Health Matters

Spinal alignment and the correction of joint problems are the principle reasons Chiropractors do what they do.

A primary aid to this is by assessing someone's Posture which is effectively a direct window to the spine.

Many things can cause spinal misalignment but one of the main culprits is termed, an anatomical short leg (ASL).

Basically, one leg that is shorter than the other from causes such as genetic (i.e. born with it), traumatic (i.e. fracture), or pathological (i.e. affected by a disease process).

This picture shows the effect of a right short leg on the whole skeleton when compared to a 'perfect' posture. The pelvis is tilted over to the short leg side and the spine compensates to the left to try and maintain an even posture. This results in a compensatory scoliosis (side curvature of the spine) all the way up to the base of the skull. As a result, headaches, neck, shoulder, low back, hip, knee and ankle pain can occur.

Research review: - 71% to 84% of all individuals have an ASL. The prevalence of an ASL has been well researched and documented over the years to the extent that "....it is so common that it is considered normal". Not everyone with an ASL will develop symptoms of pain but a shortened leg greater than 5mm can have a more predicable outcome as far as discomfort is concerned. 75% of individuals with one sided low back and/or hip pain have an ASL of 5mm or more.
What can be done? The first thing is to assess the degree of leg shortening which can be physically measured or assessed via an x-ray. The latter method identifies any compensation the hips, pelvis and spine are making. The initial posture assessment also gives an indication of this. Spinal adjustment with Chiropractic follows to relieve pain to the troubled area(s) and to help restore normal spinal function.

Finally, to stop the problem returning, assessment of a heel lift is used to correct the shortening effect of the leg and bring postural alignment back to normal.

If you would like more information please feel free to telephone, e-mail or write to me in confidence at the Practice. In the meantime, keep your questions coming, Michael.

Creative Chiropractic, Lees Yard, HOLT on (01263) 715522,
e-mail at: michael@creativechiropractic.co.uk or check the website: www.creativechiropractic.co.uk