Question
QUESTION: Hello! So pleased to have found this great site. For two weeks I have had a 4x7 patch of superficial numbness on one thigh. In some positions I have minor lower back pain and slight feeling of 'crunchiness' that started around the same time. No other symptoms. I am seeing a chiropractor later this week but wanted to do a bit of my own research as well. Very much looking forward to your answer and thank you!

ANSWER: Bethany,

I'm not completely sure what your question is, and you didn't give me a whole lot of information, e.g. where on your thigh, front, side, back?.  The little I got suggests that you should research a condition called:  Meralgia Paresthetica.   See if that matches what you have in the 4x7 (inches?) patch.   

'Hope this helps,

Dr. G

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: you're very right; as a professor I should have known to supply more information. It's on the upper portion of my thigh, on the front. I don't think it's Meralgia Paresthetica because there's no tingling or burning; I'm in very good shape otherwise (very thin, athletic, competitive runner). And yes, it's 4x7 inches. Do you think it could be a pinched nerve from anything else? Do disc problems ever cause this kind of thing?  I guess I am just trying to figure out how worried to be:). Thanks again.

Answer
Bethany,

Your chiropractor should be able to assess you to rule out Meralgia Peresthetica (via a pelvic compression test) or other forms of nerve entrapment, nerve compression/radiculitis (via straight leg raises and heel-to-buttock), and paresthesia from repetitive strain to the psoas or other hip flexors (from running).  Hip (ball/socket) joint compression and impingement tests should also be done to rule out a hip problem.  The fact that you don't have pain into your calf and foot, or pain radiating into your groin, and that you don't have stuff like foot-drop (weakness) is sign that nothing really bad is going on.   A thorough hands-on physical examination should home in on the problem, and the combination of joint manipulation and soft tissue release methods should resolve the problem.  

'Hope this helps.

Dr. G