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Short Leg Syndrome
Short leg syndrome is a diagnosis most common to the
chiropractic
profession. Short leg is relatively common and can result from many possible causes. Most cases are not problematic and do not produce any pain. Some patients with SLS can indeed suffer symptoms, although these case profiles are rare. Far more typical is the
misdiagnosis
of SLS when the condition is actually innocent and coincidental to any painful complaint.
What is Short Leg Syndrome?Anatomical Short Leg SyndromeAnatomical SLS is also called structural SLS. This condition is characterized by a noticeable discrepancy in leg length between left and right. The condition might be slight and only noticeable on x-ray films or may be drastic and obvious to the naked eye. The most common causes of structural SLS include a past history of serious leg fractures, a congenital defect, knee joint problems and hip problems. This type of SLS can not typically be reversed using spinal manipulation therapy and is typically treated using shoe insert orthotics. Ironically, even the most obvious anatomical SLS conditions are less likely to cause pain than so called Functional SLS cases.Functional Short Leg SyndromeFunctional SLS is a common scapegoat on which chronic back pain is often blamed. Chiropractors are famous for making this diagnosis and will often comment to their patient how one leg is shorter than another. Functional SLS is often blamed on posture, unequal weight distribution or sacroiliac concerns. Far more often, there is no actual problem and the diagnosis is simply an excuse for treatment. Personally, I was diagnosed with functional SLS throughout my chiropractic treatment and never bought into this diagnostic conclusion. On any given day, I could go to my chiropractor and receive the diagnosis. I would get a spinal adjustment and the chiropractor would say it was resolved. Just for kicks, I would sometimes get checked by one chiropractor right after another adjusted me, in the same office, without even leaving the table... Sure enough, functional SLS again, and sometimes on the other leg… It was laughable!Advice on Short Leg SyndromeThose of you with anatomical SLS are most likely aware of the leg length discrepancy and probably have functioned quite well, despite the condition. Those of you with a significant leg length concern might have had some pain and a tough time functionally…Most of you struggling with functional SLS are probably wasting your time chasing shadows. Your doctor might be trying their best to help you, but maybe they are simply on the wrong track. I have yet to meet ANYONE who was diagnosed with this condition and ever found a permanent cure using manual adjustment therapy. If you are the one, I would love to hear your story…
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