What actually happens during my first visit?

Your initial consultation starts with detailed history-taking, followed by a thorough physical, neurological and orthopedic examination, your modesty is preserved throughout, and gowns are provided where necessary. If you have prior scans, X-rays, or specialist letters, bring them along; if further imaging is ever warranted, we can refer you locally. By the end of your visit, you'll leave with a clear explanation of what's going on and a considered plan forward. Treatment is usually provided on the initial consultation given the case is deemed within our scope of care.

How many sessions will I need before I notice a difference?

Every case is different, but as a general guide, most patients suffering from nerve pain notice a change in their symptoms within 6-10 visits. Once the nerve has been decompressed and the inflammation around the neural tissue is reduced, the body's own healing processes can start to work much more rapidly, which is often where patients notice the biggest shift. Longer-standing or chronic presentations understandably take more time, why nerve recovery takes time explains the biology behind this., as nerve damage typically can last for several months to, in some cases, years. We'll give you a specific timeframe once your assessment is complete.

How does chiropractic care help with nerve pain?

Nerve pain often stems from compression or irritation somewhere along the nerve's pathway, whether the irritation is to a joint, pressure, from a disc or tightened surrounding muscles. By identifying exactly where that irritation originates and combining manual therapy with functional rehabilitation and neural mobilisation, we aim to relieve pressure on the nerve and support its function returning to normal over time.

How is nerve pain actually diagnosed?

Diagnosis starts with a detailed history, followed by a hands-on neurological and orthopedic examination, testing reflexes, strength, sensation, and how your specific symptoms behave with movement and provocation. This is what actually localises where along the nerve's pathway the irritation is coming from. Imaging such as an MRI or ultrasound can be a useful part of the picture where it's clinically warranted, but it's used alongside the physical examination, not as a replacement for it, a scan on its own doesn't tell us how a nerve is actually functioning.

What kinds of nerve-related conditions do you see?

We see a wide range of nerve-related presentations, including sciatica, disc-related nerve pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital and Guyon's canal syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, piriformis syndrome, meralgia paraesthetica, Morton's neuroma, and other peripheral nerve entrapments, alongside general spinal and postural presentations that irritate nerves indirectly. Every case starts with an assessment to confirm what's actually going on before any treatment plan is built.

Is chiropractic care safe for nerve pain?

For most nerve-related musculoskeletal presentations, chiropractic care is generally considered a safe, conservative option. Treatment is adapted to your specific presentation, including low-force techniques where a nerve is highly irritated or sensitised, and we screen for red flags that would need onward referral rather than conservative care. As with any treatment, individual suitability depends on your specific history and presentation, which is exactly what your initial assessment is for.

Are there symptoms that mean I should see a doctor urgently, not book a chiropractic appointment?

Yes. Most nerve pain responds well to conservative care, but a small number of symptoms and history factors warrant prompt medical attention rather than a routine booking, loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness in the saddle area (the inner thighs, groin, or around the genitals), which can indicate cauda equina syndrome; progressive or rapidly worsening weakness; symptoms affecting both legs at once; fever alongside new or worsening pain; a current or previous history of cancer; a history of inflammatory arthritis alongside neck pain or new neurological symptoms; or unexplained, significant weight loss. If any of these apply to you, please see a GP or present to an emergency department rather than booking with us. We screen for these red flags as part of every initial assessment.

Do I need a referral from my GP to book an appointment?

No, our doors are open to everybody. Chiropractors are primary contact practitioners registered with AHPRA, so you can book directly.

Can you still help if I have osteoporosis, or I'm recovering from surgery?

Yes, in both cases. For osteoporosis or generally fragile bone density, we modify our approach with gentler soft tissue techniques, low-force mobilisation, and decompression therapy. For post-surgical cases, spinal fusion or micro discectomies, for example, we treat more delicately, with your surgeon's timeframe and any complications shaping the pace of your rehabilitation.

Can I claim private health insurance on the day, and what will it cover?

Yes, bring your physical or digital private health insurance card and we can process your rebate on the spot. Coverage varies significantly between insurers and the level of cover you've selected, so it's worth checking your Product Disclosure Statement or calling your fund directly if you want an exact figure before you visit.

Back to Clinical InsightsNerve Entrapment

Pudendal Nerve Entrapment: Causes and Treatment

Aret AboulianChiropractor

November 9, 2025•6 min read

It's rarely talked about, but pudendal nerve entrapment is a genuine, treatable cause of persistent pelvic and sitting-related pain that deserves the same careful assessment as any other nerve issue.

A Nerve That Rarely Gets Discussed

The pudendal nerve supplies sensation to the pelvic floor and genital region, a form of pelvic nerve entrapment that is rarely discussed., and like many other nerves in the body, it can become compressed or irritated at specific anatomical points along its path, most commonly near a structure called Alcock's canal, or between two of the ligaments at the base of the pelvis. Because the symptoms involve a sensitive area of the body, pudendal nerve entrapment is discussed far less openly than conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, even though the underlying mechanism is fundamentally similar.

How It Tends to Present

The hallmark symptom is pain in the pelvic, perineal, or genital region, how we approach assessment for complex nerve presentations covers the clinical examination process. that's characteristically worse with sitting and eased by standing or lying down, a pattern that helps distinguish it from many other causes of pelvic pain. Symptoms can include burning, aching, numbness, or a sensation of swelling in the area, and they may be one-sided or affect both sides depending on where the compression is occurring.

What Tends to Contribute

Prolonged sitting, particularly on hard or narrow surfaces, is a consistent contributing factor. Systemic and non-mechanical causes of nerve pain should also be excluded for pelvic pain presentations., is one of the most consistently reported contributing factors, which is part of why cyclists are represented disproportionately among people affected by this condition. Pelvic floor muscle tension, childbirth-related changes, and previous pelvic surgery or trauma are other recognised contributors.

Why a Careful, Multidisciplinary Approach Matters

Because pudendal nerve entrapment sits at the intersection of musculoskeletal, pelvic floor, and sometimes gynaecological or urological factors, a thorough history and examination, approached with appropriate care and privacy, is essential, and management often benefits from working alongside a pelvic health physiotherapist or specialist rather than being treated in isolation. There's no need to feel embarrassed raising these symptoms; it's a recognised, legitimate nerve condition, not an unusual or shameful complaint.

What Helps

Modifying or temporarily reducing the sitting positions and activities that aggravate symptoms, including cycling saddle adjustments where relevant, is often a useful starting point. From there, addressing pelvic floor tension, restoring nerve mobility, and building a broader plan around your specific presentation and any contributing factors identified during assessment tends to give this condition the best chance of settling over time.

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