The femoral nerve is made up of several nerve roots as they exit the lumbar spine (spine in the low back) – commonly L2, L3 and L4.  As they leave the spine, the blend together to form the femoral nerve which then passes through the buttocks and then into the front of the thigh.  It provides movement and sensation to muscles and skin in this region – most commonly the quadriceps (“quads”).  When the femoral nerve is irritated there may be pain, numbness, tingling and/or weakness in this same distribution.