burning sensation in thigh

At night when I sleep I get a burning sensation in the back of my thighs. Changing position does not help, Advil does not help. This sensation is significant enough that it can wake me from a sound sleep. I also have lower back pain that has gone on unresolved for years. How can I get rid of this burning sensation, it is significantly interfering with my sleep.

[Christopher R Newey, DO]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with a doctor.

Without the ability to examine and obtain a history, I can not tell you what the exact cause of the symptoms is. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.

Burning sensation is usually a pain syndrome associated with nerves, i.e.,neuropathic pain. It can also be associated with lack of stretching of muscles and other disorders (e.g.,rheumatological and endocrine). I am not sure how old you are but given you have a history of low back pain, it is likely neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain can be diagnosed by history and physical, and also may include an examination called EMG/NCS which assesses the condition of your nerves. This is performed at most neurology clinics. Treatment for neuropathic pain includes neurontin and lyrica, and medications such as elavil (which is an antidepressant but has actually been found to be helpful with neuropathic pain as well).

If you have not had your lower back evaluated, I recommend you doing so. If you have symptoms that include muscle weakness, loss of bowel or bladder control, loss of sensation, particularly in the pelvis and severe and progressive pain, you should be evaluated more urgently. I recommend that you follow up with your PCP who will then decide if you need more specialized input, such as from a neurologist.

Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.