"I got told that I've got one leg longer than the other, and that's why my back is always out"...
We hear that, SO OFTEN.
Truth is, by design, we are asymmetrical…
So it really isn't logical to think that we should function symmetrically, and frankly, we don't...
People are commonly told these things to try and put a simple and appreciable reason as to why their pain continues to return. Like a miracle, you even up those leg lengths again by 'straightening' out the pelvis and you definitely need "that spot" treated, and that should set you straight for about a month or so…
Does this sound familiar?
Now, there is nothing wrong with receiving care for the management of an issue or to continue working on something that you would like to improve upon... but to require your leg lengths to be restored to symmetry at the mercy of the skills of a professional? I think we can do better than that...
So perhaps it would help if we explained why our leg lengths are different in the first place....
If you use one side of your core and trunk, differently to how you use the other side, you will automatically preposition the hip socket differently which can act to 'shorten' or 'lengthen' the leg. This didn't happen yesterday... You've been functioning like this for most of your life... So why did it start hurting all of a sudden?...
In the absence of a traumatic event, it's likely that the problem is related to something in your lifestyle, or better yet, multiple factors within your lifestyle... Your stress level, your sleep patterns, your activity levels.. All it takes is for one small activity (that you don't normally do) to tip your tolerance over the edge and now you've irritated/sensitised something.. Did it have anything to do with your asymmetry? I think not... Your asymmetry has been there and will continue to be there.
So here are some things that you should keep in mind:
1. Ask your practitioner for some exercises that you can do to help address this asymmetry long term.
2. Take note of the extra activities you've done, or you're planning to do and take into account appropriate rest to ensure your recovery.
3. Continue working with your health professional regularly to work on other factors of your wellbeing and lifestyle (like sleeping, exercise, nutrition and stress management) so you can gradually eliminate the ongoing stressors that you have in your life, to allow room to tolerate unexpected spikes in activity.
With 4 clinics in Sydney and our new clinic in Virginia (Brisbane North), and working with some great health and fitness professionals, we are always here to get to know you, find the cause and work with you to make a plan. Whether it's Chiro or Physio as your preference we have you covered, and no matter whether it's lower back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain or post surgical, we can help you, or anyone you know.