Most people have legs of unequal length. If their “leglength discrepancy” is large enough, it can be a source of back pain. Generally speaking, a difference in leg lengths greater than 5 millimeters (1/4 inch) can cause lower back pain, while discrepancies greater than 9 millimeters result in a 6-fold greater likelihood of experiencing lower back pain. Once the chiropractor diagnoses the problem, its cause can be identified. Leg-length discrepancies can result from poor alignment of the pelvis or simply because one leg is structurally longer than the other. The problem may also coincide with scoliosis, lumbar herniated discs, sacroiliitis, pelvic obliquity, greater trochanteric bursitis, hip arthritis, piriformis syndrome, patellofemoral syndrome, and foot pronation. Treating the cause(s) alleviates the pain.
Is leg-length discrepancy your concern? We will only accept you as a patient if we sincerely believe we can help you. Let us at FAMILY PRACTICE OF CHIROPRACTIC help you live your life to the fullest. We’re located at 112 McGrath Hwy., Quincy, where we provide professional chiropractic care for the entire family. The body talks to us on many levels about its needs – we can teach you how to listen. Call 617.472.4220 to schedule an appointment. If your problem is a chiropractic condition we offer you exceptional service.
P.S. A “structural” leg-length discrepancy is a hereditary circumstance of one leg being longer than the other; “functional” leg-length discrepancy involves torsion or pelvic rotation, which causes one leg to function as though it is longer or shorter than the other.
For Your Health,
Dr. Gabrielle Freedman