Femoral Nerve Damage

right antalgia

right antalgia



» » Femoral Nerve Damage


Dear Dr. Preston,

I am fairly certain I have some sort of femoral nerve damage. I hurt my back last March while pushing a shopping cart and then damaged it again in early June while moving some furniture.

I have pain in my right mid-back, right hip, right buttock and right leg. I don't always have all of this pain at the same time. It varies from day to day and sometimes hour to hour. I walk with a limp and lean away from the injured side. I cannot lift my right leg nearly as far as I used to be able to, such as when putting on a pair of pants. Lateral movement on the right side is also quite restricted. Both are painful.

The pain has gotten a lot better over the months and I am no longer on anti-inflammatory medication, but I am still in pain to varying degrees and cannot walk very far.

What else can I do to help myself? I am a US citizen living in Western China. (using a vpn on my computer) I have heard there is a chiropractor in my city, but that was a couple of years ago and I don't know if she is still here.

Thank you for your time and any suggestions you may have for me.

Hello Melisa,
You are in the boondocks!

What you describe is an "antalgia" or leaning to the side to protect the nerve from pain. You can't control it, and forcing yourself straight will only aggravate it.

Exactly which level, and which nerve is clinically determined, and not particularly important for you.

Walking with a limp is worrying because it probably means one of the muscles in your leg is becoming weak. Our leg pain muscle testing page will help you.

You'll find some exercises in the navigation bar on the left at chiropractic help. Do them every morning before getting out of bed.

The question of treatment is difficult. It can make it worse if not skillfully done. So, if you feel you are still improving, then I'd stick with the exercises for a few weeks. Sit less, don't bend, try and walk daily unless you are still antalgic.

If you're still antalgic and know it's not getting better, then it's time to see your local chiropractor. Xrays and an MRI would certainly be useful.

Good luck and let me know how you get on.

Dr B


» » Femoral Nerve Damage


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