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Nerve Blocks: Abdominal Wall Nerves Treatment Near Fredericksburg, VA
An effective and straightforward solution for managing abdominal wall pain.
What is a Nerve Block for Abdominal Wall Nerves?
If you're facing surgery or managing chronic pain, a nerve block offers focused relief by temporarily numbing the specific nerves responsible for the pain. For pelvic or lower abdominal discomfort, nerve blocks typically target three key areas: 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. The ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerves are closely positioned in the lower abdomen, often working together to innervate the same body areas. In some cases, individuals may lack one of these nerves entirely. These nerves are primarily responsible for sensation in the lower pelvic region, the upper inner thighs, and, in some women, the upper portion of the labia, as well as 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 may be considered for the following purposes:
- To address neuropathic pain caused by branches of the ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerves
- To alleviate chronic pain in the abdominal wall, groin, hip, and pelvic areas
- To manage or eliminate pain in the lower abdomen, groin, labia, or scrotum
- To help reduce discomfort following abdominal surgeries such as hernia repairs, appendectomies, cesarean sections, or laparoscopic procedures
- To lower the need for postoperative pain medications and assist in overall pain management after surgery
What are the Risks?
For individuals in Fredericksburg, abdominal wall nerve blocks are generally safe but come with minimal risks, such as bleeding, infection, or an allergic reaction to the local anesthetic. Your healthcare provider will thoroughly discuss these potential risks with you before the procedure.
What To Expect
During your nerve block procedure, your healthcare provider will carefully position a needle into the area where the abdominal nerves are located. A local anesthetic, and sometimes a steroid, is then slowly injected to block nerve signals. This is done using a special needle, with ultrasound guidance to ensure precision and safety throughout the process.
The anesthetic will temporarily prevent the nerve from sending pain signals to your brain, providing immediate pain relief. You may experience some numbness in the treated area, which is a normal part of the pain-relief process. Your provider will be available to answer any questions and ensure you feel comfortable during the procedure. When successful, the nerve block can offer pain relief for several months.
Why Choose The Center For Advanced Gynecology
Founded in 2018, the Center for Advanced Gynecology is committed to enhancing your health by offering expert care, specializing in gynecological treatments and advanced surgical options when necessary. Our team is skilled in non-surgical approaches to manage chronic pelvic pain, painful intercourse, pudendal neuralgia, and various forms of vaginal, vulvar, and bladder pain.
Since our establishment, we’ve recognized a growing demand for comprehensive care in Fredericksburg community, leading us to expand our services to include routine gynecological care, cancer screenings, Pap smears, menopause management, hormone therapy, breast health, contraceptive counseling, urinary incontinence solutions, and pelvic organ prolapse treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions
A nerve block typically offers at least 6 hours of pain relief, but for those with chronic or persistent pain, the aim is to achieve relief that can last several months.
If the nerve block proves effective, it can usually be repeated every 1 to 3 months, depending on individual needs.
A nerve block can be an excellent choice since it specifically targets the pain source, reducing the reliance on other pain medications that may come with unwanted side effects. Your healthcare provider will assess your situation to determine if this treatment is suitable for you.
The procedure typically takes about 15 minutes, though you should allow for about 45 minutes at the clinic to accommodate pre- and post-procedural safety measures.
The injection generally contains a combination of local anesthetics like lidocaine and bupivacaine, with a steroid such as Kenalog (triamcinolone) or Depo-Medrol (methylprednisolone acetate) added when necessary.
Most patients experience only mild discomfort, such as an initial needle prick followed by a burning sensation from the anesthetic. A pressure sensation is common during the procedure and generally resolves within minutes, with minor soreness lasting up to a week.
If you're experiencing persistent pain in the lower abdomen, groin, pelvis, or upper labia or scrotum that hasn't been linked to any internal issues, a nerve block could be an option. Discuss your symptoms and medical history with your provider to see if a nerve block is right for you.
Your provider will thoroughly review your medical history and any allergies to ensure that the procedure is safe and appropriate for you.