When you do sit, use a ‘U-shaped’ foam cushion with the front and centre area cut out, or sit on 2 towels rolled up under each buttock so there is no pressure in the centre. While pressure on the pudendal nerve may have been the problem that started the pain, it is common for pelvic muscle pain or spasm to develop as well. Tight pelvic muscles can also be the cause of pressure on the nerve. They are commonly inter-related. Once pain has been present for more than three to six months, there will also be the changes to nerve pathways described as chronic pain.
A pelvic physiotherapist who understands how to ‘down train’ pelvic muscles (not tighten them) can teach you how to relax and lengthen your pelvic muscles, to take pressure off the nerve and reduce muscle pain.
Avoid straining when you pass urine or open your bowels, and avoid overly strengthening your pelvic muscles
Some centres offer botox to the pelvic floor muscles or pudendal nerve blocks for this problem.
To help the nerve recover, you should avoid activities that put pressure on the nerve, such as sitting, or cycling.
From the Women’s Health & Research Institute of Australia
Use the password ‘pudendal‘ to view the video on vimeo.com
WHRIA Judy’s Story from WHRIA