Low back is a leading a cause of lack of productivity in the United States. For many low back sufferers, the pain is chronic and progressive, resulting from a condition known as a pelvic tilt. As a person who suffers from low back pain, attributed to pelvic tilt, is important to understand
Pelvic tilt, commonly associated with short leg impairment, can be easily diagnosed with a standard X-ray in the standing position. In the standing X-ray position, the patient experiencing back pain can be assessed for a pelvic tilt through examination of the lower spine, the sacrum, the hip bones and the femur bones with adjoining sockets. When abnormalities in these areas are evident, the patient is then evaluated further for pelvic tilt.
Contrary to popular belief, the short leg associated with pelvic tilt is the not the cause of the pelvic tilt but, instead, is a symptom. With one leg seemingly shorter than the other, the low back pain sufferer, who is diagnosed with a pelvic tilt, will not show any difference in leg bone length.
Further, in pelvic tilts with a greater than six centimeter variance, the condition is considered to be of “significance” and may require extensive treatment to alleviate the accompanying back pain. Often, the orthopedic doctor will begin by prescribing manipulations and therapy in an effort to improve range of motion and mobility of the muscles and joints only to find the pain returns when treatment has ceased.
In lieu of surgery, patients with low back pain attributed to a pelvic tilt, may find relief from low back pain by simply inserting a custom made heel insert into the shoe. When fitted correctly, the heal insert will lift the pelvic area that is tilted and provide relief to the back musculature. When using a heel lift, however, it is important to always keep the lift in proper working condition and use the lift continuously, even when back pain is alleviated. Too often, orthopedic specialists report patients experience a recurrence of low back pain when the heel lift is discontinued in use.
While the heel lift is relatively inexpensive, costing less than $10, many patients find, initially, the lift is uncomfortable and places added pressure onto the foot when wearing shoes. When this occurs, consider purchasing a lift that can be placed on the outside of your shoe or wear sandals until your foot becomes familiar with the use of the heel lift.
As with any low back pain complication, it is important to seek out the treatment and evaluation of an orthopedic specialist. Because many pelvic tilts are slight, unnoticeable to the naked eye, request that your orthopedic complete a standing X-ray to ensure your pelvis is in proper balance. If confirmed as a pelvic tilt, before considering surgery, therapy or manipulation, purchase the $10 heel lift and see if your back pain is alleviated with this cost effective medical device.
There is an orthopedic surgeon who offers hip surgery in new jersey for patients with pelvic issues at a relatively smaller cost than others for humanitarian reasons.
