I have had off/on lower back pains for over 15 years, probably from mechanical stress, and I have on occasion felt numbness in my leg during these periods of pain. But recently I have not have any back pain.
Last week my left thigh went completely numb and seems to still be the same, or maybe the numb area is even getting larger. Its numb like pins and needles numb when I rub it, but otherwise I hardly notice it.
I have not talked to a Dr., but am considering it now since its not going away. I just wonder what this could be, if its related to my back problems or maybe something else. I have heard that diabetis can cause a similar symptom.
I know from experience that Drs going in and messing with stuff their not sure of generally makes one worse off. But if I think it could be something more serious, I would definately have it checked out.
My right outer thigh was going numb for years when standing for about 30 minutes. Then it became more frequent, couldn't stand for more than 3 minutes, and laying flat on my back with legs straight out also causes thigh to go numb.
I didn't think I had back problems until one day while climbing the stairs I felt pain all the way down my sciatic nerve. Nothing set it off. No accidents, no falling, no nothing.
To make a LONG story short, I had a microdiscectomy L5-S1 fifteen months later. Still had numb thigh. And I still do, but it is much better. It's a burning/numb outer right thigh from my hip to knee. I do not regret the surgery in any way, as I was having more problems than just paiin, such as both legs went weak, felt like I was dragging them all the time, muscle twitching, no ankle reflexes, big toe was weak, weird bug sensations up and down BOTH legs.
After surgery, just about everything is back to normal. But I do have reminders in one way or another that I've had back surgery. I still do have the numbness, but can walk for about 30 minutes without it going numb. I can stand for about 20 minutes or so.......sometimes it just depends. I can deal with it.
Are you overweight? I was. Last year I decided to get on the ball and do something about it. I lost 60 pounds, and have do admit that my back/leg does feel better.
Numb thigh could be due to a herniation in lower back. OR, if you are overweight, check out this condition: MERALGIA PARESTHETICA. I'm still not sure if my numb/burning thigh is due to back problems, or the Meralgia Paresthetica. Do a Google search on that word. I think you'll be interested.
Please let me know how you're doing.
Hope this helped alittle bit.
(oh, by the way, I have type II diabetes......Glucophage XR only). I don't think it's due to diabetes).
Good response from Sue. Numbness in thighs can be from a number of things, including meralgia paresthetica, referred back stuff, stretch injuries of femoral or sciatic nerves, diabetic stuff, etc. A lingering numbness is almost certainly worth getting evaluated. It doesn't mean commitment to treatment; just getting a better idea what's up. The first step, if anything, would probably be an MRI unless there is a more obvious cause. Meralgia, for example, can be caused by wearing a heavy belt (like a toolbelt). Sometimes it's simple.
Well.....the dreaded Meralgia Paresthetica. The way you were describing your symptoms, I kind of figured you might have MP.....
I'm glad the doc was able to diagnose you. But the question is, what is being done to help you out with it?
I had numbness AND burning. The doc offered Neurontin to me. I couldn't take that drug.....caused me to be way to spacey and some kind of memory problem! I also know Neurontin can cause weight gain...which I can do without! ha ha ha.....
Losing 60 pounds has helped me out a great deal.....more than any pill could ever do. There really is not much they can do for MP, but it can get better. There is one specific physical therapy that can help. It's stretching of the muscles wrapped around the Lateral Femoral Cut. Nerve. It's kind of hard to explain here......so, maybe if you can see a PT, for a one time shot, he could show you a stretch or two and then you can continue to do them at home. You want to try to keep that MP at bay. You DEFINITELY don't want to get to the burning/pain part like me. Most of that is gone on me now, thank God.
By stretching the muscles around the LFC neve, it may keep those muscles not so tight, and give a little bit of relief.
I've got the same problem, my left thigh has been completely numb for about 2 weeks now. I'm only 21 and in good shape, so is it likely to be a hernia??
Thanks for info already posted was v informative : )
