Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve Pinched by Knotted Iliopsoas Muscle

by Garry
(North Vancouver, BC, Canada)

First some background, then my question.


This happened to me 4 years ago:

By sitting cross-legged on the floor for one hour, my left-side iliopsoas muscle became really tight, and my left knee locked in the bent position (hamstrings in cramp). Later on, I discovered that my left Iliopsoas muscle had locked-up in knots and was the cause of all the problems.
I noticed that my left Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve was being pinched somewhere, and the outside of my left leg became numb to the touch, and almost all power was lost in the left leg, with considerable knee pain. All leg pain was referred, and attempts to release the leg muscles were futile, because they were not the problem; they were the symptom.

After about 3 months of trying to find the problem, followed by 5 weeks of alternating chiropractic adjustments (which did not last because the adjustments were pulled out of position within 15 minutes by the knotted muscles), and Trigger Point Massage with ART on the left hip-flexor muscles (Iliacus, Psoas, Piriformis, QL, Gluts, TFL), finally, with Trigger Point pressure on the left Psoas muscle combined with forced full-range of leg motion by the practitioner, the Psoas knots suddenly released, and all symptoms disappeared within a few seconds. The Nerve came back to life, the knee started to work, and all leg-muscle cramps vanished. I was off the table and fully mobile within a few minutes (except for some memory-induced anticipation which had developed over the months).

At that time, the ART practitioner and I theorized that the knotted Psoas was pulling down somewhere on L1, L2, L3, or L4 creating sufficient pressure to pinch the Femoral Nerve, most likely at L2-L3 (where the Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve emerges). Once the Psoas knot was released so was the compression, thus allowing everything to return to normal. All of the opinions I had heard from various practitioners, like knee arthritis, herniated disc, etc., could not explain the sudden cure when the knot was released.
Clearly, the instantaneous release of the knotted muscle remove some pressure somewhere and allowed the Nerve to function again. It is possible that the L2-L3 disc was being herniated by the knotted muscle force down on the lumbar spine, but after I was fixed, there was no sign of any herniation in these discs.

Now that I was fixed, I implemented a regime of morning Yoga and stretches combined with regular walking exercise every day. I keep this up for 4 years, then I made the excuse that I was too busy, had too much work to do, had too many more important things to do, and consequently stopped my regime. I started to tighten up but ignored the signs. Big mistake.


Now for the current situation.

This happened to me 2 months ago (August 2012):

After sitting too long (driving, flying, working, etc.) with no regular stretching or Yoga exercises, my left Iliopsoas muscle became very tight and my left Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve became pinched somewhere, resulting in numbness on the outside of my left leg (the same as before) followed by the left knee and leg problems which I had before. Now I was back to square one, as before, with the same symptoms and lack of mobility.

This time, knowing the possible solution, I did the Chiropractic, Trigger Point massage, and ART treatments as before (except with a different ART practitioner since the former one had moved out of town). Extreme ART on the Psoas, QL, and Piriformis combined with full range of motion on the leg, provided about 90% improvement in mobility, but the internal knots responsible for the Nerve pinching were not fully released.

This 90% improvement in mobility indicated that we were on the right track. However, after sleeping that night, the leg and mobility problems had returned by the next morning. So, I brought the original practitioner back into town to do his magic, but he was not able to release the Psoas knots during his visit. Perhaps the rush fix I was attempting to induce, was too rushed, and my body needed time to recover between treatments.

Since then, I have tried other alternatives such as GunnIMS into the QL, Gluts, Piriformis, and those treatments have released local knots, but not the Psoas knots which are hidden underneath the intestines. GunnIMS practitioners will not use IMS on the Psoas because of the risk of other damage to the intestines and other organs. After IMS treatment on the QL, there is always an improvement in mobility and leg pain, but not a permanent improvement. So, again my theory appears to be valid. By releasing knots in the QL, and other muscles which may pull on the spine, I gain temporary improvement.

Since I have not been able to get the Nerve working correctly as yet, I am theorizing that I may have a compound issue where several muscles are contributing to the problem. Also, I read somewhere that the Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve goes through the Psoas muscle, then passes by the Iliacus muscle, providing a couple of opportunities for pressure to be applied along the path of the Nerve and not necessarily the L2-L3 region.

However, this "en-route" theory does not support the relief I achieved when Trigger Point massage was applied to the QL near the L3 attachment of the Psoas underneath QL. Also, Nerve pinching along the route of the Nerve is not supported by the evidence that the spine is pulled out of whack 15 minutes after Chiropractic adjustments.

Now that my Never has been pinched for a couple of months, I am developing a Neuropathy and my entire body aches. All muscles are sore, and the right side is starting to give up, just like the left side. I am going downhill every week with no end is sight. I am clinging to the hope that this can be fixed, as it was before. I just need to find the right technique to release the Nerve compression.
The MacKenzie Chiropractic testing did not reveal any spinal problems. My spinal range of motion is not the issue because just prior to this most recent event (2 months ago) my monthly Chiropractic visit indicated that my skeleton was in excellent shape and adjusting very well.

I have also tried the "Yoga for Psoas Stretching" but I cannot do most of the moves because of the pain involved. Also, it is difficult if not impossible to "stretch" a muscle which is in knots. I have also tried the Bula Ball Psoas massage, but it does not produce any improvement. I am sure all these techniques work well when the muscle is not knotted, and may be incorporated as part of the maintenance to prevent a future occurrence, but they do not work when the muscles are already in knots.


Here is my opinion:

Instead of the usual causes suspected by most doctors (arthritis, disc herniation, etc.), we must not overlook the Iliopsoas Syndrome and knotted muscles therein as being the cause of spinal compression and nerve pinching. If knotted muscles are at fault, any surgery on the back would be unnecessary and useless, unless the knots happened to be released during surgery. My problem came on without any trauma or damage, except sitting too long. My problem was previously cured by releasing Psoas knots. My problem will go away within seconds, once the Nerve is no longer pinched.


Here are my questions:

1. Has anybody experienced what I have, and if so, how did they fix it?

2. Does anybody have any suggestions what I can do to fix my problem?

3. Does anybody have any alternate theories as to what may be going on in my case?

4. Does anybody know how to release Iliopsoas knots, other than Trigger Point and ART massage techniques (I have though about ultrasound or electricity but the muscle is very deep and difficult to reach)?

Any and all comments would be greatly appreciaged

Garry Anderson 21 October, 2012.

Dear Garry,
Thank you for your thoughtful and challenging letter.
Firstly a few basics. The LFCN is a sensory nerve only. The fact that your leg became weak suggests that the Femoral nerve itself was involved. Was the Knee jerk reflex affected, and did you have weakness when bouncing on the left leg? Was the Femoral nerve stretch test positive?

It's a much debated chicken and egg situation. Does the muscle cause the spinal condition, or vice versa? Personally I think it can work in both ways.

Another thought: Meralgia Paresthetica is a condition where the LFCN is involved in a double crush syndrome: an upper lumbar facet syndrome PLUS an impingement in the groin. Both areas need to be addressed. Has anyone examined and worked in your groin area where the LFCN escapes from the pelvis?

Maigne's syndrome is a first cousin of MP affecting the cluneal nerves, rather than the LFCN.

You've obviously had a lot of opinions and treatment. My best shot is: start doing the Maigne's syn exercises you can find using the Search this site function at C-H. EVERY morning before getting out of bed.

Let me know about the reflexes etc.

Dr B


Comments for Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve Pinched by Knotted Iliopsoas Muscle

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Sep 17, 2021
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Finally Some Improvement, but no fix yet
by: Garry Anderson

It is now 9 years since my Psoas muscle went into cramp and since then I have been having one Chiropractic treatment per month, as well as Deep Tissue Trigger Point massage of the Psoas knot every fortnight, and Inversion Table every morning. Although the knot is still there, it has improved over the last couple of years, but it has not "released" yet. My whole body mobility is slowly getting better, but still, every muscle in my body still hurts. I think that the spinal compression is still there and has affected the right side as well as the left side because I now have both sides compromised. So, the message of hope is that eventually things will improve slowly, so I just have to live with this restricted mobility. I encourage others with the same problem to keep stretching and treatments.

Hello Garry,
This is encouraging news, and sheds a light for another thought. "Every muscle in my body still hurts."

This to me suggests a need to look at the bigger picture, rather than the magnifying glass on the Iliopsoas muscle.

The strong suggestion is generalised inflammation in your body, and it would not only be affecting muscles and joints but also the inner lining of blood vessels and other organs; and would even make you more vulnerable to Covid-19.

Perhaps see if you can find a nutritionist who advise on an anti-inflammatory diet.

And have a HbA1c test for your blood glucose.

Just a few thoughts.

Dr Barrie Lewis, DC

Jul 10, 2017
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Thanks
by: CherylOTR

Thanks for the reply!
MRI showed mild grade 1 spondy L5S1
L4 slight anterior disc bulge no nerve compression.
So, just LFCN issue, most likely muscular I believe.
Will do pelvic stabiliz, core and maybe an inversion
table.

Having recent hyperthyroid, hypothyroid a Graves, Hashimoto's I'm sure contributing factor.

Human body so complex.

Thanks😀

Hello Cheryl,
Yes, we are complex and this is a particularly knotty problem. Medicine admits it has few answers.

I'm not certain but think the thyroid is not connected; but that too is such an important gland with many vital functions.

Generally have to work in the groin, AND in the mid lumbar spine to get resolution.

Good luck. Do those exercises; EVERY morning.

Dr B

Jul 05, 2017
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Femoral Nerve trapped under the inguinal ligament
by: CherylOTR

I have the same issue on the right. I am going to get LS spine MRI this week.

I checked my knee reflexes as Neurologist did not. I am stumped as these muscles can trigger issues with L2 L3 as well. I am a hand therapist and sit a lot with R leg crossed.

I do have L5S1 grade 1 spondy with pars defect but it is stable since childhood.

I have had this kind of pain before and it did subside with PT 20 years ago.

I will look up Maigne's syndrome .

Thanks

Hello Cheryl,
Everyone with a spondy should be doing back exercises every morning before getting out of bed; that level of course would affect the sciatic and not the femoral nerve, but it destabilises your whole back.

Interesting point about crossing your legs; could that provoke an impingement in the groin of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve? Yes, perhaps.

Then it's called meralgia paresthetica and you may have change in the sensation on the lateral thigh; hypersensitive early on, becoming numb later.

Successful treatment means stretching out the LFCN in the under the inguinal ligament, and searching for potential subluxations in the mid lumbar area; above the spondy.

The SIJ may be involved too. Do those exercises faithfully like you brush your teeth; prevention is better than a cure.

Good luck, and I hope it works out.

Dr B



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» Femoral Nerve trapped under the inguinal ligament





Feb 06, 2016
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Femoral nerve entrapped
by: Mike

Hi,

I am going through the same thing. My femoral nerve is trapped in the illiac groove. I still have a way to go but here is what has helped:

Activation of glutes, quads, and psoas(knee floats). Many people don't realize that their muscles have shut down pulling pelvis out of place. Do these for at least two to three weeks before stretching.

Dry needle the illiacus, quads, glutes, to reactivate muscles and release toxins. 4-5 sessions.

Pelvic tilts every other day (build up slowly)

After a month of dry needling, perform side laying quad stretch and Thomas stretch - gradually build up each - go slow at first not to cause to much inflammation. Slow and steady wins the race.

I will post back if I defeat this thing. I have been gradually improving with this approach. My muscle were totally deactivated and dysfunctional - the activations were key to getting me on the road.

Good luck!

Mike

Thanks for your contribution, Mike. It's a tough condition and no standard answer.

Dr B



Jun 08, 2015
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Current Status Update
by: Garry Anderson

Since November 2014 I have continued my daily routine of 2 inversion, 2 miles walking per day, and Deep Tissue Massage once per week.

As I continue to improve, I have stopped taking all Advil, and my pain level has dropped below 1/10 except when I stretch some muscle too much, at which point I can hit 3/10.

I have been able to reduce my massage sessions to once per week, and now I can go for 6-hour plane rides with no problem and I can sit for long periods of time (but I try to get up every 30 minutes to keep moving).

So, I think I have taken total control of this situation so that the pain no longer controls me. I will report later when the Psoas muscle finally decides to give up the fight, because I am not giving in to a "dumb" muscle.

I hope my stories help other people.

Take charge of your cure.

Garry Anderson.

Hello Garry,
It's always encouraging to hear the success stories from those who take reponsibility for their own health.

Well done. It doesn't mean that you won't need professional care in the future, but I'm impressed that you are prepared to spend over an hour a day on your health. The benefits of that walking of course go far beyond your knotted psoas muscle.

Lovely. Six hour plane ride? Mm, I've never been much over four in my glider, so I take it's a small plane or overseas.

Dr B

Nov 12, 2014
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Week-by-Week Improvement
by: Garry Anderson

Although my situation is getting better (2.5 years now), I am making slow improvements week-by-week. My daily routine consists of morning & evening Inversion Table, plus morning gym machine exercises, plus morning & evening walking totalling about 2 hours per day. On weekends, I make an extra 2 hour hike in the mountains during the day, which appears to give much improvement. Although the knotted muscles and pinched nerves have not released yet, I think it will release within the next 6 months. Dr. B's comments about Meralgia Paresthetica appear to be quite accurate. I am also getting some nerve stretching done by my RMT in the Inguinal area as well as twice-weekly deep tissue trigger point massage on QL, Piriformis, Erectors, Psoas, Iliacus, TFL, hamstrings, Quadricepts, and IT Band area. Very painful but gives relief for a couple of days. Stretching and Yoga is difficult because the muscles are in knots and don't give easily. I hope these comments help others.

Hello Garry,
Good that it's improving; a thought, what provokes the pain? Bending forwards, backwards, to the side?

I'm on holiday at the moment and my brother has very similar symptoms. Extension of the spine immediately provoked the butt and side of thigh pain; it was coming from the L4 joint and has responded quickly to side posture adjustments.

Dr B

Nov 04, 2014
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Femoral cutaneous nerve
by: Anonymous

I had the same problem, EMG confirmed it. Yoga helped and I will go back to yoga since the pain has returned. Anyone try a nerve block????

I don't have the research to back my opinion, there is none to my knowledge, and I've not treated the large number of patients necessary for a serious study, but I'm fairly convinced that by addressing the upper lumbar facet syndrome with a combination of manipulation, massage and exercise, AND the groin, this can be successfully treated conservatively.

Dr B

Feb 02, 2014
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Modifications to Part 1 & 2
by: Garry Anderson

Hi Dr. B:

Please make some corrections to my Part 1 & Part 2 solution.

Please change "Anonymous" to "Garry Anderson"

In Part 1, fourth paragraph, please change "30+" to "10+".

Thanks,

Done
Garry.

Jan 27, 2014
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I Have the Solution - Part 2
by: Garry

Continued from Part 1:

At the end of two months of continual treatment from Jan, I could now run for about 30 seconds every 5 minutes while walking. At the end of my time in Hawaii, I think I had about 80% improvement. Jan and I both discussed that it was up to me to take control of the rest of my recovery, so after returning home I implemented a plan every morning, and again every evening, as follows: 10 minutes inversion table, then 10 minutes Gym Machine with moderate weights for legs, shoulders, back, etc, then 5 Km treadmill for 60 minutes, then finally 10 minutes inversion table again, followed by a hot shower. So, I do this twice per day, and I think I am about 95% improved and I can run again for spurts while on the treadmill. Every day I keep getting better, and the pain and knots are going away while the muscle response is getting better. I have reduced the Advil to 1-3 times per day because the pain is so much less.

So, in a nutshell, the solution to my neuro-muscular problem was to implement a "recovery routine" of Inversion Table, Walking, Massage Therapy with Jan Walker, and Gym Machine for forcing the muscles to work in spite of the pain, with some Advil as necessary to manage the pain. I predict that within 3 months, I will achieve 100% cure. Now that is what I call taking charge of my life !

Hello again Garry,
what I like most about your story is your grim determination to get better against all odds. You just keep going, going, taking control of your own life, and hey it works.

Thanks so much for contributing, there are many others who will be inspired by your story.

Dr B

Jan 27, 2014
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I Have the Solution - Part 1
by: Anonymous

After trying many things to fix my Neuro-Muscular Problems, with symptoms of muscle pain on a systemic basis (legs, back, shoulders, arms, everywhere), I finally found a solution. I want to share my findings with all those who read the ChiropracticHelp.com web site, and I recommend they do their own investigations into what I found as a solution to my problems to see if it helps them.

How it all began: Initially, my left Psoas muscle went in knots with much pain, accompanied by immediate loss of use of the left leg (quads, hamstrings, knee, IT band, etc.) I tried the traditional exercises of pelvic tilts, and hip hikes, which all helped by about 5-10%, but no more. Then I tried the Intra Muscular Stimulation (acupuncture needles stuck directly into the knots within the muscles) and that treatment got my left leg working again, with about 20-30% improvement, but no more.

Then I tried the IronMan ATIS-4000 Inversion Table, where I hung upside down for 10 minutes, and after the first session, I could walk with almost no pain for 2 hours. This led me to the conclusion that being inverted slowly stretched the knotted muscles (Psoas, and QL, and other core muscles) so they no longer pulled the lower back joints together. Now I knew the problem and I had the solution: The knotted core muscles were compressing the lumbar spine joints and putting pressure on the nerve roots where they exit the spine. In my case the L1 and L3 joints were the most significant. After the first successful inversion treatment, I started hanging like a bat three times per day, which kept me functional and mobile again. Overall, I estimate that the inversion table three times per day gave me about 50% improvement, and I could walk again without limping, but I could not yet run again.

The next part of my fix, was to spend 2 months in Hawaii have special Lomi-Lomi Fusion massage sessions from Jan Walker (JanWalkerLMT@gmail.com), a lady who has 10+ years experience in treatment of conditions such as mine, and I have to report that she is by far the best massage therapist I have encountered (and I have tried 20 or more people before I found Jan). For this Hawaii solution, I pre-purchased a portable Inversion Table called the IronMan Gravity-1000 for about $140 from amazon.com and had it shipped to the hotel in Waikiki before I arrived there. I used the inversion 3 times per day in the hotel room, walked 1 hour round trip from the hotel to Jan’s massage centre every second day, and walked 1 hour every other day along the beach and around the Kapiolani Park, combined with swimming in the ocean to force the shoulder muscles to work again. Jan suggested using 3-6 Advil per day to reduce inflammation and manage pain.

Garry Anderson

Hello Garry,
This is great news. Inversion traction is indeed very helpful, but remember stretches your spine as well as the muscles.

Keep at it!

Dr B

Nov 02, 2012
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MRI Test Results of Lumbar Spine
by: Garry Anderson

Today (Nov 1, 2012) I had a Lumbar Spine MRI performed on my back. Afterwards, I reviewed the results with Dr. Raj Attariwala, and looked at the images with him. The images show some compression between L4-L5, and L5-S1, with a very slight bulge in both places. The Dr. theorizes that the bulge is caused by compression of the spine by the tight QL and Erector muscles. The L1 through L3 region is very straight, without a natural curve, and the Dr. thinks that the muscle compression is responsible for that too. The Dr. sees a restricted nerve hole in L4 and thinks that is where the problems begin. He concurs with the theory that once a nerve distress begins, then other muscles go into cramp, further pinching the nerve. The Dr. thinks that I need more IMS treatments along the entire spine from L1 through S1 to break the loop.

My MRI CD Image is available for download at https://www.onlinefilefolder.com/2sTvxHMEdXpiAZ

The CD Image is in CDR format, which is Master Format created by the Mac Disk Utility. When the CDR file is burned to a CD, both Windows and Mac can read the DICOM images from the CD. I use the Free OsiriX viewer for Mac, and it works very well.

Anybody who wants to view the MRI and post any comments, same would be much appreciated.

Hello Garry,
Unfortunately a very large folder, takes two hours to download. Perhaps if you gave the option of a few selected images.

There comes a time when one has to honestly ask the question: is this treatment helping. Am I any further forward than three months ago? It applies whether you are having medical, or complementary treatment.

If the honest answer is an unequivocal NO, then it's time to think of alternatives.

Dr B

Oct 30, 2012
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IntraMuscular Stimulation Provides Temporary Relief
by: Garry Anderson

Here are my updates and comments for today, October 30, 2012:

Yesterday I underwent some intensive IMS on my lower back problem areas. Dr. Lam from iSTOP inserted four needles into the QL muscle which grabbed and created pain in my lower back QL region. Then, he inserted a very long needle into the Psoas muscle from the back, which grabbed and intensified the pain to include the inner groin area and the leg. Finally, he inserted a needle into the L1 region (I think it might have been Psoas connection point) from the back, which grabbed then intensified the pain to be about five times what I experience in the "resting" state. So, with all these points activated, I now lay in pain for 45 minutes waiting for the grabbing to stop and the knots to release, which they did not. After the needles were removed, I could not move my left leg for about 1 minute, then finally I could move it quite freely. For the next 3-4 hours, I had good mobility and could climb stairs easily. Also, my general body pain and muscle weakness everywhere else, also disappeared. I was able to do some Yoga stretches, which I have been unable to do since August. Later on, the benefits of this IMS treatment went away as the Psoas and QL muscles tightened again.

Dr. Lam theorized that L1 was the beginning of the problem, which affected the Femerol nerve, and that then caused the Psoas to tighten, which in turn pinched the Nerve in a secondary location within the Psoas muscle itself. It appears that there are two links to be broken: The L1 activation point, and the Psoas muscle pinching the nerve creating the feedback loop.

Slowly we are getting closer to finding a solution. Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

Hello Garry,
I do some acupuncture but your doc is obviously in a different league. Naturally the risks also increase. You have to decide: is it really helping, or simply symptom treatment?

There are other ways of treating psoas spasm. Pressing deeply into the gut, that too with potential problems as one has to go through the colon. Regular stretching of the psoas?

Obviously you have a nasty case, so I won't offer a simplistic solution. There isn't one. But do keep up the exercises.

Good luck, keep in touch.

Dr B


Oct 28, 2012
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Further Contact Information
by: Garry Anderson

Dr. Barrie:

Sorry about the 3000 character limit on the site.

My email is GarryAnderson@shaw.ca

I don't mind allowing my email to become public.

Garry.

Oct 27, 2012
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Ankle Jerk & Femoral Nerve Stretch Okay
by: Garry Anderson

Dr Barrie:

As requested, I had the other tests performed today.

The Ankle Jerk test performed normally on both legs.

The Femoral Nerve Stretch was done on both legs, and was negative for any nerve pain or activation. What was interesting, however, was the amount of movement before restriction occurred. The right leg (the good one) would not stretch back as far as the left leg (the bad one). The Chiropractor theorized that the right stretch pulls the spine to the right side, and the spine's movement in that direction is being limited by the knotted Psoas Muscle on the left side.

Today, I underwent some more IntraMuscular Stimulation (IMS) with Dr. Allan Lam from the iSTOP institute. He worked on my left QL Muscle (with regular needles) and he put a very long needle into my left Psoas Muscle from the rear side (coming in from the back, instead of through the intestines). The interesting thing was that as the needle was going through all the normal tissue and muscle there was no reaction or pain until it hit the Psoas Muscle, at which point the Psoas Muscle started to grab the needle then stopped a short time later. Same grabbing occurred on the QL muscle but with a shorter needle. The doctor isolated the "core" spot, which creates the internal pain I feel, to be near the left side of L3, and when those spots were activated with needles or palpation, what I felt internally was an intense pain like an amplified version of what I experience all day.

After the IMS treatment (20 minutes), I could walk around with much greater mobility for 6-8 hours, until bed time at least.

Dr. Lam theorized that the Femoral Nerve goes through the Psoas Muscle, and when the Psoas is in contraction (as it is now) the Nerve is pinched, and when the nerve is pinched, it causes the Muscle to go into contraction (a positive feedback loop). He agreed that we need to break the feedback loop somehow.

Since IMS only releases a muscle in a small area near the needle prick, and since the Psoas is over 15 cm long, we need some other technique to release the whole muscle at the same time. Dr. Lam also tried a magnetic pulser which causes muscles to contract, however, its effective range was not deep enough to reach the Psoas. It certainly worked on shallow muscles (like abs) but did not reach the Psoas.

I have been thinking about some sort of injected muscle relaxant (like cyclopentolate, which is used to dilate the eye's pupils for 12 hours) to break the feedback loop, however, I am not sure that it is the best way to proceed at the moment and I don't know what damage may result if the Psoas Muscle is not working at all to support the spine for 12 hours.

Also, I have been considering traction, however I don't know how that would create a permanent solution since it may end up pulling against the knotted Psoas muscle and create more internal compression.


This site limits the length of letters, so no room for my answer, send me your email.

Dr B


Oct 24, 2012
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Results of Leg Tests
by: Garry Anderson

Dear Barrie:

Thank you for the post, and for your comments. Here are the answers to your questions:

1. The knee jerk reflex test (with the rubber mallet) works normally, same on both knees.

2. I have weakness when bouncing on the left leg. The knee is swollen and running a little hot. I feel pressure in the knee area from the swelling, but I also feel pain in the Quadricepts and Hamstring from the bouncing.

3. I cannot find out how to do the Femoral Nerve Stretch test, so please direct me to the page/video, then I will perform the test.

4. Some massage has been done on the Iliacus muscle, and occasionally the LFCN becomes more aggravated when pressure is applied to both the upper and lower regions of the Iliacus. I can press and trigger it myself. I presume your reference to where the LFCN escapes form the pelivs is where the LFCN goes under the Inguinal Ligament. I will have the ART practitioner do some work there this week.

5. I have started doing the Pelvic Tilt (simple and enhanced) exercises, as well as the Hip Hike in the mornings before I get out of bed. I think there may be a slight improvement, but not significant. I will continue with these exercises and see what happens

New Information:

I forgot to mention that I have almost now power to pull my left heel towards my butt. The Hamstring muscles are not working very well. After the GunnIMS treatment in my left leg muscles (except Hamstrings and Calf muscles) the power in my left leg has improved. Later this week, I get the Hamstrings and Calf muscles treated with GunnIMS.

Every morning, after sleeping, my QL muscles are so tight that my back does not have a very large range of motion. I have my wife massage the QL with her elbow, alternating with hot water bottles, which seems to help a little bit.

Hope these comments help.

Garry.

This suggests that the weakness in the quad is more related to a knee condition, unrelated to your back. The gastroc and soleus raise your heel. Is the achilles knee jerk also Ok?
It's not likely related to your bed, but sometimes morning pain is simply the bed. Try another.
The Fem n. stretch is difficult. You can't do it yourself, like a sciatic n. stretch. Get your chiro to do it.
You've done your homework, yes I'm interested in what you feel where the LFCN escapes under the inguinal lig. May be VERY painful.

Dr B

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