Mechanical Thigh Numbness

Mechanical Thigh Numbness




By Tony Oliveri, DPT

Thigh numbness can arise from many causes. This article will address the issue of mechanical thigh numbness, which occurs when there is pressure on a nerve, or the nerve has been stretched. There are many other causes for thigh numbness, which should be addressed by your physician, should the problem linger or not appear to be mechanical. With a mechanical problem, the numbness or tingling in your thigh will often change, depending upon the position of your thigh, hip, or lower back.



Sometimes, a slight contusion, such as bumping into a table or counter with your hip or thigh, can bruise a nerve and lead to numbness which may not occur until days later. If that is the case, you may not even recall the incident that led to the numbness. Another characteristic of thigh numbness that can be confusing is that it may not be constant. When the nerve is not compressed or stretched, there may not be any numbness. Compression or irritation of nerves supplying your thigh can occur in the thigh itself, parts of the lower back, hip, or groin. For example, many of us have had or know someone who has a pinched nerve in the lower back. If that is the case, changing positions of the lower back will often affect how the thigh feels.



On the other hand, if only the lower back is addressed during treatment, there may be little or no affect on thigh numbness. In some cases, thigh numbness can arise from actual stretching of a nerve, or compression from a surrounding muscle or other body part. Excessive stretching of a nerve can occur in a similar fashion as straining or over-stretching a muscle. Compression can occur directly on the nerve, (ever sat too long at the movies and your foot went numb?!), or on a nearby blood vessel. Since nerves do need oxygen, compression of circulation can lead to symptoms such as numbness or tingling.



Thigh numbness or tingling that lasts more than a few days should be addressed by a health care professional. In physical therapy, the cause of the numbness is explored prior to initiating treatment. That treatment may involve gentle movements to help restore normal mobility and circulation to the area. Your physical therapist may teach you exercises to help in this regard. Care must be taken, however, to avoid stretching a nerve that may be already over-stretched. In addition, physical therapy may also include treatments such as ultrasound, infrared, or cold laser, which have all been shown to promote healing.

Jaw Pain and Headaches

Jaw Pain and Headache




by Tony Oliveri, P.T.,D.P.T.



Pain related to the joints of the jaw is referred to as temporomandibular joint(TMJ) pain or dysfunction(TMD). The problem is often treated by dentists, oral surgeons and physical therapists. Symptoms may include pain in the head, neck or face and problems such as inability to fully open or close the mouth, difficulty chewing, or locking of the jaw. Many individuals with this problem experience clicking, popping, or cracking when opening or closing their mouth. In some cases, the jaw deviates to one side when the mouth is opened or closed. Some individuals have ringing in their ears or the sensation that their ears are “stuffed”.



Dentists will address TMJ by correcting tooth problems, such as how the top and bottom teeth fit together: occlusion. They also may fit the person for a night splint. In some cases, oral surgery is required. Often, while or after dental problems have been addressed, the sufferer may be sent to a physical therapist. Physical therapy can include exercises, stretching, posture correction, and various treatments to reduce pain.



Physical therapy treatment selection is aided by a determination of the cause of the problem. If the person has had jaw surgery, physical therapy will address regaining normal strength and flexibility for chewing and speaking. Often, people with TMJ problems will have neck pain. Regaining normal neck flexibility and posture is a frequent goal in these cases. Physical therapists may perform stretching to the neck, and sometimes the jaw muscles. One of the most popular treatments for TMJ is a home exercise program. In a home program, the patient is taught exercises which help to restore a normal resting position of the head, neck, jaw and upper shoulder girdle. Other exercises help to normalize opening and closing of the mouth. To reduce or eliminate pain, various treatments, such as infrared, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, heat, ice or massage may be given

Stretch Weakness

Just about all athletes, and most active people are encouraged to stretch as part of their fitness and training routines.  Stretching and flexibility is great, but sometimes can be overdone, and in some cases, should be avoided!!  Did you read that correctly?  Yes!  A condition called "stretch weakness" can develop in muscles, tendons and ligaments.  Just look at a stretched out rubber band: it no longer does the job it was intended for, even if it is not broken or torn.  The same can occur with the tissues in your body noted above.  When a muscle, tendon, or ligament is over-stretched, it loses strength; thus, it's performance deteriorates.  I see many people in my practice who have muscles or tendons that are so over-stretched, that they develop weakness, as well as pain, such as the pain of tendinitis.  If not thoroughly evaluated, these people are often told to stretch the problem area!! This only makes matters worse.  Testing for stretch weakness should be done by a physical therapist who is familiar with this condition.   Many well-intentioned health professionals, including some physical therapists could inadvertently tell a person to stretch more when it's the last thing they need.  I know that In my early days as a PT, I likely did the same thing in some cases, without even knowing it.  If you're having problems with a muscle, tendon, or ligament, have it looked at by someone who won't simply tell you to rest, take ant-inflammatories, and stretch!  You may need all three, but make sure.