Neuropathic symptoms
Nerve pain after hernia surgery
Nerve irritation can cause burning, tingling, stabbing, or “electric shock” pain. This page explains common patterns, which nerves may be involved, and what treatments can help.
Symptoms that suggest nerve pain
Nerve pain often feels different to normal soreness or bruising.
Common descriptions
- Burning, shooting, or stabbing pain
- Electric-shock sensations
- Tingling or numbness
- Skin sensitivity (clothing/seatbelt painful)
Common triggers
- Walking with a long stride
- Twisting or hip extension
- Prolonged sitting (in some patients)
- Pressure over a tender point
If pain is rapidly worsening, associated with fever, vomiting, or a hard tender lump, seek urgent assessment.
Nerves commonly involved
Several nerves run close to the groin and lower abdominal wall.
Ilioinguinal nerve
- Groin pain ± upper inner thigh
- May involve scrotum/labia
- Often tender along the inguinal canal
Iliohypogastric nerve
- Pain above the groin
- Scar-adjacent hypersensitivity
- Lower abdominal wall discomfort
Genitofemoral nerve
- Deep groin pain
- Genital branch: scrotal pain
- Femoral branch: upper thigh symptoms
Assessment
The goal is to confirm the dominant pain generator and rule out other causes.
What a clinician may do
- Pain mapping and sensory testing
- Identify focal tender points
- Check for recurrence when appropriate
- Screen for hip/spine/adductor mimics
Diagnostic injections
In selected cases, a local anaesthetic injection (“nerve block”) can help confirm whether a specific nerve is contributing to symptoms. A positive response can help guide treatment.
Treatment options
Most care is stepwise, starting with conservative options and escalating when targets are clear.
Conservative options
- Activity pacing and graded return to exercise
- Targeted physiotherapy
- Neuropathic pain medications
- Sleep and bowel optimisation
Procedural options (selected cases)
- Repeat targeted blocks or injections
- Division of Specific nerves
- Division of multiple nerves
See also chronic groin pain and mesh pain.
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