An investigation into Nerve Root Irritation and Association with Leg Length Discrepancy

George Raszka                                                                    Supervisor: Robin Kirk

Abstract

The main purpose of this study is to look at (1) The signs/symptoms of nerve root irritation (NRI) in the lower back, pelvis and lower limb region. (2) The presence of leg length discrepancy (LLD) and the common methods used by the osteopathic profession. (3) Identifying patients with nerve root irritation signs/symptom profiles and measure the incidence of leg length discrepancy in these patients.

A ‘criteria based assessment form’ was designed to help identify patients with nerve root irritation profiles, and leg length discrepancies and/ or pelvic obliquity (tilting). Forty-nine patient case histories were selected via this assessment form from the London School of Osteopathy’s patient clinic records.

The data showed that in patients who presented with nerve root irritation profiles leg length discrepancy or pelvic obliquity (tilt) was present in 21 of the 49 patients, which translates to over 43% of the sample. The results of this study therefore indicate there is a statistical significance between nerve root irritation and leg length discrepancy. The overall average age of the sample of patients with nerve root irritation profiles was 44.5 years old.