Meralgia paresthetica, commonly known as a pinched nerve in the leg that affects the thigh, refers to a condition where the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve experiences compression. This can often lead to symptoms such as pain, numbness, and tingling. While these problems can be temporary, they may also lead to a chronic condition and significantly impact your quality of life. Fortunately, seeking assistance from a Charlotte chiropractor can offer effective ways to manage or even eliminate meralgia paresthetica.

Understanding Meralgia Paresthetica

Sensations in the body are controlled by nerves, which transmit signals from the body to the brain, creating various sensations. In the outer thigh region, the nerve responsible is the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. When this nerve becomes compressed, pinched, or otherwise impaired, the signals from the brain become disrupted, leading to common symptoms like thigh numbness, tingling, and a burning sensation.

Meralgia paresthetica can arise from various factors. These can be temporary factors like wearing tight clothes or sitting in a position that puts pressure on the nerve, or it can be caused by the hormonal changes experienced during pregnancy and menopause. For some, excess weight and obesity may cause pressure, while existing hip and thigh traumas can also be responsible.

Relieving Nerve Pain in the Thigh

If you believe you are experiencing meralgia paresthetica, there are some simple steps you can take to try and find relief. Removing tight clothing and changing your position are the first things to try. You may also look at adjusting more constant pressure, like carrying a toolbox instead of wearing a tool belt or avoiding high heels.

The symptoms of this condition may come and go or they can persist. If symptoms are not resolved by changing circumstances or if they become a hindrance to daily activity, it may be time to seek care from a Charlotte chiropractor like Dr. Grant Lisetor.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Regardless of the underlying cause, chiropractic care can offer relief for pinched nerve pain like meralgia paresthetica. Chiropractors focus on identifying and addressing the root cause of pain, rather than merely masking the symptoms. In cases of nerve interference, the issue is often traced back to spinal misalignments, which compress the nerve or lead the body to compensate in a way that causes other symptoms.

Spinal adjustments serve as the primary method to tackle this issue. By gently realigning the spine, chiropractors can alleviate pressure on the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve and restore proper nerve function within a relatively short period. Additionally, complimentary soft tissue therapies like massage may be employed to relieve surrounding muscles and tissues. This not only provides immediate symptom relief but also aids in preventing similar conditions in the future.

If you are currently experiencing symptoms associated with meralgia paresthetica, it is crucial to seek chiropractic care promptly. At Greater Life Chiropractic, our experienced team specializes in treating meralgia paresthetica and offers safe and effective solutions to alleviate your symptoms.

Don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule your first appointment. Our dedicated team will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, facilitating your recovery from meralgia paresthetica.

Sources

Dulai, S. K., Vohora, D., & Naseer, M. (2012). Meralgia Paresthetica: A Review of the Literature. The Neurodiagnostic Journal, 52(4

Houle, S. “Chiropractic management of chronic idiopathic meralgia paresthetica: a case study.” Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 2012 Mar; 11(1): 36–41. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3315861/

“Meralgia Paresthetica.” National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/meralgia-paresthetica