The prevalence of postural asymmetry in people with and without chronic low back pain.

Abstract

To determine the extent of pelvic obliquity and lateral sacral base angle in subjects with and without chronic low back pain (LBP) by using postural radiographs. Cross-sectional, controlled. A Veterans Administration hospital. Veterans and employees with (n=93) and without (n=76) chronic LBP. Postural radiographs. Differences between the mean extent of pelvic obliquity and the lateral sacral base angle in subjects with and without chronic LBP. The z scores showed no significant statistical differences in the extent of pelvic obliquity or lateral sacral angle in subjects with and without chronic LBP. Correction of pelvic obliquity by the use of heel lifts has been used as a modality of treatment for patients with chronic LBP. The majority of the patients in our clinics for whom this modality is used report at least some improvement in their pain symptoms. Because the extent of pelvic obliquity is similar in the subjects with and without chronic LBP, other factors must account for those who benefit from correction of their pelvic obliquity.