Low Back Pain Caused by Short Leg

Low Back Pain Caused by Short Leg (Leg Length Inequality)

leg length inequality as a cause of back pain — leg length inequality, short leg, cause of back pain

Dr. Barry Marks, Chiropractor Orange, CA

Keywords:

Low Back Pain
Leg Length Inequality (Short leg)

Unsurprisingly, low back pain is one of the most common complaints seen by chiropractors, and leg length inequality is one of the common causes of it. Specifically, this condition occurs when one leg is longer or shorter than the other, which puts stress on the lower back, hips, and pelvis. It can lead to a range of issues, including sciatica, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and arthritis.

So, if you’re experiencing low back pain and have been diagnosed with leg length inequality, it’s important to seek the help of a chiropractor who can help alleviate your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Let’s take a closer look at the causes and symptoms of low back pain caused by leg length inequality and the treatments available to patients.

Causes of Leg Length Inequality

Leg length inequality can be caused by a variety of factors, including congenital conditions, injuries, surgeries, and degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis. In some cases, the difference in leg length may be noticeable, while in others it may be subtle and only discovered through a thorough evaluation by a chiropractor. Congenital anomalies make up the vast majority of patients with a short leg. This means a genetic quirk causes one leg to not grow as long as the other side. Interestingly, if you trace the family tree, you will see a pattern. Sometimes it’s just the females or males of the family. Other times it skips generations. But the pattern is consistent. It will be either left or right leg and the amount of discrepancy varies.

Symptoms of Low Back Pain Caused by Leg Length Inequality

People with a short leg will think back and only realize these things were indicators of a short leg. Basically, they didn’t realize because they have had it since birth and think this is just how it is. So, while standing in a line for an extended period you may need to switch from leaning on one leg then the other. Or always tend to favor one side and stand with one hip sticking out. When you have pants or a skirt hemmed the hemline seems crooked. Or you need to roll up one pant leg more than the other. Lastly, after a long period of walking, one hip or knee aches and possibly keeps you up at night.

Low back pain caused by leg length inequality can be accompanied by a variety of symptoms, including:

Pain in the lower back that worsens with standing or walking
Stiffness or aching in the hips or pelvis
Numbness or tingling in the legs

Weakness in the legs
Inability to stand or walk for long periods of time
Difficulty sleeping, especially after a long day standing or walking

Diagnosis of Leg Length Inequality

Diagnosing leg length inequality requires a thorough evaluation by a chiropractor, who will examine the patient’s posture, gait, and range of motion. The chiropractor may also use X-rays, CT scans, or MRI images to determine the extent of the difference in leg length.

Your chiropractor will make a visual inspection of your hips and legs and compare them. They might use a tape measure. Clearly, the most precise method to diagnose a short leg is an x-ray of the pelvis. Your doctor will make measurements on the film to see how short the affected side is.

Treatment Options for Low Back Pain Caused by Leg Length Inequality

The goal of treatment for low back pain caused by leg length inequality is to reduce pain and improve function. Chiropractic treatment is a non-invasive option that can help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.

Chiropractic Adjustments

Spinal and pelvic adjustments are the primary treatment option for low back pain caused by leg length inequality. Particularly, these adjustments help to realign the spine, reduce stress on the lower back, and improve range of motion. In addition, this can help reduce pain, improve posture, and improve overall function.

Physical Exercises

Physical therapy can help to strengthen the muscles in the lower back and hips, which can help alleviate pain and improve function. Also, therapy may include exercises to improve posture, flexibility, and range of motion.

Heel Lift

A small rubber shim can be prescribed to wear in your shoe. Obviously, the thickness depends on how far off your legs are. Indeed, lifts ranging from 3 mm to 12 mm can be prescribed.

Orthotics

Orthotics are custom-made shoe inserts that can help correct leg length inequality. Most commonly, they are worn in both shoes. Subsequently, one side may be “posted” or built higher depending on the extent of the difference in leg length. Besides that, orthotics can help reduce pain and improve function by distributing weight evenly across both legs.

Conclusion

Unquestionably, leg length inequality is a common cause of low back pain. Additionally, it can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. If you’re experiencing low back pain, it’s important to seek the help of a chiropractor who can diagnose and treat the underlying cause. Fortunately, with the right treatment, patients with low back pain caused by leg length inequality can experience significant improvements in their pain, function, and overall quality of life.