The Pudendal Nerve and Its Connection to Pain: How Abdominal Therapy Can Help
If you have pelvic floor issues, sex is painful or you experience pelvic pain it might be because of a nerve in your butt you’ve never heard of before.
As a holistic abdominal therapist trained in the lineage of Dr. Rosita Arvigo and the traditional wisdom of the Maya people, I have worked with many women experiencing unexplained pelvic pain. One of the key players in pelvic discomfort is the pudendal nerve – a vital yet often overlooked nerve that can significantly impact a woman’s quality of life if its flow is disrupted.
What is the Pudendal Nerve?
The pudendal nerve is a major nerve in the pelvis. It originates from the lower spine (S2-S4) and travels through the pelvic region, providing nerve flow to key structures such as the pelvic floor muscles, vaginal lips, urethra (the tube from your bladder to the entrance of your vagina), and anus. Essentially, it plays a critical role in sensation and muscle control in this sensitive area and if you’re experiencing pain or discomfort here or having urine leakage it’s worth learning more about this nerve.
What Happens When the Pudendal Nerve is Blocked or Irritated?
When the pudendal nerve becomes compressed, irritated, or blocked, it can result in a condition known as pudendal neuralgia. The pudendal nerve weaves in and out of various structures in your pelvis so it can be easy for tight muscles or blood vessels to affect the nerve.
Pudendal neuralgia can cause a variety of distressing symptoms that might leave you feeling frustrated and unheard. The symptoms can be mistaken for other gynecological or urological issues, which can delay you getting the correct diagnosis and treatment.
Common Symptoms of Pudendal Nerve Dysfunction:
- Chronic pelvic pain that gets worse when you’ve been sitting for long periods of time
- Burning, stabbing, or aching pain in your pelvis
- Pain in the perineum, vulva, clitoris, or rectum
- Numbness, tingling, or hypersensitivity in the genital or pelvic area
- Painful sex
- Difficulty emptying the bladder or feeling like you have to wee urgently
- Constipation or painful bowel movements
What Causes Pudendal Nerve Dysfunction?
Pudendal nerve compression or irritation can occur due to a variety of factors:
- Pelvic misalignment: Imbalances in the pelvic bones can create pressure on the nerve.
- Tight pelvic floor muscles: Chronic tension can compress the nerve.
- Childbirth trauma: The nerve can be stretched or injured during delivery.
- Surgery or scar tissue: Scars from pelvic or abdominal surgeries may restrict nerve flow.
- Prolonged sitting: Sitting for extended periods, particularly on hard surfaces, can compress the nerve.
- Falls or accidents: Trauma to the pelvis can damage the nerve pathway.
- Cycling and weight lifting: Both can compress the nerve if you do them for long periods of time
How Can Sobada Abdominal Therapy Help?
Sobada Abdominal Massage is a gentle and non-invasive approach to addressing pelvic pain and restoring the natural flow of energy, blood, lymph, and nerve impulses to your pelvic organs. This traditional therapy focuses on abdominal massage and pelvic alignment to release tension and support the body’s natural ability to heal.
Here’s how abdominal therapy can help with pudendal nerve-related pain:
- Releases Tension in the Pelvic Floor: Through gentle external massage, the therapy helps relax and lengthen tight pelvic floor muscles, alleviating pressure on the pudendal nerve.
- Improves Pelvic Alignment: Misalignments in the pelvis can place undue stress on the nerve. By realigning the uterus, pelvis, and lower spine, abdominal therapy removes blockages and restores balance.
- Increases Circulation: Improved blood and lymph flow nourishes the tissues surrounding the pudendal nerve, reducing inflammation and encouraging healing.
- Addresses Scar Tissue: Abdominal therapy can help break down adhesions from past surgeries, which may be restricting the nerve pathway.
- Restores Nerve Flow: By improving overall pelvic health, the therapy supports the smooth flow of nerve signals to the pelvic organs.
- Promotes Relaxation: Stress and emotional tension can manifest as pelvic pain. Abdominal therapy nurtures the body-mind connection, encouraging a sense of calm and relaxation.
A Holistic Path to Healing
For women experiencing pelvic pain, particularly unexplained symptoms related to pudendal nerve dysfunction, Sobada offers a safe and effective path to relief. By honoring traditional wisdom and combining it with an understanding of pelvic anatomy, this therapy provides a holistic solution that addresses the root cause of discomfort rather than just masking the symptoms.
If you suspect that pudendal nerve dysfunction may be contributing to your pelvic pain, I encourage you to explore the healing potential of Sobada.
You don’t have to suffer in silence – there is hope, and there is help.
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