Lower Extremity & Low Back Pain

Dr. William Morgan explains that the body is an interconnected whole and needs to be looked at as such in order to get at the root of a spinal problem. Low back pain can be caused by various factors such as low back trauma, bending, and stooping in awkward positions to lift something from a trunk, or the slip and fall on ice. However, sometimes pains in the low back are not so easy to figure out. One area of the spine could be compensating in posture for another, inhibiting a vertebral joint’s ability to fully recover. Or maybe you’re suffering from the cumulative effects of microtrauma over time.

One such factor is a short leg. About 1 in 10 people will have an anatomic difference in leg length of up to one centimeter. This short leg causes the pelvis to incline to one side providing an uneven support for the base of your spine. It’s a little like walking with one foot in a small ditch. The uneven pelvis then causes a lumbar scoliosis, which must be further compensated from above.

But a short leg can also be functional, due perhaps to a small or collapsed arch of the foot. This can account for up to 5 mm of leg length difference. If you have a history of having flat feet or have you ever sprained one of your ankles, the sprained ankle can damage ligaments to such a degree that the normal arch of the foot can no longer be maintained.

At Morgan Chiropractic, we understand the importance of considering the foundation of a spinal problem. We offer a range of services to help you with your low back pain, including in-shoe orthotics to correct a fallen arch. Depending on the degree of the problem, you may also need to visit a podiatrist. Our team of experts can help you identify the root cause of your low back pain and provide you with the best possible treatment options. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards a pain-free life.