This Imbalance Can Lead To A Lifetime Of Back & SI Joint Pain

To solve chronic back and SI joint pain it is critical to determine the UNDERLYING CAUSE through a correct diagnosis. There are imbalances that can often go overlooked that can set a person up for years, even a lifetime, of chronic pain and disability.
In this video, Dr. Brant Pedersen (DC) dives deep into one such cause that is many times hiding in plain sight, leg length discrepancy, aka leg length difference. He shares the story of a patient who came to him with hip and ankle pain that she thought was coming from SI joint dysfunction.
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Links for products noted in this video (affiliate link):
* Clearly Adjustable Heel Lift: amzn.to/49HXaab
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
02:34 What percentage of people have a leg length discrepancy?
03:40 How much of a leg length difference is a problem?
5:17 What health problems and symptoms can be caused by a structural leg length discrepancy?
6:19 How is a structural leg length discrepancy measured?
8:29 What are causes of an anatomical leg length discrepancy?
11:47 What is the difference between an anatomical leg length difference versus a functional leg length difference?
15:14 What can be done to treat a structural leg length difference?
In this video Dr. Pedersen covers many aspects of leg length discrepancy starting with how much of a leg length discrepancy can cause a problem? He looks at the medical literature to help you understand what percentage of people have a leg length difference. Then he talks about how much of a leg length difference can cause pain.
Methods for determining leg length discrepancy are demonstrated. These tests include a standing visualization of the iliac crests. Another test involves lying on your back and looking at relative knee heights. He also discusses measuring between the ASIS and the medial malleolus with a tape measure. Lastly, Dr. Pedersen talks about the gold standing test which is taking full limb x-rays.
Dr. Pedersen talks about the three most common causes of structural leg length difference. These include trauma to a long bone growth center prior to skeletal maturity. Also, severe trauma to a bone that when it is repaired or healed is no longer even with its paired limb. Lastly, structural leg length difference can be caused secondary to a total hip joint replacement surgery or a total knee joint replacement surgery.
The treatment solutions for leg length discrepancy are discussed including using a heel lift on the short leg side and when a modification to the sole of a shoe is necessary.
Articles referenced in this video:
📄 Harvey WF, Yang M, Cooke TDV, Segal NA, Lane N, Lewis CE. Association of Leg-Length Inequality With Knee Osteoarthritis. Ann Int Med. 2010; 152:287-295.
📄 Gordon JE, Davis LE. Leg Length Discrepancy: The Natural History (And What Do We Really Know). J Pediatr Orthop. Volume 39, #6 Supp 1, July 2019. S10-13.
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About Dr. Brant Pedersen, DC, CCSP
Dr. Brant is a sports chiropractor who founded Positive Motion Chiropractic in northern California (Los Gatos). He specializes in finding rapid and lasting solutions to muscle and joint pain issues. He received his first chiropractic adjustment when competing as a professional windsurfer and it opened his eyes to how quickly the body can heal when given targeted conservative care. Dr. Pedersen graduated valedictorian of his class from Palmer College of Chiropractic West and gives back through humanitarian chiropractic care. He enjoys sharing tips and tricks for how to stay active and pain-free and employs them daily to stay active as an extreme sports athlete.
👋🏼 Connect with Dr. Brant Pedersen, DC, CCSP
Web: www.positivemotionhealth.com/
Instagram: / positivemotion
Facebook: / positivemotionhealth
LinkedIn: / drbrantpedersen
DISCLAIMER: This content (the video, description, links, and comments) is created and published for informational and demonstration purposes only. It is not medical advice or a treatment plan. Consult with a licensed healthcare professional before doing anything contained in this content. In some cases exercise may be inappropriate. This content should not be used to self-diagnose or self-treat any health, medical, or physical condition. Don't use this content to avoid going to a licensed healthcare professional or to replace the advice they give you. Positive Motion Chiropractic makes no representations about the accuracy or suitability of this content. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call emergency services (911 in the USA) or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. Use of this content is at your sole risk.

[@brittanysnyder5795]

This is amazing-this problem is that exact reason why I went to a chiropractor in the first place about 5 years ago. I do wear a heel lift. The last few months, I’ve had SI joint pain and it feels like it’s locked up. I go for adjustments but have been researching and just talked this over with my chiro who is amazing, and I think some of this is due to tight hip flexors and a weak glute med. I just watched your video on the weak glute med the other day and the side with the heel lift and SI joint pain is tighter and weaker than my right side. I’m going to try and remedy this at home because I just got done with PT for a different issue, but your information has been so helpful to figure all this out and fix the underlying issue instead of only the symptoms. Thank you so much for making these videos! This information is so helpful!

[@PositiveMotionChiro]

I’m so glad you are working with an amazing chiro and that you are learning ways to address the underlying issues. It sounds like you are a forever learner as well, which I think is the only way to be. Especially about this one and only body we inhabit. Thanks for your comment! Take care. 🙏🏼

[@souldoula7436]

Look up Conor Harris Left AIC pattern, your sx are just like mine 👍🏻

[@jazzcarreon4784]

Which side do you wear the heel lift? Is the side were your pelvis is hiked up or the other side?

[@em1s301]

​​@@PositiveMotionChiro Ten years post laberal tear from a brutal chiro treatment. Chasing pain between si hip L5 around and around. I might get 4 days no pain them bang around we go again. Current chiro says no to heel lift then im back the next week. So tiring the niggles and pain. I fully get what you are saying with regard to anatomical, that's me for sure.

[@lcbrittain]

I started having hip pain this year. I am 72. Climbing stairs and steps was painful and awkward. Then I remembered an osteopath telling me maybe a decade ago, that I was unusually lopsided. I pointed out that most people were a bit lopsided, but he insisted that my case was more than a bit, and made me stand in front of a mirror in my underwear, and pointed out that the curve at my waist on the left side was more acute than the one on the right, indicating I had a longer left leg. Nothing was recommended for this. I had come for lower back pain and he had to manipulate my pelvis, or sacroiliac joint, back into alignment. Fast forward to this year, with my new hip pain, i remembered all this and thought maybe with age, the leg length discrepancy had got worse, so I inserted a heel lift of about half a centimetre. What a relief it was! Of course, I have developed osteoarthritis in that hip, but the pain is merely a twinge with the heel lift, and I no longer rock sideways when I walk. I forgot to put in the heel lifts yesterday, when I changed my winter to summer shoes, and the pain became more acute. I feel vindicated by this video and very pleased to have sorted this out by myself, with my doctor listening and approving of my actions. Thank you for this. It was fascinating.

[@jazzcarreon4784]

Which side did you insert the heel lift ? Is the short leg the same as the hiked up hip?

[@sz4179]

A short leg is almost always a SYMPTOM of a rotated pelvis due to muscle tightness/imbalance.

[@clublulu399]

It most cases it’s due to a QL that has become so tight it pulls the pelvis up. The culprit is almost always a weak glute

[@jazzcarreon4784]

Wow this is exactly me!!! So heel lift should go on that side correct ?

[@clublulu399]

@@jazzcarreon4784 OP & I are saying heel lift is not the solution but rather fixing the muscle imbalance that exists in your body, particularly in your lower extremities like glutes / thighs. Why does the QL pull the pelvis up? It's to provide stability to the pelvis, but that's a compensation for another muscle in the body that SHOULD be doing the stabilization. Main stabilizers of the hip are glutes, hammies, and thighs. If there's a weak link somewhere in those muscles, the QL is next in line to jump in and provide stability to pelvis. If you look at the anatomy a bit closer, the reason why QL jumps in (vs. other muscles) is because its closest in proximity to the spine / pelvis. Our body has many jobs, but I'll argue its MAIN job is to look after the stability & safety of the spine and pelvis, because without those, it's game over.

[@jazzcarreon4784]

Which side is the short leg? Is this were the heel lift goes?

[@clublulu399]

@@jazzcarreon4784 There's an easy way to tell. Lay on the floor with your back and legs straight. Then without moving, tilt your head up so you can see your feet and whichever foot is "closer" to you is the leg that's shorter. However, I wouldn't recommend a heel lift as its just a quick fix and won't really tackle the real issue at hand, which is a muscle imbalance on the short leg. The QL is pulling the pelvis up due to a weak glute muscle, specifically the glute medius. When you strengthen the glute up, the QL spasm will let go and natural hip length is restored.

[@MrA1582000]

Been lucky enough to diagnose leg length discrepancy in ER in patient who was having hip and knee pain. Podiatry intervention with corrective shoes totally alleviated pain. Should be routine to check leg length difference in patients presenting with pain

[@PositiveMotionChiro]

That is great that you were able to see it and offer a solution to that patient. You changed their life! Thank you for sharing your story. 🙌🏼

[@laraclementucci6507]

Thank you for your analysis. The imbalance of length legs is an underrated matter but so common in the world

[@PositiveMotionChiro]

Thank you for your comment. I completely agree. 👍🏼

[@dugeroyiun8973]

I'm glad you're talking about it. I wish more people would know. May your good deeds spread🎉

[@betterWorld9]

It takes an intelligent and responsible doctor to resolve the issue. Thanks Dr. Pedersen! I suspect I have this issue since all my SI joint pain, back pain and knee issues are on the same side. And I do feel my legs are different lengths since I was young.

[@googoo554]

Wow! Love yr videos. Thank you so much for all the info you share with us.

[@cwied9908]

This video made a HUGE difference for me. The recommended heel lift took care of about 75% of my pain, which I have had for years, and worsened after a knee replacement. I have tried all other options offered by doctors and physical therapists. The only thing that came close was a steroid epidural shot near my SI joint, but that of course wears off after a few weeks. I can now sit in my car again, and walk for a few miles without pain. I can't believe no one recommended this to me before. Leg length differences of 1-1.5 cm have been noted by many providers in my visit notes over the years. Thank you!

[@PositiveMotionChiro]

Glad you found my content helpful. I am so happy to hear you are feeling better. Thank you for sharing your experience. Take care.

[@dazzlingpumppouches]

I understand this woman so well. Being in pain and not being able to walk is the most miserable issue to have. After my knee replacement I started getting issues on non surgical knee due to muscle imbalances which I didn’t realize until months later. I did additional glute, hip, foot and inner quad exercises and I’m finally walking better. Still unsure at this point if there is a length issue but maybe chiropractor is the next step

[@PositiveMotionChiro]

Don't give up. Recovery after a knee replacement is a lot of work, but you got this! I find the best luck working with sports chiropractors and maybe you can find one in your area using the directory on this website: www.acbsp.com I hope you get back to feeling 100% soon. 🙏🏼

[@sabrinasanders7936]

You are Amazing! This really helped me

[@PositiveMotionChiro]

That makes me 😊

[@Unicity61]

Wow… what an amazing video! It opened my eyes to the possibilities of getting my neck and back pain relieved. I’ve been having neck/back pain since 2010 from a work related injury. I get flare up’s every 2-3 yrs. Will be getting in contact with your office for an appointment for a consultation. Thank you for your videos.

[@PositiveMotionChiro]

I’m really glad you found my video and that it was helpful. I look forward to seeing what I can do to help you. 🙏🏼

[@deanobirdy4171]

Thank You All Lifes Very Best All The Time .

[@MegaMusical10]

Thank you, fantastic video! I sat in a chair & noticed my left knee is at least 2" in front of my right knee. I've been suffering & declining since 2010 after going everywhere for help. Yes, the right side is weak & tight and drags. Besides trying a lift, what corrective exercises will help me bring my right hip & pelvis level with the left one?

[@hemaanand7808]

Thank you doctor

[@tomcat6933]

It's all about money. Some doctors, physical therapists, and chiropractors want to drain your insurance and deductables. You have to keep looking for an honest expert to solve the issue.

[@PositiveMotionChiro]

I believe that most doctors, PT, chiropractors start out with the purpose of helping people as their foundation. But in the US healthcare is a business, and a convoluted one with insurance companies and 3rd party payers. I think sometimes docs can get lost in that morase of billing, writing reports, and treating their patients based on what insurance companies will reimburse for and can start to drift away from their original focus of being 100% patient centered. But I believe there are still many great problem-solving doctors out there who work for their patients and not for the insurance companies.

[@garryreed6410]

Very true 👍

[@KarenB-jp3tx]

It seems that they want to get rid of me... not work with me.. or in most cases don't listen to what I am saying.. I need someone to work closely with me. But I also have quite a bit of experience. I cant believe my now looking for a chiropractor. But He sounds GREAT!!! IVE HAD MY LEG LENGTH MEASURED, THEY CLAIM ITS FINE .

[@KarenB-jp3tx]

I have a 3rd degree scoliosis in my Thorasic spine. Wondering how much this is causing my problems.. Doctor never addressed it.only said I had it. Didn't even return calls when I told him the PT at that time was making my knee worse.. never experienced anything like that before. Worked out in gym . Lifting weights, lots if Pt always asking for more exercises. But 2 years ago my knee started hurting more???

[@KarenB-jp3tx]

After the adjustment, c a nt the situation be helped with exercises and possible innersoles?? Waite, you just said your in California, I t thought you said carolina?? Don't mind me. Im in pain. And obviously not paying full attention to video completely. But I will listen again. What I do know is I need Brad.. hope I got your name correct..

[@peterobondo5800]

Mine I have sciartica nerve its afect one of my leg is short

[@ladydiana885]

Doctor I want to saying thank you such much. I was cleaning my bathroom and using my back to reach the other end and immediately get some pain in the lower back and hip.was like that for 2 weeks. I try so much video on KZbin and it's was worst until i found your video 14 years ago the first time I did yhe exercise get relived.

[@hellokittymommy24]

This was so informative. Could Osgood-Shlater cause leg length discrepancy? I have a large point bump from this in childhood. Could this affect the bones?

[@austinheadrick]

Your content on SI joint and back pain is really helpful! I've had SI joint and back pain fo four years following a running injury. I'm unfortunately not in California, otherwise I'd definitely visit your office. I wonder if you can make a video about finding a skilled chiropractor who addresses underlying causes. Is there a national association or professional qualification we can look for? Perhaps also dicussing when to see a chiropractor and when to see a physical therapist would be useful too. Thanks again for great content!

[@PositiveMotionChiro]

Thank you for your comment. I think your video ideas are great and I'll will put them in my cue for a future video. For finding a chiropractor I have the best luck when I refer people to sports chiropractors. They do additional training after graduating as a chiropractor and then have to do additional continuing education each year to maintain current status. You can find a directory of sports chiropractors here: www.acbsp.com I hope that helps you.

[@austinheadrick]

@@PositiveMotionChiro Thanks!

[@jennifernoronha4175]

I really appreciate the information you are giving...I wish we could have had some person like you in India ❤❤❤

[@pvallarta1166]

I am a DO, I so sooo agree with your video. After a big trauma and vertebrae fractures+spondilolysthesis (more than 80% spinal cord stenosis), I got a l2s1 lift and fusion. 1 month after my surgery, my left SI joint started to be extremely painful. My neurosurgeon refused even to consider the fact that the fusion might not be totally symmetrical, he pushed me to exercise more and stop whining. I consulted with another surgeon and got a prescription to check by medical imaging, which showed a SI major inflammation. Their solution is cortisone injection in the joint, which I refused. I don’t know who could help me, it sounds like I am the only one around me to validate this option.

[@TommyMessinger]

Hi! Great video. I have had chronic lower back and SI joint pain. I had a standing X-ray of just my pelvis and the Dr. said that my left leg was shorter from that X-ray. The dr. said that this method was most accurate because the full length X-ray is three X-rays stitched together so less accurate. Yet, I have also been told that just an X-ray of the pelvis isn’t accurate because the tilt could be from a tight QL or other muscle in balance. I went through a lot of PT to address muscles imbalances but the pain always seems to come back. At this point, I don’t know what to think but my SI joint pain and lower back pain is still here.

[@RebekahGood]

I found out in jan 2023 on my 1st visit to a chiropractor he noted right away that my right leg was shorter than my left. I had no idea. I mentioned to my dr that I've had low back pain and right SI joint pain. In April of 2023 he had my physical therapist measure both legs and found a 2cm difference.

[@mj625]

Your advice is spot-on. I've been seeing a chiropractor for a leg length discrepancy issue since the beginning of this year. His treatment and advice has very much aligned with yours. I've worked my way up to a 12mm heel lift and I am seeing a lot of improvement. Most of my pain was in my lower back right side, and my spine had an ugly curve in it due to being this way for many years. I can see improvement in comparative X-rays. Thank you for getting the word out about this condition.

[@shannonr177]

Hi, do you wear the heel lift in your right shoe?

[@mj625]

@shannonr177 yes, inside my right shoe. My leg length difference is actually 7mm, but it created a larger misalignment in my hips. For this reason, the doctor has me wearing a 12mm lift to try to over-correct this condition.

[@GraceSavesGrace]

​@@shannonr177 wear the heel lift in the shorter leg

[@texasstardust6010]

I just discovered your Channel.... and I wish I had known of you when I lived near North Central California.... I have a childhood injury that had affected me my entire life, but no to the extent of it is at this point ,as I'm nearing 70 years young and I have experienced a lot of pain and limited range of motion that was not present prior to last year. Thank you for explaining this in such detail, because I also noticed the wear on my right shoe, ( the short side) as compared to the left. ( similar to the photo shiwn ,with your patient ). It has even been difficult to do my normal exercise and climb stairs.... Hip pain, ( especially the outer left side ),low back pain ; and sometimes groin pain. ( again, on the left ) ,which had not E v e r happened before........ what I'm curious about is its on my L e f t side, not the " short side " of the childhood injury ,which is my right leg. ( I will condense that injury : 48 weeks in traction. They Rebuilt my ankle. 3 and 1/2 years of Recovery time, lots of P T.,had to re- learn to walk. ) Thank you ,Dr. Pederson....this Video was helpful to me in many ways.

[@fitnesssoup7553]

Bones go where muscles tell them to go. Address alignment issues and many issues can be improved or resolved. Stretching, strengthening and achieving postural integrity often resolves issues. And, chiropractic care can be complementary to that. Any practitioner that simply wants to perform adjustments to you is really doing you a disservice without addressing other contributing factors. Other than simple issues. Many aren't though and tend to have some degree of complexity. Every person has unique challenges. Keep working with whatever challenge you are experiencing. Usually, it can at least be made better.

[@blissfulbaboon]

Thank you.Well said and very True!❤

[@fakvachayna45]

been to different therapists, exercises, but because of videos like this, I figured it out that my left leg was a cm shorter, that's why my shoulders aren't level either. Bought an insert, voila, pain free now. Had this pain since puberty, back pain, no therapist figured it out.

[@RebekahGood]

I'm curious....could you possibly explain sacroiliitis sometime and why it is so doggone painful..love the fact your videos are very informative most of the stuff I've been experiencing and dealing with as well as getting treatment for..

[@sandyny]

Thanks for a helpful video! Love your work. Is a 2 mm leg length difference shown in a 36inch leg view enough to be considered a anatomical leg length difference ? I also have weakness on the longer leg. Which I’m now working on strengthening

[@PositiveMotionChiro]

Usually a 2mm leg length difference is not something I would use a heel lift for. But it all comes down to the patient and symptoms. Unfortunately, I cannot give individualized health care recommendations through KZbin comments, so make sure you are working with your doctor on these issues. I wish you all the best!

[@sandyny]

Thank you@@PositiveMotionChiro

[@Deanosthegreat]

My left hip is higher than my right resulting in LLD. I had an MRI due to numbness in left leg which stated I have mild exiting neural foraminal stenosis bilarerally and compression of the left nerve at L5 S1. Could the hiked hip be causing this nerve to pinch and be a reason for the stenosis? Thanks for the video 😊

[@walealan-wx3hu]

Thank you very much for this informative video. It has been very challenging 5 years of trying to find the route cause for my functional leg difference. Do you think it can be from an imbalance bite/ bad bite? i'm seeing a TMJ specialist who has giving me an occlusion splint to correct my bite/ jaw position... thanks again DOC

[@dbinga6204]

Would you still carry out adjustments on a patient 5 years post op after a s1-l4 spinal fusion PLIF with discectomy? Some of the functional things discussed in this video i have experienced ongoing before and after the operation eg hip hike, tigh QL know knee pain and tight IT band & outer shin pain, the original issue was form 2x level spondylolisthesis (stress fractures to the pars) from boxing? Any thoughts would be helpful

[@carmelmcguinness6546]

Thanks ❤for your help I have just had a scan and told I have arthritis in my spine. And A chipped bone in my hip I was quite sore I got pain medicine of my doctor but I’m going to do some off yer exercise to see if they help thanks so much they look good 😊

[@PositiveMotionChiro]

I hope you feel better soon. Remember to always check in with you doc before starting any new exercises because they might not be appropriate in all cases. I do wish you the best and thank you for your comment. Take care. 🙏🏼

[@revealanation7778]

My lower back and front of my hips have been killing me for years

[@frang.5913]

If your hip is tilted, one leg will appear shorter but in reality it's the same but because of the hip tilt, it's shorter

[@PositiveMotionChiro]

It sounds like you are describing a ‘functional’ short leg.

[@monicali2608]

Had this myself. Problem solved by chiropractor. No real shorter leg.

[@blissfulbaboon]

Yes,absolutely. There is an illusion of leg length discrepancy but the real cause is a misalignment of the pelvis,from both anterior tilt posterior tilt,hip hike and other soft tissue issues.Once the alignment issue is addressed,leg length becomes equalized

[@baditube9426]

@@monicali2608how they fixe it please my chario find out same for me but no much done just a useless elevator shoes already flattened

[@claudiamiller7730]

Thanks, Doc! Wonderful advice! I had totally forgotten that at one point I was advised to use a heal lift in my left shoe to help my back pain! Back to those basics for me! But also noticed that your patient had noticeable (to me) shoulder height discrepancy from left to right side - might that indicate addition issues that need to be addressed?

[@PositiveMotionChiro]

I’m glad my video reminded you about advice from your doctor. And there can be compensations that show up with leg length discrepancy and also other non-related imbalances. As I was taught in school “fix what you find.”

[@raybrown8887]

I have had both hip replaced and suffer from SI joint pain although I have also had several lumbar spine surgeries I see a chiropractor weekly and sometime it helps me but not always and usually does last. I will bring my leg length up with him next visit.

[@blissfulbaboon]

My experience with double hip replacements is that the si joint pain that can develop stems from weak glutes particularly glute medius.So doing the clamshell exersizes are very helpful to strengthen and stabilize that joint ect.

[@a7echo]

I had a total left knee replacement. After recovery from the surgery I noticed that the left leg seemed longer than the right, a feeling I had never had before. Two years post surgery I started having hip problems on the right leg. An MRI showed soft tissue damage on the outside of the femoral neck. I was treated with a steroid shot which relieved the symptoms. Two months after that I had a L3/4 disc herniation on the left side. During PT I mentioned to the Physical therapist that I thought my left leg was longer than the right ever since my knee replacement. He measured the legs and sure enough the left showed to be approx. 1/2 to 1 inch longer than the right. It was his belief this was a major contributor to both my hip and back problems. I'm scheduled to have a leg length xray next week to get an accurate measurement of the difference. In the meantime he put a lift in my workout shoes which makes the difference in length not noticeable when I walk. I'm 67.

[@v.r.2834]

Don’t ever accept joint replacement, the doctors only want to earn money on you, everything can be cured on a natural way, but they don’t want to tell us

[@calculator7]

Hi doc Is there anyone you personally know of in NJ that you would recommend for help? I’d like to find someone who has your expertise in all of these issues and practices medicine as you do. Thanks

[@DonnaSrp-lv9hn]

I also had a leg length issue. It was coming from my neck! Got that adjusted and i was fine!! Crazy!

[@Joe-wt6eh]

Sounds like quack bullshit a chiropractor told you

[@mattchu49]

I want to come visit your office soon!

[@patemmert2672]

Could minor scholeosis be a cause of leg length imbalance?

[@ekuhn5363]

What kind of doctor will access and recommend heel lift?

[@arteboheme]

Thank you! I have a question about this topic. How do you know if you have an anatomical leg unbalance or if your body (after a year of sciatica and lower back pain) naturally inclines to one side creating an analgesic posture? I went 5 years ago to my chiro for cervical pain got an full body xray and the unbalance did not show. Yesterday In decided to start treatment of my lower back pain, they took another xray and said I had 7mm leg unbalance and this was causing my pain. I haven't had any accidents on my legs or body that could possibly have caused this. The chiro said this was also causing me to have a bulging disc on my L5.

[@garryreed6410]

Please move to the UK. I'd love to have an appointment with you. My chiropractor never tells me any of this. I think think I need to search for a better specialist.

[@PositiveMotionChiro]

The UK is wonderful, but I don’t think I can move there now. I’m glad you found my video helpful. I hope you will find a doc who helps you find solutions for you. Take care!

[@jazzycattruthkitten4101]

Me too,I’m in the UK ,I never hear my chiropractor mention this either . It’s just the standard twist adjustment and traction table ,no mention of leg discrepancies or other subtle imbalances. I sometimes wonder would I be better off going to a physio therapist rather than a chiropractor .

[@josiecamilo7098]

​@@jazzycattruthkitten4101my chiropractor gave me a lateral pelvic tilt shoving my back so forcefully. Exercises are better than manipulation.

[@mrdman094081]

Rather than leg length, the x-ray seems to show hip size variance. Would that affect diagnosis and treatment ?

[@piedadg3679]

My chiropractor balance indicates that I weight 7 pounds more in one leg compared to the other. I have not improved much. Now mi hip joint cracks and some times is painful. Maybe I should wear that kind of inserts. Thank you for the information.

[@evmeezy7535]

My question is, if you know your bones on each leg is the same. But still out of balance, my left leg is longer. Should I still use a heel lift? Or only if it's because of different bone length in legs. I'm tempted to try a heel lift but I don't want to mess anything up further. And how long should I use the heal lift if it's just from muscle imbalances? Will my body eventually balance out and no need for a heel lift is the idea? Thank you.

[@michaelconner2950]

I have leg length imbalance that my Doctor told me was because of mild scoliosis. Could the length difference be the cause of scoliosis? I do wear a heel lift but still have SI joint periodically.

[@PositiveMotionChiro]

Leg length difference can lead to scoliosis, but not all scoliosis is caused by leg length difference.

[@mattmortenson9677]

I've had foot drop from MS for over half my life. I bet that has caused some problems with leg length. Last time I stood up was 5 years ago and I have all these problems.

[@kenmastersmaster]

Where do you put the lift if it's a functional short leg due to lumbar scoliosis or tight muscles pulling the right leg up

[@rowanstarling3816]

I have the same thing. Right leg is shorter due to surgery. My chiropractor has been trying g to relieve it, but little change in 6 months.

[@conniewineinger4666]

I have a 17 steel pin in my upper right leg because of a femoral break many years ago. Chiropractors tell me I have one leg longer Could my surgery and the pin be the cause of my hip pain?

[@TheAnonyy]

From what I could see on the xray as it was at an angle, looks like hip dysplasia which I have, did they check for this? ., you can have one leg shorter or longer than the other.

[@michaelmccormick4989]

So what happened with this patient to cause the leg length difference when she was previously fine and running 12 miles every week? Unless I've missed something. Also could a lateral pelvic tilt cause one leg to be shorter? I presume it could. Thanks for the video and best wishes from 🇬🇧

[@sanjarrahimov9455]

Can heel lift be used in functional length difference¿

[@Jmezie]

I noticed that her iliac crests are different sizes, is that typical? Is it due to the leg length discrepancy ?

[@CalamityJ765]

I have this and was told it could possibly be from mild scoliosis. I was diagnosed in my early teens and started having insane pain in my late teens and still do. I’m in my early 60s and just deal with it. I was told nope! Can’t really do anything about that now can we?!

[@marlenejones6266]

I had a spinal fusion from L4 to S1. Now im having severe s.i. joint pain. Im really wondering if my legs are not the same length. One physical therapist mentioned it once and then let it go. Could this fusion have caused a shortening of one leg?

[@jazzcarreon4784]

So the short leg is the side where the pelvis is elevated correct, that’s where really all my right sided pain is coming from. Lower back pain to right ql pain, to right knee pain etc. this is where the heel lift should go correct ? Please help your video has opened many doors. Thank you.

[@user-vp6lf3qo3p]

I have s1 L4 L 5 arthiritis over past few years my right leg has become weaker i have slight right foot drop and no reflexes at the ankle . I feel like something not right with hip groin area of right leg. Dexa didnt show up arthiritis of hip. So why the weakness

[@ShamsHussein]

Can femoracetabular /lumbar disc herniation cause this?

[@judisinger3693]

I've been suffering with initially knee pain and then SI Joint pain came. I'm sure I listed this surgery on all their questionaires! Everybody but chiro just wanted to do more surgery and of course pain pills! I had a compound fracture of right tibia that required a hollow 'tube" to be placed inside my tibia inserted at my knee cap and then it was pinned just above my ankle. It was removed a year later. I'm planning on discussing this with my chiro tomorrow. This is the third time I've had to resort to adjustments to get relief, never knowing what the cause might be! I placed a level on the top of my knee caps and it appears my left leg is shorter! Hopefull he will do a more accurate measurement tomorrow and I will order some lifts for my left leg!!! Would this imbalance affect me greater now as the injury and surgery was 30 years ago with knee issues and then SI issues starting 10-15 years ago??? I've been wondering for years why my left side, thinking it might have something to do with climbing in and out of my pickups! Sounds like at least I can do something now if it is this issue!

[@nancykinyanjui6290]

I live in Africa, I've practically correctly diagnosed myself for PXE, Thyrotoxicosis and retinal bleeding for which I've been treated.I believe i have anatomical leg length discrepancy.My balance is off.My Chiropractor thinks i don't know what I'm talking about yet I have hip, back and SI issues.What would you advise?

[@PositiveMotionChiro]

You could ask your chiropractor or MD if they would advise getting x-rays to determine if you have an anatomical leg length difference. There could be other causes of balancing being off. One cause can be gluteus medius muscle weakness and this video might be of interest to you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJnGipmZjcmEj6M I wish you the best. Take care! 🙏🏼

[@anavah4yeshua580]

Is there anything that can be done w/o surgery for Scoliosis? My left leg is about 0.5” (or more) shorter than the right because my pelvis is tilted. My left leg also turns inward so I wear down all the heels on my shoes crooked.

[@PositiveMotionChiro]

It really depends on the cause of the scoliosis, degree and location of the scoliosis and how long it has been there. For some of my patients they do well with the book and practice of Yoga For Scoliosis. And I have sent patients to this practice for non-surgical scoliosis care: scoliosiscarecenters.com/about-us/ I can’t offer individualized care recommendations through KZbin comments so check with your doctor for your specific case, but those are some ideas of things you could talk through with them. Take care. 🙏🏼

[@AkSonya1010]

Years ago, I had this same issue. I had a dentist who told me my jaw clenching/TMJ was related to my hips being off. He sent me to a chiropractor and massage therapist. The massage therapist did most of the work by massaging my jaw, front hips, girdle area. It was truly painful. I had been in a car accident at 15 and no one had ever told me I could get better. The explanation that a lift should balance you out seems to also be a band-aid. Frustrating

[@justgivemeanumber8215]

it's not a bandaid. if you have an imbalance it's like you're always walking on a slope. your whole life on a slope. think about it.

[@AkSonya1010]

@@justgivemeanumber8215 I think you missed my point. If you balance the body out then the jaw, hips, legs aka entire body are in alignment, not just the legs. That would be a band-aid.

[@justgivemeanumber8215]

@@AkSonya1010 once you insert the thing to even out your legs, this affects the hips the spine too

[@ysmith36607]

How can I schedule an appointment with your office

[@PositiveMotionChiro]

Hi @ysmith36607. You can schedule directly on our website at www.positivemotionhealth.com/ Or if you would like to schedule on the phone you can reach Maggie, our office manager, at 408-358-5086. I look forward to meeting you.

[@tomcollins1441]

So instead of converting a metric to standard increments he uses the thickness of a quarter times 6?

[@Inception109]

How to solve functional leg length discripancy

[@fishchick72]

I believe my leg length difference is due to scoliosis. I am surprised you didn’t mention this cause.

[@PositiveMotionChiro]

That is a tricky one! Scoliosis causing leg length difference as a top -> down cause is a functional leg length difference vs a structural/anatomical difference. But an anatomical leg length difference can lead to scoliosis, but in that case the leg length difference is the cause vs. the result. Does that make sense?

[@fishchick72]

⁠yes, thank you so much, I am trying to figure this all out, am having a lot of pain. I wish you weren’t 6 hours away.

[@PositiveMotionChiro]

Where are you located? We have a lot of patients who travel to our clinic. Maybe you will be in the Bay Area sometime soon for other reasons. I’d love to help you figure out your pain generator and see if I can help you get back to feeling better.

[@fishchick72]

⁠I am in Southern CA, I’m never in the Bay Area.

[@ron2368]

Heel lifts will seem to balance your high-side pelvis but the lift will also alter your front-to-back and rotational body balance with gravity( in aeronautics would be pitch, roll, and yaw). Your body's relationship with gravity is not one-dimensional and compensations will develop if you wear a lift for years.Everyone's situation is unique.

[@juliebeans7323]

If only i could find someone worth his salt in Australia, i had a nasty fall almost 9 years ago, then another about 7 years ago.....i'm basically a wheelchair user. My pelvic physio is helping me to get things moving again, but i'm weak as wet tissue paper. Every new movement/exercise causes more (and new) pain....So now researching all manner of things to do with pelvis...trying to understand what has happened and how to rectify it....sadly i don't think i have this particular issue. (if only it was 'that easy')

[@MotionMechanic]

In Australia, a Chiropractor named Robin MacKenzie created a physical therapy method(the MacKenzie Method) that saved me from having 4 levels in my cervical spine fused. I had lost use of one of my arms( second time, different arm) and regular pt and chiro was not helping. If you find one of these therapists, please try it!

[@PositiveMotionChiro]

@MotionMechanic MacKenzie Method is amazing! Really good stuff that has helped many people avoid surgery and get their function back.

[@caryn9561]

Is it the side that hurts that i would need a lift?

[@mkafrobeam7382]

Been to a chiropractor recently and in crucial pain 2 days after the initial treatment. It's for a si joint pain. Why is this?

[@PositiveMotionChiro]

Im sorry to hear that. That is not a result I am used o seeing. I would check in with the chiropractor and let them know what you are experiencing. A patients reaction to care (good or bad) can help us to better understand what is causing your pain. With SI joint instability I find that low force techniques like a drop table adjustment or blocking are better tolerated versus manual manipulation. I hope you get feeling better soon. 🙏🏼

[@mkafrobeam7382]

@PositiveMotionChiro They did all that, though she said I will feel some pain, after the trearment,but it's worse than when I went there. I have had this pain forever 15 years. Can it ever go away. What do you think might be the root cause of this ongoing pain?

[@iamsupergamer3411]

I'm 18 years old suffering from back pain and leg pain i cant stand longer more than few minutes my legs starts to numb when i stand for longer i have been to chiropractor but it didnt help can you help me??

[@KittyCat-kx7pl]

Is there anyone like you in Washington State that you know and would do what you do

[@PositiveMotionChiro]

That is a great question! Finding a really good doc can be challenging. I generally have good success with recommending sports chiropractors for people looking for a good chiropractor in their area. Sports chiropractors (CCSP or DACBSP) have done a significant amount of additional training after their 4 years of chiropractic college, passed an extra national board exam, and have to take more continuing education each year than state licensure requires. You can find a directory of sports chiropractors (North America) in your region here: www.acbsp.com/ I hope this helps and thank YOU so much for subscribing to my channel.🙏🏼

[@sirenagarrido3836]

Dr my mother had that problem all her life she knew it and she had an accident and broke the femur abroad and had to way too come back to the country she got a very good doctor for the surgery the only thing they didn’t measured the legs and he dr balance both legs what happened I’d she developed a pinched nerve in the back and the pain was so severe she couldn’t got up from bed she was lucky she found the best chiropractor in three sessions the pinched nerve was out and later started seeing what you’re are saying and gave her something to put a shoes and never again she was fine until she died

[@deloressenyeri723]

I know my right leg is almost 2" shorter than my left leg. I don't know what to do about it. I have always had to hem my right leg in pants to appear the same length as the left on on me! 😩

[@johnhodgeman3980]

With si pain, if the ligaments are loose, then putting the pelvis back into position to eliminate the leg length discrepancy is short lived. I know because it happens to me. I have functional, not structural, LLD. I think wearing a foot lift on the short leg may be helpful even with functional LLD because it forced the pelvis to sit neutral, as the SI and weak muscles cant do the job.

[@mayraisales6391]

I found where you're located. Sadly you're 8hrs away from me! Do you ever come down to San Diego? I have had pain for 24 yrs! All they ever want to do is give injections! No thank you! Well let me know if you ever make it down here. Id love to come see you. I'm tired of being in pain! 🥺😩

[@RebekahGood]

My dr wanted to have a lift put in my shoe but my insurance wouldn't cover it and I wasn't about to pay out of pocket so I left it be. I continue with low back pain and right si joint pain all the stretching and strengthening is not helping and most activities aggravate it. I'm working with an orthopedic dr on further treatment. (I also have degenerative arthritis in my L5 S1 disc)

[@moniquehvshogendoornvs2348]

In the Netherlands they do not measure. I have so much pain. They do not look of it is different, or a sickness.

[@yiwenyoga9617]

Thank you for the wonderful videos. In terms of leg length difference, I sometimes find the difference is due to uneven weight distribution and load on the feet (this includes putting more load on one foot vs the other and/or more weight load!discrepancy on each foot).

[@PositiveMotionChiro]

I'm glad you are liking the videos! Asymmetrical loading can sometimes affect the arches of the feet differently making one collapse more than the other and this can cause one leg to feel longer or shorter than the other.

[@ajits64]

OMG love that USA - skeleton 😂❤

[@clublulu399]

Im not a big fan of lifts to the shoe. A hip hike can be functional in that the QL is overused and has become so tight, it pulls the pelvis up. This occurs because of other muscles not pulling their weight, usually the glute medius on the same side the tight QL is on.

[@vaddianuradha7515]

Tissue missing or length lower body jeometrically different

[@vaddianuradha7515]

Anatomical structure s n shapes n size s n weight differs to one the other

[@janettepearson9798]

Where are you situated?

[@PositiveMotionChiro]

We are in Los Gatos, California.

[@MahmoodSuhail]

I wish you were in New York State 😢. I can't find %1 of this no matter how long I loop up

[@laurenmosby9040]

Can SI joint cause pain in L3-5 along with radiating pain? Or is that too high in back?

[@user-dv6uo1bi4p]

Hi sir, I have an anterior pelvic tilt. When I walk, people tell me that I walk like a gay, but I am not gay. Can this difficulty in walking occur because of Anterior pelvic tilt? Is this Because my abdominal muscles are weak??

[@user-dv6uo1bi4p]

Please reply 🙏

[@PositiveMotionChiro]

Anterior pelvic tilt can be caused by lower crossed syndrome (a part of which is abdominal muscle weakness). I would look up some videos on lower crossed syndrome and see if working on this might help your gait and also talking through it with your doctor. I hope that helps you. 🙏🏼

[@dva62004]

You are amazing!! Do you have an office located in SoCal, that services patients near Rancho Cucamonga, CA? I used to know a chiropractor of your caliber. He retired, and then no local chiropractor has measured up to him. You are of his caliber. Please help me. Thank you🌹

[@PositiveMotionChiro]

Thank you for your kind words. I do not have an office in Southern California, just in Los Gatos California. I many times have good luck finding good chiropractors when I am traveling or have a patient who has moved to a new area by using the directory on this website: www.acbsp.com. That directory is for sports chiropractors, and they have gone on to do additional training after chiropractic college, and each year have to do additional continuing education. I usually find that they are eager to be problem solvers. I hope that helps you.🙏🏼

[@lesleyfarrington4809]

Mine is nearly 3cm.

[@PositiveMotionChiro]

Wow! If you don’t mind me asking, how did you end up with a leg length difference like that?

[@webskis]

Isn’t a cause scoliosis?

[@PositiveMotionChiro]

Scoliosis can result from an anatomical leg length difference, but a scoliosis creates more of a functional leg length difference due to muscle imbalances. It depends on whether you are looking at it as a bottom up or top down problem.

[@sterlgirlceline]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@853rudedogs2]

Amazing nothing's changed in 70 years ,all you need to do is listen to these expert 'Doctor' guidance, you can find them everywhere, buy one of their recommended heel inserts and continue with their chiro adjustments weekly for rest of your life. 👏 experts in BS, show us the befores and afters if you have any , doubt that

[@MrBrianbusch]

15 min before getting to the point, functional imbalances

[@villagaiac55]

not a realistic Xray

[@hollypeterson8271]

Steroid injections, ablations, etc.