Pudendal Neuralgia is a chronic pain resulting from injury, compression or irritation to the pudendal nerve. The pudendal nerve is a main nerve of the pelvis and originates from the lower back, and runs along pelvic floor muscles, out to the perineum (between pubic bone and tailbone). Pudendal Neuralgia is also referred to  as Cyclist’s Syndrome, Pudendal Canal Syndrome, or Alcock Canal Syndrome.

The pudendal nerve runs through your pelvic region, including your clitoris, urethra, and anus. As a result, pudendal neuralgia can make it hard to use the bathroom, have sex, or sit down.

Without treatment, over time there may be a progressive worsening of symptoms.

The nerves throughout the body are supple and slide smoothly with movement. Gentle pressure on nerves causes “pins and needles” but they recover quickly once pressure is released. However, the nerve can become traumatized and irritated, or compressed by bulky pelvic floor muscles or tight ligaments.

There is no one cause of pudendal neuralgia. It may be related to:

Childbirth trauma

Past pelvic or perineal trauma

Gynaecological or colo-rectal surgery

Cycling or spinning

Excessive physical exercise or heavy lifting

Poor postural habits, Stress

The main symptom of Pudendal Neuralgia is pelvic pain. More specifically, any areas supplied by the pudendal nerve can be affected. The following painful symptoms may also occur:

Sensations – A burning, stinging, shooting, “fork like” or prickling sensation which can develop gradually or suddenly

Pain can become constant or vary with activity or position

Pain can worsen with sitting and improve when standing or lying down

Increased sensitivity to pain – just a light touch or wearing clothes can be uncomfortable.

Bowel, bladder and sexual dysfunctions.

A thorough examination is key to diagnosing and treating pudendal neuralgia. A neurological and musculoskeletal examination of pelvis, lower back and legs can help find dysfunction and a specific treatment plan can be designed.

Our physical therapy plan may utilize any combination of following treatment methods:

Pudendal Nerve mobilization – To improve nerve’s ability to glide and release restrictions along the distribution path

Trigger point inhibition – Common muscles involved are deep pelvic floor muscles causing compression on the pudendal nerve. Trigger point inhibition can help relax these tight muscles

Relaxation techniques – Using diaphragmatic breathing to enhance the connection with pelvic floor muscles and achieved better resting tone in hypertonic pelvic muscles

Stretching Exercise – To improved flexibility of lower back, leg and pelvic muscles

Postural Education – Especially sitting posture to reduce further stress on pudendal nerve

We accept PPO/POS plans for most insurance companies. Although most insurance companies cover physical therapy, what they cover varies greatly. Please call us at 201-366-1116 or complete below form so we can verify your specific plan benefits.