It takes some patients by surprise, but one of the first things a chiropractor will do when you visit for the first time is to measure the length of your legs. If you’ve gone to see a chiropractor because your back is bothering you, it’s reasonable to wonder why the doctor is looking at your legs. But here’s the reason: it’s not uncommon for people to have legs that are of slightly different lengths. Since your legs and feet are the foundation on which the body stands, if those lengths differ even marginally, everything above them is going to be slightly off-kilter. It’s like constantly walking on uneven ground. When we say “everything above them,” we include the spine and the sacroiliac joints — the joints that connect the spine and pelvis.

A difference in leg length could be caused by an imbalance in the body that has caused a tightening of muscles. Muscles will adjust to counter an imbalance and can pull bones just slightly out of place. If it is muscular activity that has created an issue, chiropractic treatment can address that situation and correct it, because it is a functional problem. If the problem is anatomical, it could be corrected through the use of orthotics, which are custom inserts that are worn in your shoes to correct arch imbalances.

In that case, your chiropractor may refer you to, or consult with, a podiatrist, a physician who specializes in foot treatment, if he or she does not have the ability to have custom orthotics made through their office. We offer a free digital foot scan for arch imbalances and use a lab in Roanoke, VA, to make custom orthotics for our patients, that come with an unconditional one year, money-back guarantee..

Presented as a service to the community by: Union County Chiropractic Clinic, 110 Skyline Drive, Maynardville, TN (865) 992-7000 www.unioncountychiropractic.com