Hi,
This is my first post on here. I came across this website while looking for a nature way to relieve the effects of meralgia paresthetica. Everyone seemed to be very nice and caring on here and able to give lots of advice. I have not been diagnosed by a doctor yet because I have been out of the country and don't have my insurance yet but I have done my research and am 100% positive this is what I have. The leg started becoming numb around 6 years ago. I am only 23. Then I went to the chiropractor for the first time in August for an adjustment on my neck and shortly after that the numbness started to increase and spread on the outer part of my thigh. Now within 4 months my leg has become severely painful with burning and shooting pains in my leg. I am going to go to the doctor when I have insurance but wondered if I could find anyone who has this problem as well to tell me if there is anything I can do to help with the pain. I am an active person and play softball and go to the gym and walk/run at night. I am finding that is starting to become impossible with this pain. The slightest touch sometimes brings me to tears. If anyone has any advice on something I can do at home to treat this or what I am in store for as far as treatment I would really appreciate it. I think this happened after a minor accident where I was rear-ended about the time this whole numbness started. I didn't go to the hospital after the accident and my car didn't even have any damage and I never thought that 6 years later I would have something this severe. It may not have been this accident but that is the only traumatic thing that happened to me about the time this started. Please help if possible. Thank you. Tara-

Meralgia Paresthetica can be the result of Myofascial trigger points (knots) in specific muscles especially Tensor fasciae latae, Sartorius and psoas/Iliopsoas. Pain/numbness in you describe sounds like it could be the result of myofascial trigger points. You can learn to self treat these muscles.

However, go to a Doctor and review your symptoms and get a professional medical examination and opinion. Your health is too important not to review with a qualified medical professional regardless of insurance coverage. There are clinics in which fees are income based.

The numbness/pain seems to be symptomatic of the muscle entrapment of the femoral, lateral femoral cutaneous, and the femoral branch of the genitofemoral nerves which, may occur in the lacuma musculorum beneath the inguinal ligament, as nerves exit the pelvis through a narrow lacunain “opening” in the company of the ilipsoas muscle. The genitofemoral nerve regularly penetrates, and the iliohypogastric and ilioinguinal nerves occasionally penetrate the psoas major muscle as they emerge from the lumbar plexus. You may also have tense bands in the paraspinal muscles. Side bar restrictive clothing and weight gain are two common reasons for pressure on a nerve.

These trigger points can be deactivated by direct digital (finger) compression of the trigger point(s) in the affected muscle(s) followed by appropriate stretch. The Sartorius responds better to a cross fibber technique. You can learn to self treat these muscles. Look up books on treating Myofascial trigger points.

Trigger points cause the muscle to become shorter and tighter. This limits the function and mobility of the muscle which causes weakness, decreased circulation and pain. When injured, most tissues heal, but muscles learn they learn to avoid pain. This muscle memory can produce unexpected pain even years after an injury has occurred, especially during times of physical and emotional stress.
Take a look at the noted muscles and referred pain patterns at this link:
http://www.triggerpoints.net/_sgg/m2m2_1.htm

Thank you so much for all of that helpful information. i am going to look up the information you requested right now. Thank you!

Do you slide into base on that leg?

The reason I ask is that MP is not common in young patients, unless an
injury occurs.

If you damage the bursa on the hip in a fall, or slide, you can develop
trochanteric bursitis, which can mimic MP. It is not exactly the same.
Sometimes an injection of a steroid can help this reduce inflammation and
pain.

Here is something to read:
http://orthopedics.about.com/cs/hips...ipbursitis.htm

A visit to an orthopedic or sports medicine doctor may be useful for you.

No, I don't believe it is a sports related injury. Around the time the small numbness started I was involved in an relatively small car accident. Not much damage, no ambulances were called but that is what I think I have narrowed it down to. Thank for the website.

I use the Homedics PA 5H every other day on both hips. It really works!!!

Does your skin turn red and feel warm? I know you said you've done your research, but that type of pain sounds like RSD to me. Have you looked at that?

I hope for your sake its neither and your pain goes away!