Pudendal Neuralgia

Find Relief From Persistent Pelvic Nerve Pain

Burning, tingling, or sharp pain in the pelvic region can interfere with sitting, exercising, working, and enjoying your usual routine. These symptoms describe pain associated with irritation or increased sensitivity of the pudendal nerve. In some cases, nerve compression or entrapment may contribute to symptoms. If you are dealing with pudendal neuralgia in Worthington, Grandview, Westerville and Dublin, OH, Fitness Matters offers targeted physical therapy to identify factors contributing to your symptoms and help you move with greater comfort. Our goal is to help you understand what your body needs, improve pelvic function, and confidently return to the activities that matter to you.

What Causes Pudendal Neuralgia?

The pudendal nerve travels from the lower spine through the pelvis and provides sensation to areas of the genitals, perineum, and rectum. It also contributes to the function of pelvic floor muscles involved in bladder and bowel control.

Pudendal neuralgia occurs when this nerve becomes irritated, compressed, or sensitive. Because the nerve travels through several structures within the pelvis, different factors can contribute to symptoms, including:

• Prolonged sitting
• Cycling
• Pelvic trauma
• Childbirth or pelvic surgery
• Repetitive physical stress
• Increased pelvic floor muscle tension

In some cases, the cause is not immediately clear. However, an evaluation can help determine whether muscle tension, movement patterns, posture, or other factors may be placing additional stress on sensitive tissues.

Signs Your Pudendal Nerve May Be Irritated

Symptoms can differ from person to person and may occur on one or both sides. Common concerns include:

• Burning, aching, stabbing, or electric-like pelvic pain
• Tingling or numbness in the genital, perineal, or rectal area
• Pain that becomes worse with prolonged sitting
• Pelvic discomfort during or after exercise
• Increased sensitivity to clothing or pressure
• Pain with sexual activity
• Urinary or bowel symptoms
• A sensation of pressure or fullness in the pelvis

Because pelvic pain can have many causes, a thorough assessment is important. The team at Fitness Matters can evaluate your symptoms and determine whether physical therapy is appropriate for your needs.

A Personalized Approach to Pelvic Pain

Your pudendal neuralgia treatment begins by looking beyond the location of your pain. Your physical therapist may assess pelvic floor muscle function along with your hips, spine, posture, breathing, mobility, and movement habits. This whole-body approach can identify factors that may be contributing to nerve irritation or sensitivity.

Treatment is tailored to your findings and comfort level. Your plan may include:

• Pelvic floor relaxation and coordination exercises
• Manual therapy to address muscle and soft tissue restrictions
• Nerve mobility techniques
• Hip and spinal mobility exercises
• Breathing and relaxation strategies
• Core and hip strengthening
• Postural and movement retraining
• Education about sitting positions and activity modification

Care typically progresses gradually. Rather than pushing through painful movements, your therapist can help you find ways to stay active while reducing unnecessary irritation and building your tolerance for everyday activities.

Get Back to Living With Greater Comfort

Pelvic nerve pain can be frustrating, especially when it begins affecting activities you once performed without a second thought. However, you don’t have to navigate those symptoms alone. With one-on-one care at Fitness Matters, you can gain a better understanding of your symptoms and develop practical strategies for improving movement and function.

If you live in Worthington, Grandview, Westerville and Dublin, OH and are currently living with pudendal neuralgia, schedule a pelvic health evaluation at our clinic today. Together, we can help you take the next step toward moving, sitting, and living more comfortably.