Pinched nerves can occur not only in the neck, lower back or limbs. In some cases, neurological pain occurs in the groin. This is a rather rare symptom, but it is noted in some patients. In the groin area there are branches of nerves located in the lumbar region and sacrum. Here are the endings of the ileo-inguinal nerve. It is rarely subject to compression. However, with some pathologies and injuries, an infringement of this section of the peripheral nervous system is observed. This is accompanied by chronic pain, and sometimes a feeling of numbness.
Anatomical structure
The ileo-inguinal nerve begins in the lumbar region. In the groin area, it branches into 2 parts. One of them innervates the hip. The second is called the inguinal branch. Further continuation of this nerve ending depends on the gender of the person:
- In men, the inguinal branch passes through the spermatic cord and ends in the scrotum.
- In women, the inguinal branch extends into the uterine ligament and ends in the labia majora.
The inguinal branch is responsible for the innervation of the following organs:
- muscles and skin of the anus;
- anal sphincter;
- external genitalia;
- perineal muscles;
- sphincter of the bladder.
The iliac-inguinal nerve affects the sensations during intercourse, the process of defecation and urination. His work is regulated by the autonomic nervous system.
With some pathologies, nerve compression occurs, which is accompanied by chronic aching pain.
Causes of pinched nerve
Why is pinched nerve? Most often, the inguinal branch is compressed after surgery for a hernia. During surgery, the doctor sutures the hernial opening. In this case, nerve branches are often damaged. In addition, after the operation, scar tissue is formed, which can compress the nerve.
There are other factors that can cause neuropathy (pinched nerve):
- pelvic fractures;
- difficult birth;
- tumors of the inguinal region;
- spasms of the anal sphincter;
- pathology of the uterine round ligament;
- varicocele;
- pelvic hypertension;
- herpes zoster;
- horseback riding;
- Long bike rides.
Symptomatology
It is often difficult to diagnose neuropathy of the ileo-inguinal nerve. Symptoms of pathology are usually mild. Patients have the following signs of the disease:
- chronic aching pains in the pelvic area;
- discomfort in the anus;
- urinary incontinence;
- foreign body sensation in the groin, as well as burning and tingling sensations;
- numbness of the genital skin;
- soreness during intercourse and urination;
- constipation.
In women, the following symptoms of pinching of the ileo-inguinal nerve are noted:
- genital itching;
- burning sensation when urinating.
For this reason, patients often take neuropathy for an inflammatory gynecological disease.
Complications and prognosis
In most cases, doctors manage to eliminate compression of the ileo-inguinal nerve. Treatment leads to the disappearance of pain and discomfort. However, a favorable prognosis is possible only if the patient promptly consulted a doctor. A complication of the advanced form of neuropathy is the chronization of the process. In this case, persistent disorders of sexual function, frequent urinary incontinence occur. Patients suffer from chronic constipation. In such cases, surgical treatment of neuropathy is indicated, which requires a long recovery from surgery.
Diagnostics
To detect neuropathy of the ileo-inguinal nerve, doctors prescribe an ultrasound examination. In the presence of pathology, deterioration of blood flow in the genital artery is determined. This vessel is usually compressed along with the inguinal branch.
A reliable diagnostic method is nerve block. The patient is injected into the affected area with a solution of analgesics and corticosteroids. If after this unpleasant sensations disappear, then this means that the cause of the pain was squeezing of the inguinal nerve. In this case, the patient is prescribed a course of treatment.
Conservative treatment
In the treatment of pinched ileo-inguinal nerve, the following drugs are prescribed to the patient:
- To relieve pain, the anticonvulsant Gabapentin is used.
- To eliminate spasms, muscle relaxant Midokalm is prescribed.
- It is recommended to take the multivitamin Neuromultivit complex.
With severe pain, nerve blockade is performed using analgesics and steroid hormones. With discomfort in the genital area or anus, the use of vaginal and rectal suppositories based on diazepam is indicated.
Medication is supplemented by physiotherapy. When a nerve is pinched, procedures such as phonophoresis and electrophoresis are useful.
Physical therapy is also recommended. It is useful to do exercises to expand and compress the muscles of the perineum. However, the exercise therapy complex should be performed only after stopping the pain syndrome.
Surgical intervention
In the absence of the effect of conservative therapy, surgical treatment is indicated. Under general anesthesia, the doctor performs a decompression operation. This eliminates the pinched nerve of nearby tissues.
This operation effectively eliminates all the unpleasant symptoms. However, the rehabilitation period can last several months. During this period, it is necessary to observe a gentle regime: to avoid physical exertion and prolonged sitting.
It is important to remember that even after surgery, relapses are possible. When exposed to adverse factors, repeated pinching of the inguinal nerve is possible. Therefore, preventive measures and recommendations of the attending physician should be observed.
Prevention
How to prevent neuropathy of the inguinal branch? First of all, it is necessary to cure such pathologies as hernia, pelvic fractures, herpes zoster, gynecological diseases in a timely manner. If after surgery in the pelvic area or complex birth, even slight aching pains persist for a long time, then consult a doctor.
A comfortable riding seat should be used. This will reduce the load on the inguinal nerve. For long bike rides, you need to take breaks periodically. This will reduce the risk of nerve damage.