Meralgia Paresthetica

Written by Dr. Jason Ngan, DC

What is Meralgia Paresthetica?

Meralgia paresthetica (aka lateral femoral cutaneous neuropathy) is a condition where the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve is compressed. The name breaks down to thigh (meros), pain (algia), abnormal (para), sensation (aisthesis). The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve originates from the L2 and L3 nerve roots, travels through the inguinal ligament (groin area) to the front and side of the thighs. This nerve only controls sensation so movement is not affected.

What Causes Meralgia Paresthetica?

There are various ways that the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve can get compressed. Some common methods include:

  • Tight fitting clothing/belt

  • Overweight/obesity

  • Pregnancy

  • Trauma (such as seat belt injury)

  • Diabetes (causes inflammation)

What are the Signs and Symptoms?

  • Pain (burning), numbness, tingling at the front and sides of the thigh

  • Since the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve is sensory only, there is no weakness involved.

How is Meralgia Paresthetica Diagnosed?

Meralgia paresthetica is diagnosed with a thorough medical history, physical examination, and orthopedic testing. Diagnostic imaging such as MRI, diagnostic ultrasound, and EMG/NCV can identify signs of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve entrapment.

  • Abnormal sensation (pain, numbness, tingling).

  • No muscle weakness

What are the Treatment Options?

  • Chiropractic manipulation and mobilization

  • Soft tissue therapies

  • Gua-sha

  • E-stim

  • Ultrasound

  • Clothing advice

  • Anti-inflammatory diet

  • Rehabilitative exercises and stretches

Other treatments that patients may seek (not provided at Ngan Chiropractic) include anti-inflammatory medication, nerve block, and steroid injection.

References

  1. Cheatham, S. W., Kolber, M. J., & Salamh, P. A. (2013). Meralgia paresthetica: a review of the literature. International journal of sports physical therapy, 8(6), 883–893.

  2. Elias, Felipe, et al. (2019). Meralgia Paresthetica, Cause of Diagnostic Mistake in the Vascular Clinic. Journal of Angiology & Vascular Surgery, 4(024). DOI:10.24966/AVS-7397/100023

  3. Grossman MG, Ducey SA, Nadler SS, Levy AS. Meralgia paresthetica: diagnosis and treatment. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2001 Sep-Oct;9(5):336-44. doi: 10.5435/00124635-200109000-00007. PMID: 11575913.

  4. Otoshi, K., Itoh, Y., Tsujino, A., & Kikuchi, S. (2008). Case report: meralgia paresthetica in a baseball pitcher. Clinical orthopaedics and related research, 466(9), 2268–2270. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11999-008-0307-3