Nerve Blocks: Abdominal Wall Nerves Treatment in Charlottesvile, VA
A simple and effective way to manage abdominal wall pain.
What is a Nerve Block for Abdominal Wall Nerves?
Whether you're preparing for surgery or dealing with ongoing pain, a nerve block can provide targeted relief by temporarily numbing the nerves that cause pain. Nerve blocks for pelvic or lower abdominal pain generally involve three possible targets: the ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerves, the genitofemoral nerve, or the pudendal nerves. When talking about an abdominal wall nerve block we are referring to injections around the ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerves. Both nerves run right next to each other through the lower abdomen and often innervate together the same parts of the body. In fact, some people don’t have one nerve or the other. Generally speaking, they provide sensation to the lower pelvis and the upper inner part of the thigh in addition to the uppermost portion of the labia in some women and the scrotum in some men.
Why is a Nerve Block Performed?
At the Center for Advanced Gynecology, a nerve block of the abdominal wall nerves might be recommended for the following reasons:
- To treat neuropathic pain from branches of the ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerves
- To treat chronic abdominal wall, groin, hip, and pelvic pain
- To manage or stop lower abdominal, groin, labial or scrotal pain
- To reduce pain after abdominal surgery (hernia, appendectomy, cesarean section, laparoscopic surgery)
- To minimize postoperative pain medication use and aid in postoperative pain control
What are the Risks?
Nerve blocks in the abdominal wall are generally safe. However, they do have minimal risks, such as bleeding, infection, or allergic reaction to the local anesthetic. Your provider will discuss these potential risks with you before the procedure.
What To Expect
During your nerve block procedure, your provider will guide needle placement into the space where these abdominal nerves are found. A local anesthetic and sometimes a steroid are then slowly released into the area to shut down nerve signaling. This is done using a special needle and guided by ultrasound to ensure everything is done safely and accurately.
The anesthetic will temporarily stop the nerve that sends pain signals to your brain from firing, giving you pain relief almost immediately. You might feel a little numbness in the area, but this is normal and part of the pain-relief process. Your provider will be there to answer any questions and make sure you're comfortable throughout the procedure. When the block is effective, patients can achieve pain relief lasting several months.
Why Choose The Center For Advanced Gynecology
The Center for Advanced Gynecology, established in 2018, is dedicated to improving your health by offering expertise in various areas, with a specific focus on gynecological care and advanced surgical techniques when surgery is needed.
Our team provides specialized expertise in non-surgical treatment of chronic pelvic pain, painful intercourse, pudendal neuralgia, and vaginal, vulvar, and bladder pain.
Since opening our doors, we have recognized the need in our community for more than just specialty care and have a growing practice in routine gynecologic care, cancer screening, Pap smears, menopausal management, hormonal imbalances, hormone replacement therapy, breast care, contraceptive care, urinary incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse.