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 dealing with a leg length discrepancy (LLD), a surprisingly common difference in the length of your legs. Minor differences are expected, but when one leg is noticeably shorter, the pelvis can tilt toward that side and the spine curves to compensate. Little by little, that uneven base can overwork the joints, discs, and muscles of the lower back.

WHY ACCURATE LEG LENGTH MEASUREMENT MATTERS

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 encouraged assessing any existing discrepancy before hip replacement surgery. Kadhim, Kelly, and Sabharwal (2) found that three full-length standing X-ray methods gave comparable results, but recommended using one technique consistently, especially when the legs bow or angle. The source of the difference matters as well. 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 typically doesn't grow longer to make up the difference. 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 greatest contribution is spotting the discrepancy and recognizing how it affects spinal mechanics in ways that can cause pain. Your assessment can include reviewing pelvic level, posture, and gait, along with X-rays when warranted. Care can then include gentle spinal adjustments, flexion-distraction to relieve pressure on sensitive joints and discs, specific exercises, and heel lifts when appropriate. If a discrepancy needs orthopedic input, your chiropractor can certainly arrange that referral.

CONTACT Poulin Chiropractic of Herndon and Ashburn

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, set up a appointment with your chiropractor at Poulin Chiropractic of Herndon and Ashburn to learn whether leg length is part of your story and how to restore your spine's balance.