stress 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 preexisting discrepancy before hip replacement surgery. Kadhim, Kelly, and Sabharwal (2) found 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) linked leg length differences in Perthes' disease to the top portion 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 generally doesn't grow extra to make up the difference. 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 most important contribution is identifying the discrepancy and recognizing how it alters spinal mechanics in ways that may cause pain. Your evaluation may include looking at pelvic level, posture, and gait, along with X-rays when needed. Care may then include precise spinal adjustments, flexion-distraction to relieve pressure on irritated joints and discs, targeted exercises, and heel lifts when appropriate. If a discrepancy needs orthopedic input, your chiropractor can certainly arrange that referral.

CONTACT Moriarty 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 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 consultation with the chiropractic team at Moriarty Chiropractic to discover whether leg length is part of your back pain picture and how to bring your spine back into balance.