This post is about 3 Peripheral Nerves from the Lumbar Spine Causing Neuropathy and Chiropractic Care. You may have burning or stabbing pain, numbness, or tingling in the lower abdomen, hip and groin. Furthermore, extending the back (bending backward) may be difficult as this movement causes more pain. Often you will have difficulty with sitting, standing and walking. If you are an athlete (e.g. rugby or soccer player) you may have “Groin pain” that is intensified by sudden movements such as kicking and coughing. Frequently, peripheral neuropathy to these nerves occur following local trauma or surgery (i.e. for inguinal hernia repair or appendectomy).
If you have peripheral neuropathy of the Iliohypogastric, ilioinguinal, or genitofemoral nerves, Chiropractic can provide relief! We’ve got some great information to share below.
3 Lumbar (Low back) Peripheral Nerves: Iliohypogastric, Ilioinguinal, or Genitofemoral Nerves
The peripheral nervous system consists of the nerves that branch out from the brain and spinal cord. The spinal cord lies inside the spinal column (spine). These nerves form the communication network between the central nervous system and the body parts. Additionally, 2 peripheral nerves, the Iliohypogastric and Ilioinguinal arise from the L-1 (first) nerve root in the lumbar spine. The Genitofemoral nerve originates from the upper part of the lumbar plexus of spinal nerves L-1, L-2. Entrapment neuropathies are caused by compression and/or irritation of peripheral nerves as they travel through anatomical spaces.
The Iliohypogastric and Ilioinguinal nerves provide muscular innervation to the transverse abdominis and internal oblique muscles while the genitofemoral nerve is primarily a sensory nerve. With an entrapment neuropathy, areas of hypoesthesia (decreased ability to perceive touch) or hyperesthesia (increased ability to perceive touch) due to these nerves occur in the sensory regions supplied by the nerves (Iliohypogastric, Ilioinguinal, or Genitofemoral). And sometimes there is an overlap of nerve involvement in the upper middle thigh. In other words, there may be more than one nerve involved causing pain.
The Anatomy
Firstly, the iliohypogastric nerve divides into a lateral (side) branch that exits above the iliac crest (top of your hip/pelvic bone) and supplies the skin of the gluteal region (small area of the upper side buttock). Here is where it can get entrapped (“pinched”). Next, there is an anterior cutaneous branch of the iliohypogastric nerve, which goes through the obliquus externis muscle. The external oblique muscle is one of the outermost abdominal muscles, extending from the lower half of the ribs around and down to the pelvis.
Secondly, the ilioinguinal nerve pierces the transversus abdominis (muscle extending between the ribs and the pelvis, wrapping around the trunk) and fascia where it may become entrapped. Then it can get entrapped at the anterior iliac spine, (projection at the front end of the iliac crest).
Thirdly, the genitofemoral nerve pierces the anterior (front) fascia (thin casing of connective tissue) of the psoas major muscle. The nerve may get entrapped at the psoas (long, thin muscle located in the lower-back and pelvis regions of the body) and run inferiorly (below) on the muscle within its fascia. The nerve’s femoral portion supplies the skin over the femoral triangle (wedge-shaped area formed by a depression between the muscles of the front upper thigh). Genitofemoral nerve neuropathy may result from blunt abdominal trauma and adhesions from abdominal surgery (e.g. appendectomy). Moreover, you may have symptoms of lower intraabdominal (within abdomen) pain or an inguinal or femoral hernia.
Treatment at Meiri Chiropractic in West Palm Beach
Chiropractic manipulative treatment/therapy to the spine and extremities (e.g. limbs) are effective for neuropathy. Our other therapies, such as soft tissue techniques, electric muscle stimulation, ice/ heat therapies and homeopathic consultations provide relief. Through regular chiropractic visits, you can get pain relief and improve your health without drugs or surgery!
At Meiri Chiropractic we spend the time necessary to examine, diagnose and treat every neuromusculoskeletal condition and various ailments you have. Chiropractic is a holistic and natural way to not only treat existing conditions, but to keep your body in its best working condition. We have been offering effective chiropractic care in West Palm Beach since 2006. Many of our patient reviews note our excellence. Call us today at 561-253-8984 to make an appointment or to find out more about 3 Peripheral Nerves from the Lumbar Spine Causing Neuropathy and Chiropractic Care.