Inguinal neuralgia refers to pain in the pelvic region and/or groin caused by nerve dysfunction. The most common reason these nerves become dysfunctional is unintentional damage during hernia repair surgery. Entrapment of these nerves by post-surgical scar tissue is another way that inguinal neuralgia may develop after this type of surgery.

The nerves in this area of the body originate from the uppermost part of the lumbar plexus, a network of merging spinal nerves that exits either side of the spine in the lower back. These nerves are the most substantial of the inguinal region, and the most likely to sustain inadvertent injury with hernia surgeries and other types of abdominopelvic procedures.

The lowest of these three nerves runs through a muscle located on either side of the spine in the low back. It then forms two branches — the first division is the femoral branch, which innervates the upper part of the femoral triangle in the upper thigh, and the second division is the genital branch. In males, the genital branch affects the area of the scrotum. In females, the genital branch supplies the skin of the mons pubis and labia majora.

Due to the sensitive nature of this type of pain it is important to speak with your specialist about treatments and pain solutions. If you’ve had surgeries or procedures that affect this region and are experiencing pain, your doctor can help you.