A common cause for low back pain is often caused by a pelvic misalignment. Oftentimes when the pelvis is out of place or mis-aligned, one leg may measure slightly longer or shorter than the other. This can be caused by repetitive insults such as prolonged walking on an uneven surface such as the beach. Sitting on a wallet is also a common way for the pelvis to become misaligned. Another common cause of pelvis misalignment can be caused from childbirth.
The pelvis is made of three bones that articulate or interact with the bottom of the spine and lower extremities. When the pelvis becomes misaligned with the sacrum, the triangular shaped bone that ends at the tailbone, can tilt and cause the spine to curve. Over time a curved spine can cause early degeneration of the disk. As the disk degenerates the space available for the nerves that exit the spine decreases. This condition is referred to as spinal stenosis.
Spinal stenosis is another way of saying there is a decreased space for the nerves to pass through. There are numerous causes for spinal stenosis such as space occupying lesions (disc herniations or tumors), bony arthritic growths (calluses of the bone) or improper body mechanics. A short-term pelvic misalignment can cause adverse interactions of the spine resulting in poor mechanics of movement. In this case a simple realignment of the pelvis can restore proper body mechanics and function. A long-term misalignment of the pelvis can potentially result in a bony growth referred to as arthritis, which in most cases is irreversible.
Another important factor to consider when aligning the pelvis is the type of malfunction. The two major types of pelvic misalignment must be considered are anatomical and functional misalignment. It is very important to distinguish the difference between the two. A functional misalignment is typically caused by an outside force. For example tripping over a step or repetitive micro injuries such as sitting on a wallet. An anatomical misalignment is typically genetic and may be present from birth. An anatomical misalignment is when the bones in the leg are different sizes and may require a heel lift to correct.
Patricia Cox, D.C.
Published 08-31-2020
Dr. Patricia Cox grew up in Miami, Florida. She is a 2006 graduate of Stetson University, and a 2015 graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic. In between undergraduate school and chiropractic school, she served as an active duty United States Marine from 2006-2010. She is very proud to be a veteran and loves interacting with and taking care of other veterans. She also works very well with children and pregnant patients. Dr. Cox is passionate about getting children the proper spinal care early on to set them up for a healthy life and maintain it through chiropractic and a wellness lifestyle.
Cox Chiropractic Care in Port St. Lucie, treats a wide variety of conditions that effect people of all ages. Chiropractic care isn't only for those suffering from neck pain or back pain. Chiropractic can also help those suffering from ear infections, migraine headaches, sciatica, numbness and tingling to the limbs, aching hips, joint pain, car accident injuries like whiplash, sports injuries, and more.