The American Chiropractic Association presented a study that found 75% of people who suffered from lower back pain had legs that were slightly different lengths. This is a condition known as “Short Leg Syndrome,” or “Leg Length Discrepancy.” This condition can cause a multitude of problems for its sufferers, including chronic back pain. The discrepancy in leg lengths can disrupt your body’s whole sense of balance and equilibrium, affecting the way you walk, move, and distribute weight. This can lead to severe back pain and even knee pain or hip pain.

Thankfully, chiropractic care is a great treatment option for those who suffer from Short Leg Syndrome. A simple chiropractic adjustment can help reduce excess pressure and realign the spine and joints for effective pain relief.

What Causes Leg Length Discrepancy?

In order to treat Leg Length Discrepancy and improve the pain in the lower back, it’s important to first understand the cause.

Short Leg Syndrome can be caused due to a number of reasons, including:

-         Hip fractures or other injuries

-         Hip or knee issues

-         Congenital Scoliosis

-         Hip replacement surgery

-         Poor running mechanics

-         Dropped foot arch

-         Osteoarthritis

How Do You Know If You Have Short Leg Syndrome?

While it’s best to make an appointment with a professional chiropractor to determine what is causing your severe back pain, there are a few symptoms that could be indicative of Short Leg Syndrome:

-         Chronic or severe pain on one or both sides of the body, including neck pain, back pain, hip pain, knee pain or ankle pain

-         Asymmetric tightness in the hamstrings, glutes, psoas or piriformis

-         Sciatica

-         Neuropathic pain, including burning, tingling, or radiating pain on one or both sides of the body

-         Limping

-         Differing shoulder heights

If you notice any of these symptoms, you may have Leg Length Discrepancy, and should consult a chiropractor immediately for a proper adjustment and care plan.

How Can Chiropractic Care Help Treat This Condition?

While heel lifts and inserts are helpful in evening out the leg length discrepancies, they don’t get to the source of the problem. A chiropractor can help develop a treatment plan to bring you effective relief from the pain caused by Short Leg Syndrome. By observing your walking patterns, a symmetrical differences, and movements, a chiropractor can determine if this condition is what’s truly causing your pain and discomfort, and the best direction to take for proper treatment.

Once your pain has been identified and diagnosed, a treatment plan can be put in place to focus on relieving the root cause. The chiropractor may implement a stretching routine, manipulative therapy, or physical therapy for pain relief. Or they may identify poor running or walking mechanics that simply need to be relearned. Even performing simple chiropractic adjustments can make a world of difference in realigning the body and providing pain relief brought about by Short Leg Syndrome.

The effects of Leg Length Discrepancy can be painful and disrupt your quality of life. If you or a loved one are suffering from Short Leg Syndrome, give Palmercare Chiropractic a call to set up a chiropractic appointment today. Let us help you get the treatment you need for lasting pain relief.

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