Meralgia Paresthetica is a compressive neuropathy of the Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve which supplies innervation to the skin over the anterolateral thigh. Because the LFC nerve only supplies the skin and not muscles, it is purely a sensory issue and not a motor issue. Most commonly the LFC nerve becomes compressed by the inguinal ligament as it passes below to supply the skin of the lateral thigh. Meralgia Paresthetica can be caused by wearing too tight of clothing/belts, wearing heavy tool belts, pregnancy, obesity/weight gain, or trauma to the groin area. Typically it is worsened by standing or walking, and relieved by sitting.
How can Chiropractic help?
The LFC nerve is a branch of the lumbar nerve plexus that originates from the L2 and L3 spinal nerve roots. Chiropractic adjustments to these vertebral segments relieve compression of the LFC nerve, as nerves are continuous from their origin off the spinal cord all the way to their terminal branches. Stretches and post-isometric relaxation exercises to the muscles of the groin also release tension and pressure that causes compression of the LFC nerve as it enters the thigh.