Understanding Pudendal Neuralgia
Posted by      Jul 29, 2024     Neuralgia    Comments 0
Understanding Pudendal Neuralgia

Understanding Pudendal Neuralgia

pudendal cushion

Understanding Pudendal Neuralgia

Pudendal neuralgia, also known as pudendalgia, is caused by injury or compression of the pudendal nerve, a nerve located in the pelvis that innervates the perineal area and genital organs.

Pudendal neuralgia leads to pain while sitting, especially pain in the anus and genital pain, and is often difficult to diagnose due to a general lack of awareness about the condition. The Nantes criteria are sometimes used to diagnose pudendal neuralgia, and a nerve block test can help confirm whether the pudendal nerve is affected. Pudendal neuralgia also has a psychological component, as it can lead to chronic pain.

There is no definitive cure, but it is possible to reduce strain on the pudendal nerve and learn to live with pudendal neuralgia in order to minimize its impact on daily life.

Want to learn more about pudendal neuralgia? Explore our complete guide on pudendal neuralgia.

Our Solution for Pudendal Neuralgia

As a specialist in pudendal neuralgia for over 10 years, we have developed the Alcock-rest: a cushion for pudendal neuralgia specifically designed to relieve pudendal pain using three core principles:

  • • Offloading the Alcock canal from sacrum to perineum to avoid pressure on painful areas when sitting
  • • Postural wedge cushion, thicker at the back to open the pelvic angle, reducing forward abdominal compression and intervertebral disc pressure that could pinch the pudendal nerve
  • • High Viscosity Fluid pockets to distribute pressure across weight-bearing areas

Pudendal Neuralgia: Key Information and Advice Pudendal neuralgia results from compression or injury that causes inflammation of the pudendal nerve. This nerve originates in the pelvic region and runs through Alcock’s canal before innervating: the scrotum / labia majora the penis / clitoris part of the levator ani muscles, the ischiocavernosus and bulbospongiosus muscles, and the bulb of the penis Common Causes The causes can vary and are not always clearly identified. However, pudendal neuralgia may sometimes be triggered by: childbirth surgery a fall on the buttocks internal compression intensive sports activity that may damage the nerve Symptoms and Sensations Pudendal neuralgia can cause pain in the anus, rectum, urinary tract, perineum, and genital area. Individuals often report sensations such as burning, stabbing pain, a foreign body sensation, and may also experience constipation or incontinence. Diagnosis Challenges Diagnosis can be lengthy due to limited awareness of the condition within the medical field. Specialists typically base their assessment on reported symptoms and may refer to the Nantes criteria. A block test (nerve infiltration) can help determine if the pudendal nerve is involved. Treatment Options Several solutions can help relieve symptoms, including medications, nerve block injections, physiotherapy, and osteopathy. Two surgical techniques are sometimes used to remove tissue compressing the nerve. However, surgery is not always effective and may, in some cases, worsen the pain. Practical Tips from Our Experience When seated, keep your knees slightly lower than your hips to maintain a dynamic posture and reduce stress on the pudendal nerve. Avoid sitting for more than 2 consecutive hours. Always stay attuned to your body’s signals—identify movements and behaviors that worsen or improve your pain. Disclaimer The information provided here and throughout our website is based on our experience as ergonomic solution manufacturers, and on over a decade of daily conversations with people affected by pudendal neuralgia. Please note that this information may not be suitable for everyone.

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