Ct and xrays showed mild age-related lumbar deterioration; dr diagnosed lateral cutaneous nerve compression based on symptoms. pain meds/antiinflammatories don't help at all. is there success with spinal decompression surgery for this prblem?

For most people, the symptoms of meralgia paresthetica ease in a few months. Treatment focuses on relieving nerve compression. Rarely, surgery to decompress the nerve is considered. This option is only for people with severe and long-lasting symptoms.

Rarely is SPINAL decompression surgery used to relieve meralgia paresthetica. However, when more conservative treatments have failed, sometimes LOCAL decompression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve can offer some benefit. Speak to a surgeon who has experience performing that procedure in particular. Be aware that there is a high risk of being left with a numb patch on the front of your thigh.

"Spinal decompression" would never be an appropriate approach to relieve the symptoms of meralgia paresthetica. Nerve pain meds such as gabapentin or Lyrica can help somewhat, and avoidance of tight belts about the waist may help. On occasion, nerve blocks help pain but prolong local thigh numbness. Weight loss often helps.