Femoral Nerve Pain

by JANICE FOSTER
(SHEFFIELD ENGLAND)

I suffered a slipped disc approx 3 weeks ago and although my back feels fine now it has left me with a pain down the front of my thigh from my hip to my knee. I have a tingling burning sensation as well as pain which gets worse when I walk. Is this related to the slipped disc and what is the best
treatment.

Answer:

Hi Janice,

I afraid I can't give you any specific advice about your problem as I have not assessed you and there would be lots of questions I would want to ask!

However, generally speaking those symptoms could indeed be linked to a nerve root irritation from a disc bulge. It is a bit less common for it to be the root of the femoral nerve that is irritated, its more usual that the sciatic nerve is involved. If you want to see a chart that outlines the different nerve root patterns there is one on this sciatica page

For anyone with leg symptoms and pins and needles or numbness it is important you make sure you have nothing more serious the matter, although it is unlikely that you have, check these
signs of serious back problems and go and see someone if you have any of them.

Generally treatment for a nerve root irritation involves keeping gently active, finding a position of ease, monitoring the nerve root symptoms and waiting. A physiotherapist can give you appropriate back exercises and back pain management advice. Often the symptoms disappear with time, 3 weeks is very early days, it can take months sometimes.If the symptoms don't ease a referral to see a neurosurgeon is sometimes needed although this is certainly not the case for everyone.

I would strongly advise that you ask your GP to refer you to a physiotherapist where you will be assessed and they can monitor you and give you a programme of treatment tailored to your particular problem.

I hope you start to feel better soon,

Paula

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Femoral Nerve Pain

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Aug 23, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		Pain in front of leg
by: Yuri

Does this pain show up out of thin air? Yesterday I was fine, and today I can't walk!!!! I seem to have all the symptoms described for femoral nerve irritation, but I am still confused as to how it happened so quickly. Last night I had a slight back ache, but since I will be getting my period today, I didn't think anything of it. This morning the pain was still there, but now I was feeling it in my leg. ON THE FRONT OF MY LEFT LEG. I walked a couple of miles, and by noon I was incapacitated. Whe I am off my feet I can't feel the pain, but I feel tingling, like my leg is contracting inside, then I feel very confortable, then I get up, and there is the pain again. I'm getting scared.

Paula:

Hi Yuri, try not to worry as those symptoms are not unheard of, but do go and see your doctor and get assessed. That way you can get the right treatment and they can put your mind at rest. Best wishes.
Dec 18, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		femoral vs sciatica
by: Anonymous

I had 2 bulging discs in lower back, pain in front inner thigh of left leg which was like a knife every time stepped onto left leg. All medical doctors said sciatica. But my physio said femoral nerve irritation, because the pain was in the front of my thigh. It has been 3 months now and after exercises and ibuprofen and physio every fortnight, things are seeming alot better. It does take time, but do the right things and hopefully will recover Good Luck
Apr 12, 2008
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starstarstarstar 		Good info
by:

Good stuff
Apr 12, 2008
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starstarstarstar 		Fear factor
by: Frogface

I wonder how common this is? Why do we not get more information when we visit the doctor - people are frightened to ask questions and look silly. Thank goodness for the internet!

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