If you have precise knowledge about the problem or disorder you are suffering from only then you can improve the condition. So here, we will discuss the nerve pain disorder called Meralgia Paresthetica, its diagnosis, treatment, and meralgia paresthetica sleeping position.
What is Meralgia paraesthetica?
It is a condition in which a person suffers from burning, numbness or trickling sensation at the back and sides of the thighs. The anterolateral nerve pain develops when the lateral cutaneous femoral nerve is compressed. The lateral cutaneous femoral nerve is a sensory nerve branch of the lumbar plexus.
During meralgia paresthetica a person constantly suffers from sharp shooting pain. The unbearable pain in the nerve makes it uncomfortable while sleeping. However, it is not a permanent situation; rather proper treatment can easily cure it.
If diagnosed on time a few days of treatment can make a huge difference. Pregnant women most commonly develop meralgia paresthetica. It is because of the growing uterus and increasing weight.
Can meralgia paresthetica make it hard to sleep at night?
Yes, it is difficult to sleep with Meralgia paresthetica because a person experiences shooting pain or burning sensation. While sleeping the body releases heat and due to this heat production, the burning sensation or pain in the thigh is intensified.
We all need rest during the night but when someone suffers from this condition the pain keeps u awake. Insomnia is not good for health and the pain makes it even worse. Due to pain you will be turning and tossing the whole night. However, if you will sleep in the correct position then you will get some relief.
How is Meralgia Parasthetica Diagnosed?
In most cases, a physician easily diagnoses the condition by physical examination and by listening to the medical history of the patient. By touching the affected nerve area they can examine the sensation. The physician will even ask you where you are feeling pain, numbness, and burning sensations.
However in complicated cases, if the physician is unable to Find the cause of shooting pain then other tests include reflects testing and strength testing. With these tests, the doctor differentiates the coexisting symptoms.
For confirmation of meralgia paresthetica doctor will also recommend you following test
- Electromyography -through this test electrical discharge from the muscle is measured to find out nerve and muscle disorders. To note the electric activity a thin needle electrode is placed into the muscle. For meralgia paresthetica patients the test result is normal but it helps in differentiating from other conditions.
- Imaging studies- although the x-ray of a person with meralgia paresthetica is normal but it helps in differentiation with pelvic and hip region disorders. To find out if the affected area has a tumor that is causing pain a CT scan or an MRI is recommended.
- Nerve blockage– a pain reliever anesthetic injection Is injected in your thigh to find out if the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve comes under a response
- Nerve conduction study-Patch electrodes are attached to the skin and a mild electrical impulse is generated in the nerve. The electrical impulse helps in diagnosing damaged nerves.
Meralgia Paresthetica During Pregnancy
Meralgia paresthetica during pregnancy is quite common because when the baby grows It increases the uterus weight, resulting in increased pressure on the thigh nerves causing pain.
Meralgia Parasthetica Sleeping Position
Using a rolling pin
By using a rolling pin on the affected area before going to bed you can restore the sensory function of the lateral nerve and this will relieve the pain.
Use tape
You can relieve the pain by decompressing it. When you apply tape to the area it will help in lifting the ligament which compresses the nerve.
Best meralgia paresthetica sleeping position
The best position to sleep during meralgia Paresthetica is sleeping on the opposite side of pain. Keep a pillow between the legs to reduce pressure on the nerve.
Use ice-pack
Before sleeping you can do icing to relieve swelling and pain.
Wear loose clothes
Tight clothes compress the nerve even more resulting in intense pain. Loose clothes, especially during the night, help to provide relief from pain.
Lose weight
Abdominal obesity is among the causes of meralgia paresthetica. When you will reduce weight it will ultimately relieve you from pain.
Meralgia Parathetica Treatment
There are three medical treatments for meralgia paresthetica
- Use of medication- like tricyclic antidepressants, corticosteroid injections, and antiseizure medicines (pregabalin, phenytoin, gabapentin, etc)..
- Surgery- rarely happens when the nerve is severely compressed.
- Physiotherapy- nerve pain is reduced through exercises
