Introduction
Of all things, the front of your thigh feels numb and tingly! What is that all about? Well, the spinal cord actually sends a set of special nerves to control the front of the thigh and leg...and they're irritated!
Definition
leg pain that affects the front of the thigh or leg
Description
Femoral nerve root pain is generally seen in the patient over 50 years as degeneration in the lower spinal segments has taken its course and the upper lumbar segments are now doing much of the work of the spine. The L1, L2 and L3 nerves are likely being compressed, causing the pain down the front of the thigh or leg.
This nerve is different than the sciatic nerve as it causes a different pain distribution than the sciatic nerve. (The femoral nerve's main symptom --
front of thigh pain -- makes your diagnosis much easier to discover!) The femoral nerve is inflamed by the same mechanisms as the
sciatic nerve.
Examination
A thorough, clinical examination that may include imaging is important to your recovery.
Lumbar Spine Exam Description
Treatment
In office, Vancouver Disc Centers uses Cox Technic Flexion Distraction and Decompression to widen the canal space, drop the intradiscal pressure and increase the disc height to relieve pain.
You will welcome the Cox Technic manipulation that gently "pulls you apart," as many patients describe the treatment or say they need. Depending on the severity of your pain and symptoms, gentler Protocol I may be applied until 50% relief of pain or more restoring Protocol II may be applied to guide your recovery.
Graphic Animation of Cox Technic - Lumbar Spine
This is an animation of the goal of Cox Technic
Flexion-Distraction and Decompression: reduced irritation of spinal elements
enough to relieve pain and help you regain your quality of life. The amount of
decrease in size of the herniated disc necessary for pain relief varies from 0%
to 100% for each individual patient.
Cox Technic Protocol I - for severe pain and pain that extends below the knee
Cox Technic Protocol II - for pain that doesn't extend below the knee
At Home Care
At home you may want to avoid sitting for long periods of time, wear a support brace if recommended, take nutritional supplements that help rebuild disc cartilage, do exercises that strengthen your spine, sleep on a supportive mattress, sit in an ergonomically designed chair, and modify your daily activities as needed.
Clinical Case Report
Contact Vancouver Disc Centers in Vancouver to get relief of your femoral nerve root pain!