by Justin Villeneuve
(Canada ontario)
Burning in right front quad is typical of a femoral nerve lesion.
Going to start with I am into power lifting been doing it for 1.5 years now. Never had any serious injuries yet but one day I was unpacking some luggage and grabbed something out of my bag and my lower back locked up. It was so painful that night I could hardly get out of bed to go to the bathroom.
Next day wasn't bad; could walk bend and even pick up stuff with a dull pain. But now when I stretch my hip flexor. Left leg up and kneel on my right and lean forward with my abdominal muscles locked on I get a burning in the front of my right quad. Also been 3 days now pain is almost gone but burning sensation is still there.
Hello Justin,
That quad stretch that you are doing is an interesting variation of a femoral nerve stretch; it's obviously a positive test.
The femoral nerve emanates from the midlumbar spine, unlike the sciatic which is from the lower end. It supplies the front of the quad and the inner lower leg, and the quadriceps muscle.
It's difficult to tell exactly what happened in your lower back, but most likely an injured disc is pressing on one of the femoral nerve roots.
At the very least, be careful now for a month or more; no lifting suitcases or power lifting. Do some gentle lower back exercises, sit less and generally be sensible.
Tiger Woods was right where you are a year ago; you don't want to go that route.
I hope this contributes.
Dr B
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