Ilioinguinal and Iliohypogastric Nerve Block
(Non-Surgical Relief for Groin, Lower Abdominal, and Post-Surgical Nerve Pain)
Overview
The ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerves provide sensation to the lower abdomen, groin, and upper inner thigh. These nerves can become irritated or entrapped due to surgery, trauma, or muscular compression—resulting in chronic groin pain or nerve-related discomfort after hernia repair or pelvic surgery.
An ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerve block is a targeted injection of local anesthetic (with or without corticosteroid) that reduces nerve pain/inflammation and confirms whether these nerves are the source of pain.
At Restore Spine and Pain, these procedures are performed under ultrasound guidance to ensure safe and accurate needle placement.
Conditions Treated
- Ilioinguinal or iliohypogastric neuralgia
- Chronic groin pain following hernia repair
- Post-surgical or post-traumatic groin pain
- Nerve entrapment syndromes of the lower abdomen or pelvis
What are the risks and side effects?
Risks and side effects are minimal, and serious complications are rare. We take every precaution to ensure your safety. Potential risks may include but are not limited to:
- Temporary increase in pain
- Bleeding or infection at the injection site (rare)
- Vasovagal reaction (lightheadedness or fainting)
- Allergic reaction to the medication
- Numbness or tingling in the surrounding area
- Elevated blood sugar in diabetic patients
Ask your provider if you have any concerns. Your physician will review the risks in detail before the procedure to ensure you are fully informed.
Pre-Procedure Information
How Should I Prepare?
- Driver Required: We ask that you arrange for a driver to take you home after the procedure.
- Food: You may eat a light meal 1–2 hours prior to the procedure. If sedation is planned, please follow the specific sedation protocol provided by our team.
Medications:
- Continue routine medications unless directed otherwise.
-
Blood thinners, Aspirin, NSAIDs, and supplements:
- Inform us in advance if you take blood thinners (e.g., Plavix, Eliquis, Xarelto, Coumadin), NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen), Aspirin, or supplements that increase bleeding risk.
- Certain medications may need to be stopped for a short period of time before the injection.
- Speak with your prescribing provider to ensure it’s safe to temporarily stop these medications
- Our team will review your medication list and coordinate with your other providers if needed.
Notify us if:
- You have a fever, infection, or are feeling unwell.
- You have started antibiotics or had changes to your medications
Sedation
Most cervical epidural steroid injections can be performed comfortably without sedation. However, if you have anxiety or difficulty lying flat, mild sedation may be offered at the discretion of the physician. Please discuss this with your provider in advance.
Special Instructions for Diabetic Patients:
Steroid injections may raise blood sugar levels for several days.
- Please contact your primary care physician or endocrinologist prior to the procedure for management recommendations.
- Monitor your glucose closely after the injection.
- Report sustained elevations to your managing provider.
What if I am pregnant?
There are serious potential risks to an unborn fetus from imaging used during this procedure (e.g., X-ray/fluoroscopy). If there is any chance you may be pregnant, please notify our team immediately and postpone the injection until pregnancy is ruled out.
Procedure Information
The procedure is performed using image guidance.
What to Expect:
1. Preparation:
- You will lie face down on a procedure table.
- The skin will be cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic
2. Injection Process:
- A needle is directed near the affected nerve(s).
- Local anesthetic with or without steroids is injected.
Monitoring:
- You will be monitored during the procedure to ensure comfort and safety.
- Most procedures last 10-15 minutes, followed by a brief recovery period on-site.
Post-Procedure Information
What to Expect After the Procedure
- Relief Timeline: : Steroids typically begin to work within 2 to 5 days, but in some cases may take up to 2 weeks
- Activity:You may resume light activities the next day; avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours. We recommend you return to work the following day.
- Soreness: Temporary soreness at the injection site is common.
- Pain tracking: Keep a log of symptoms over the next 1–2 weeks.
If successful, additional injections may be spaced out over time—typically no more than 3–4 per year in the same region.
Additional Instructions:
- Contact the office for any signs of infection, fever, or worsening pain.
- Attend follow-up as scheduled.
Schedule a Consultation
If you're dealing with chronic groin pain or nerve pain following hernia repair, ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerve blocks may offer effective, non-surgical relief. Contact Restore Spine and Pain today to learn more and schedule your consultation.