Why me? Why now? I'm finally pain-free after back surgery two days ago and now my right thigh is numb. Is this normal? Why me??

Don't feel like you're alone. About one-fourth of all patients who have posterior spine surgery develop this problem. All affected have been placed on a special frame, table, or device to support the body during the operation.

The patient is placed face down with the hips bent slightly. The chest and pelvis are held up by padded supports. If the patient's lateral femoral cutaneous nerve crosses at just the right spot, the pelvic support can put pressure on it causing numbness.

Patients who are overweight or obese are at greatest risk for this problem. The weight of the unsupported belly pulls on muscles of the abdomen. This puts more pressure on the involved nerve.

Surgery also takes longer on larger patients. The longer they are in this position, the more pressure is exerted on the nerve, and the greater the chances of developing nerve impairment.

So if any of these factors were present for you, you may have your answer as to "why me?" and "why now"? The good news is that the condition is almost always temporary. The symptoms should go away in the next two weeks to two months at the most.