The genitofemoral nerve starts from the roots of the first 2 lumbar nerves, i.e., the L1 and L2 segment of the spinal cord. It is a mixed nerve that consists of major sensory fibers and innervates the male and female genitals as well as the inner thigh upper area.
Then the nerve traverses via the psoas major muscle and at the inguinal ligament,it splits into a femoral and a genital branch.The femoral branch section of the genitofemoral nerve passes via the inguinal ligament and arrives at the thighs inner area.
In females, the genital branch section of the nerve passes across the inguinal canal, arrives at the vaginal region,and innervates the uterus.It traverses alongside the spermatic cord in males and innervates the cremasteric muscles and the scrotum. It may be noted that the testis is enclosed by the cremaster muscles.
Genitofemoral nerve pain
Genitofemoral nerve pain refers to discomfort and pain that affects the lower section of the abdomen and pelvis. Such pain is usually unilateral and rarely bilateral. The pain may be ascribed as pain in the inner section of the thigh as well as in the groin.
Genitofemoral nerve pain tends to be very agonizing when pressure is applied on the groin area above the inguinal section or when the lower back is straightened. It is often termed as genitofemoralneuralgia by medical experts.
The condition is usually triggered by irritation, impairment, compression, or impingement of the nerve in any place along its route. In most cases, genitofemoral nerve pain is triggered after surgical remedy of inguinal hernia which is marked by development of a pinched nerve in the inguinal canal. Other common triggers of such pain include trauma or direct blow to the groin; lifting objects that are very heavy; inguinal ligament damage or sprain; accidents and whiplash injuries; tumors or growths in the spinal canal; spinal canal stenosis; and abscess development in the psoas muscle.
Symptoms accompanying genitofemoral nerve pain
Some of the signs and symptoms that may occur along with genitofemoral nerve pain are listed below:
- Numbness, sharp pain, and burning sensations in the pelvis, groin, and lower area of the abdomen. It may then radiate to the inner part of the upper thigh.
- Both women and men experience such pain. In women, it radiates in the pelvis in the labia majora area, while it is felt in the scrotum in men.
- There may be some form of sensory loss in the area of inner thigh. Women may suffer from loss of sensation in the vaginal structures while males may experience sensory loss in the scrotal region.
- Genitofemoral nerve pain does not spread to the knees and is restricted to the thigh area. The pain may be more intense when in certain postures. For example, it may be more severe when spine is straight or extended; hence bending forwards tends to ease the pain.
- As the location of the genitofemoral lesion, the pain tends to radiate along the genital or femoral branch, or even both. If nerve impingement occurs before nerve division, then pain is felt along both femoral and genital branches. If lesion occurs after the division, then it is isolated along just either one of the branches.
Treatment of genitofemoral nerve pain
Treatment and management of genitofemoral nerve pain is quite difficult and hence requires a multi-disciplinary approach. A few treatment options are listed below:
- Use of varied medications to alleviate pain, including NSAIDs, pain killers, opioids, topical steroids, analgesics, anti-convulsants, and corticosteroids.
- Some patients may suffer from depression which is treated with anti-depressants.
- Alternate use of hot and cold packs can help ease pain
- Repetitive movements which typically exacerbate pain and associated symptoms need to be avoided. Prolonged sitting or squatting is not recommended.
- Pain can be effectively managed via physiotherapy. Consult a physical therapist for therapies best suited for you.
- Relaxation techniques, biofeedback, psychotherapy, and breathing techniques can also help in pain alleviation
- Another curative treatment for genitofemoral nerve pain is low-intensity non-invasive laser therapy.
- Neuralgic pain can be managed effectively with varied homeopathic medicines. Homeopathic treatment is typically individualized. Hence patients need to consult a very good homeopathy doctor for therapy.
- Valerian roots soothes the genitofemoral nerve and can ease associated pain. White sage, lobelia, and similar herbs often work wonders on alleviation of nerve diseases.
- Acupuncture and acupressure are known to help find relief from genitofemoral neuralgic pain.
Genitofemoral nerve block
If all else fails, doctors may opt for genitofemoral nerve block. It is a non-surgical minimally invasive procedure that helps treat persistent pain. It is an effective technique to manage pain conditions affecting the testes, groin, pelvis, and penis. The nerve block therapy works by blocking or decreasing the intensity of pain signals that originate from the varied nerves.
