Leg Length Discrepancy...Is it a contributing factor to Mechanical Low Back Pain?
Reference: Friberg o. 1983 Clinical symptoms and biomechanics of limbar spine and hip joint in leg length inequality. Spine. (8);643-51
This study looked at the prevalence of leg length discrepancy (LLD) in 653 patients with chronic low back pain (LBP) and 359 asymptomatic subjects. The study concluded:
LLD of >5mm and >10mm was significantly more prevalent in LBP patients when compared to the asymptomatic subjects.
LLD of >15mm was significantly and dramatically more prevalent in LBP patients when compared to the asymptomatic subjects.
The study also suggested that some patients with chronic LBP and/or sciatica may benefit from a heel lift in the shorter leg; in particular those whose lifestyle involves spending much of their day on their feet?e.g. waitresses, soldiers, athletes, construction workers, etc.
Posted on: February 18, 2002
Categories: Lumbar Spine
