We are not symmetrical and we are not intended to be. As many as 30 per cent of people may have one leg that is longer than the other (usually the right leg). And differing leg lengths are twice as common in people with back pain as those without. This is because the difference throws the pelvis out of balance and the spine adopts a lateral curve to compensate and allow the person to walk upright.
Some people’s spines are flexible enough to handle the compensations and such people do not experience any pain until they reach their 60s and 70s, when the spine’s ability to adapt begins to break down. Other people pain from their teenage years, particularly when standing. There are steps that can be taken to help people with leg length discrepancies, including maintaining sufficient mobility in the spine and using heel lifts to correct the imbalance. However it is important to get a correct diagnosis first. If you think unequal leg lengths might be contributing to your back problem, see a chiropractor for a postural assessment.
