• Shaw T
• Carter S

• Adult
• Female
• Femoral Nerve
• Manipulation, Chiropractic / adverse effects
• Open Access Document

Objective: To report the case of a 24-year-old female who presented with femoral nerve irritation following an adverse reaction to a chiropractic drop adjustment and to describe the rehabilitation process, including nerve flossing techniques and core stability exercises.

Clinical Features: A 24-year-old female came for care on crutches, unable to bear weight on the affected leg after experiencing a negative response to a drop adjustment. A lumbar MRI showed no disc pathology. Positive examination findings included Femoral Nerve Tension Test, Ely’s sign, reduced internal femoral hip rotation, prone lumbar stability test, Janda Hip Abduction, and a paradoxical breathing pattern. The patient also had a 45-degree internal foot rotation and an inability to bear weight on the involved leg.

Intervention and Outcome: The first treatment session involved femoral nerve flossing, crocodile breathing, and tall kneeling diaphragmatic breathing, resulting in a reduction of the foot’s internal rotation from 45 degrees to 20 degrees. The second treatment incorporated bilateral half-kneeling kettlebell heartbeat halos and lateral band-assisted knee extensions utilizing Reactive Neuromuscular Training (RNT). Following the 2nd session, her foot rotation decreased to 0, and she was able to walk 30 yards unassisted without pain.

Conclusion: An adverse reaction to a spinal adjustment revealed underlying femoral nerve irritation and weak core stability, which were successfully treated using nerve flossing techniques and core stabilization exercises.

Author keywords: Femoral Nerve Irritation; Nerve Flossing; Core Stability; Chiropractic Adjustment; Rehabilitation.

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