If sitting causes you pain and common issues like back or hip problems have been ruled out, it might be time to consider a lesser-known cause called pudendal neuralgia. This condition often goes unrecognized, but it can have a significant impact on daily life.
You may have pudendal neuralgia if you experience extreme discomfort during activities such as sitting, biking, or driving. Ioannis Skaribas, MD, DABA, FASA, of Expert Pain in Houston, Texas, can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment so you can find relief.
Here’s more from our team about this often overlooked condition.
Pudendal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition that affects the pudendal nerve, which runs from your lower back through the pelvis and into the perineum. The perineum is the area between the genitals and the anus.
This nerve is responsible for sensation in the sitting region and also helps control pelvic muscles. When the pudendal nerve becomes irritated, compressed, or damaged, it can cause burning, aching, or sharp pain when you sit.
The symptoms of pudendal neuralgia vary from person to person, but the most common ones include:
You may notice that your pain usually improves when you stand or lie down, and worsens when you sit.
Pudendal nerve irritation can result from several causes:
Often, a combination of factors contributes to its development. In some people, though, pudendal neuralgia develops without an apparent trigger.
Because pudendal neuralgia shares symptoms with other conditions, such as sciatica, pelvic floor dysfunction, or urinary tract disorders, it’s often misdiagnosed.
At Expert Pain, your evaluation begins with a detailed history and physical exam. Your provider may recommend imaging or diagnostic nerve blocks, if necessary, to confirm that your pain is caused by the pudendal nerve.
Dr. Skaribas emphasizes that early and accurate diagnosis is essential to effective treatment.
Dr. Skaribas customizes treatment for pudendal neuralgia. Your plan may include:
You may also benefit from making lifestyle changes, such as avoiding prolonged sitting, using special cushions, and addressing any issues with bowel health.
If you’ve been dealing with unexplained pain while sitting or symptoms that don’t seem to fit a typical diagnosis, it’s time to schedule an appointment at Expert Pain. If you do have pudendal neuralgia, we can offer the right care and guidance to help you find relief.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn more about your treatment options for pudendal neuralgia.
