Procedure Description
An ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerve block is a minimally invasive injection used to diagnose and treat chronic pain in the lower abdomen, groin, and upper inner thigh. These nerves originate from the L1 spinal nerve and travel through the abdominal wall, providing sensation to the inguinal region, scrotum or labia, and adjacent skin.
By injecting local anesthetic and sometimes a corticosteroid around these nerves, the procedure helps reduce inflammation, numb the affected area, and interrupt pain signals—offering significant relief for patients with nerve-related groin or post-surgical pain.
What It Treats
Ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerve blocks are used to treat:
Chronic post-hernia repair pain
Postoperative groin or lower abdominal pain
Neuropathic pain after C-section or appendectomy
Inguinal neuralgia
Testicular, scrotal, labial, or pubic pain
Pain from nerve entrapment or trauma in the lower abdomen or groin
These blocks may be diagnostic (to confirm the source of pain) and/or therapeutic (to provide sustained relief).
How It Is Performed
You will lie on your back in a comfortable position.
The lower abdominal area is cleansed and numbed with a local anesthetic.
Using ultrasound guidance (or anatomical landmarks), the provider identifies the pathway of the ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerves.
A thin needle is inserted through the abdominal wall muscles near the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS).
A small amount of local anesthetic—with or without corticosteroid—is slowly injected around each nerve.
The needle is removed and a small bandage is applied.
The entire procedure typically takes 15–30 minutes and is performed in an outpatient setting.
Pre-Procedure Instructions
You may eat and drink normally unless sedation is planned.
Continue most regular medications unless directed otherwise. Your provider may ask you to pause blood thinners several days in advance.
Inform your provider if you:
Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Have bleeding disorders or take anticoagulants
Have allergies to local anesthetics or steroids
Have a fever or infection
Wear loose, comfortable clothing and consider arranging a driver if sedation is used.
What to Expect After the Procedure
You may feel numbness or tingling in the groin or lower abdomen immediately after the injection.
Pain relief can begin within minutes to hours, with steroid effects lasting days to weeks.
Most patients can return to normal activities the same day, though you should avoid strenuous activity for 24–48 hours.
If successful, the block may be repeated or followed by radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for longer-lasting relief.
Call your provider if you experience:
Worsening pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site
Signs of infection (fever, chills)
Numbness or weakness that persists or worsens
Lasting Relief for Groin and Post-Surgical Pain
At Parkview Spine & Pain, we offer precise, ultrasound-guided ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerve blocks to relieve pain stemming from nerve irritation, surgery, or trauma. This safe, non-surgical treatment can restore comfort and improve quality of life.
👉 Schedule a consultation today to learn whether this procedure is right for your pain condition.