Uneven Hips and Pelvis Misalignment
Last updated on February 25, 2025
Have you ever looked in the mirror and noticed that one hip sits higher than the other? Do you feel unbalanced when walking or standing? Uneven hips can cause discomfort, posture issues, and even chronic pain if left untreated.
At Ripple Chiropractic, we frequently see patients with concerns about hip misalignment, lateral pelvic tilt, and leg length discrepancies—all of which can contribute to the sensation of being twisted, lopsided, or uneven.
In this blog, we’ll explore what causes uneven hips, what a lopsided leg looks like, and how chiropractic care may help correct these imbalances.
Your pelvis is the foundation of your spine. It consists of three bones:
- Sacrum (tailbone) – The triangular bone at the base of the spine.
- Two Ilium Bones (hip bones) – These form the upper part of the pelvis.
When the pelvis is out of alignment, it creates a ripple effect up the spine, affecting posture, muscle function, and joint movement.
Imagine a building with an uneven foundation—over time, this misalignment can lead to joint restrictions (subluxation) and muscle imbalances that cause discomfort and instability.
What Causes Uneven Hips?
There are a few possible reasons why someone may feel lopsided, twisted, or uneven in the hips, including:
1. Joint Restrictions (Subluxations)
The most common cause of uneven hips is joint restrictions (subluxations) in the pelvis or spine. When hip alignment is affected, movement can become restricted, leading to discomfort and muscle imbalances. Chiropractic adjustments may help restore proper joint motion and realign the pelvis.
2. Functional Leg Length Discrepancy
This occurs when one leg appears shorter than the other due to muscle imbalances or postural habits. Unlike a structural leg length discrepancy, where a person physically has one leg longer than the other, this type of imbalance is functional and can often be corrected with chiropractic care.
3. Structural Leg Length Discrepancy
This occurs when one leg is physically longer than the other due to differences in bone structure. This condition can lead to hip misalignment, an anterior pelvic tilt, or lateral pelvic tilt. While chiropractic care cannot change bone length, it may help reduce discomfort and improve movement patterns.
4. Scoliosis and Spinal Curvatures
Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that can cause the hips to become unlevel. If left untreated, scoliosis can contribute to chronic back pain, hip pain, and leg length discrepancies. Chiropractors use specialised assessments to monitor spinal alignment and recommend corrective strategies.
5. Muscle Imbalances and Poor Posture
Muscle tightness or weakness in the hip flexors, lower back, or glutes can contribute to pelvic misalignment. Sitting with one leg crossed over the other or standing with weight shifted to one side can also create muscle imbalances. Strengthening and stretching exercises may help correct these imbalances.
Signs and Symptoms of Uneven Hips
If you suspect that you may have uneven hips or a twisted pelvis, here are some common uneven hip symptoms to look out for:
1. Visible Hip Asymmetry
- One hip appears higher than the other when standing.
- Clothing fits unevenly (e.g., pant legs appearing longer on one side).
2. Hip or Lower Back Pain
- Chronic hip pain or discomfort, particularly on one side.
- Lower back pain due to increased stress on the lumbar spine.
3. A Lopsided Gait (Walking Pattern)
- Uneven stride or feeling “off-balance” while walking.
- One leg may feel longer or shorter when stepping.
4. Postural Changes
- Slouching or tilting to one side when sitting.
- Anterior pelvic tilt or lateral pelvic tilt, which can create postural imbalances.
5. Difficulty With Certain Movements
- Reduced flexibility in the hips and lower back.
- Pain when squatting, running, or standing for long periods.
Chiropractic care may be able to assist with hip misalignment and potentially fix uneven hips.
How may a Chiropractor Fix Uneven Hips?
If you’re experiencing hip misalignment, functional leg length discrepancy, or lateral pelvic tilt, our team at Ripple Chiropractic can create a personalised treatment plan to potentially help restore hip alignment and overall posture.
Chiropractic Care for Hip Misalignment
- Spinal & Pelvic Adjustments – Gentle chiropractic manipulations may help realign the spine and pelvis, reducing joint restrictions and improving mobility.
- Muscle Balancing Techniques – Addressing muscle tightness or weakness around the hips and pelvis.
- Postural Corrections – Educating patients on ergonomic changes and movement patterns to reduce strain on the hips.
- Functional Rehabilitation – Strengthening and flexibility exercises to potentially correct muscle imbalances.
Why Choose Ripple Chiropractic?
At Ripple Chiropractic, we understand that hip alignment issues and pelvic misalignment can affect your mobility, posture, and overall well-being. Our approach focuses on:
- Identifying the root cause of your imbalance through a comprehensive chiropractic assessment.
- Providing natural, non-invasive solutions to alleviate pain and restore balance.
- Educating you on movement patterns, posture correction, and injury prevention.
How to Schedule an Appointment
If you’d like to book an initial consultation, call us on 1800 747 753 or fill out our online booking form.
FAQs
If you have any more questions about uneven hips, please don’t hesitate to contact us today. In the meantime, check out our most frequently asked questions below which may provide additional information you’re looking for.
What causes a twisted pelvis?
A twisted pelvis can result from misaligned hips, muscle imbalances, scoliosis-related posture changes, or repetitive movements that place uneven stress on the hip joint. Tight muscles in the lower back or hips can also pull the pelvis out of alignment, leading to discomfort and movement restrictions.
Can a chiropractor potentially fix a twisted pelvis?
Yes, chiropractors can assess and may address misaligned hips through spinal and pelvic adjustments, muscle-balancing techniques, and posture correction strategies. By realigning the hip joint and addressing muscular imbalances, chiropractic care may help restore symmetry and improve mobility. Physical therapy may also be recommended to strengthen the surrounding muscles and support long-term stability.
What does a lopsided leg look like?
A lopsided leg may appear longer or shorter than the other leg when lying down or standing. It can also contribute to uneven shoulders, walking pain, and hip discomfort. This condition may be due to functional leg length discrepancy, which can often be corrected with chiropractic adjustments, or structural leg length discrepancy, which may require additional support.
What causes uneven hips?
Uneven hips can be caused by scoliosis-related spinal curvature, tight muscles pulling one side of the pelvis higher, or long-term postural habits. Muscle imbalances between the upper body and lower body can also lead to uneven hip positioning, affecting gait and posture.
Can a chiropractor potentially fix uneven hips?
Yes, chiropractic care may help correct misaligned hips by realigning the pelvis, improving hip joint function, and addressing muscular imbalances. At Ripple Chiropractic, we may also provide guidance on strengthening and stretching exercises to maintain balance and prevent future issues.
General Information Disclaimer: The content provided here is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The information on this site is general in nature and may not reflect current medical developments or research. Your reliance on any information provided by this site is solely at your own risk.
