Pudendal neuropathy

Pudendal neuralgia, also known as Alcock’s syndrome or pudendal canal syndrome, refers to pelvic pain originating from pathology involving the pudendal nerve. The pudendal nerve originates in the pelvis and provides sensory and motor innervation to the pelvis. It has 3 branches that, in men, innervate the penis, the scrotum, perineal region, and the anus. Irritation of the nerve root or one of the branches can cause pain in its respective area. Injury to the pudendal nerve may include nerve compression or irritation at the level of the nerve root from prolonged sitting or bending, tight tissues or degenerative joint changes leading to nerve entrapment, increased tension in the nerve from repetitive straining, surgery, organ prolapse, or pelvic infections.

What are the Signs and Symptoms?

• Itching, burning, tingling, cold sensations, burning, and shooting pain in the genital and/or anal region
• Pelvic pain with sitting, improved with standing or sitting on a toilet seat
• Discomfort when wearing tight clothing
• Feeling of fullness in the rectum
• Pain with intercourse
• Bladder and/or bowel symptoms (hesitancy, frequency, urgency, retention, constipation, pain with voiding)

Reflexology is a great solution for this not so well known pathology. Already after the first treatment, the pain can ease and become more bearable. Within a few weeks, or a couple of months (the length is always dependant on the patient), it is possible to fully recover from pudendal neuropathy.