This is a bit of a chick and egg scenario. Are you in pain because your spine is misaligned or is your spine misaligned because you are in pain?
As yet, no studies have found spinal misalignment to be the cause of back pain. In fact, many people with obvious misalignment of their spine have been found to have no pain. Very few people are perfectly symmetrical. It is actually quite common for people to have slight differences in their leg lengths, feet and hand size, etc.
So, we believe that when you are in pain the alignment of your spine can often change as you compensate for the pain. As you start to move your body differently to avoid painful positions the spine can bend or rotate to one side or straighten losing its natural curve. This compensatory misalignment will often resolve once the pain has gone away.
As an osteopath I certainly look at the alignment of the spine, pelvis and lower legs when treating someone with low back pain, however, I am also looking at and comparing the range of movement, flexibility and strength of these areas as well.
