Pudendal Neuralgia
Pudendal neuralgia AKA cyclists syndrome, pudendal canal syndrome or Alcock's syndrome is a neuropathic condition caused by inflammation of the pudendal nerve. The pudendal nerve arises from the ventral rami of S2, S3, and S4 passing through the sciatic notch and then dives deep into the perineum.
Common causes
- Prolonged childbirth
- Surgical trauma
- Cycling
- Squatting exercises
- SI or pelvic floor dysfunction
- Chronic constipation
- Repetitive vaginal infections
- Direct falls on the coccyx bone
SIgns and SYmptoms
- Pain with sitting
- Constant burning and itching
- Referred sciatic pain
- Pain referred to the medial aspect of the thigh
- Suprapubic pain
- Pain occurring with ejaculation
- Erectile dysfunction
- Dyspareunia
- Difficulty with urination and/or defecation
Physical Therapy implications
Refer out to a Gynecologist or Urologist for further testing.
References
Labat JJ, Riant T, Robert R, Amarenco G, Lefaucheur JP, Rigaud J. Diagnostic criteria for pudendal neuralgia by pudendal nerve entrapment (Nantes criteria). Neurourol Urodyn. 2008;27(4):306-310.
Images
http://neilbaum.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/screen-shot-2012-06-09-at-1-40-57-pm.png
http://homepages.ed.ac.uk/asb/SHOA2/pudendal%20nerve.jpg
Images
http://neilbaum.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/screen-shot-2012-06-09-at-1-40-57-pm.png
http://homepages.ed.ac.uk/asb/SHOA2/pudendal%20nerve.jpg