In women, low back and groin pain that radiates to the front of the pelvis can have a variety of causes. The pain can be dull, sharp, or burning. Low back pain in women can also radiate to the front of the pelvis.
Although it sounds like two different types of pain (low back pain and groin pain), health care providers lump them together as one. If you have pain in one area, you may also have pain in the other.
The main causes of low back and groin pain in women fall into two categories.
- musculoskeletal and nervous system: Causes related to pain affect the movement of muscles, nerves, ligaments, joints, and bones. Examples include sciatica, arthritis, and injuries.
- Other organ based systems: Causes may come from the kidneys (eg, stones), the reproductive system (eg, ovaries), or the gastrointestinal system (eg, hernia or appendix). Causes may also be related to acute/chronic diseases or infections.
This article looks at the possible causes of lower back and groin pain in women. It also explains the diagnostic process, treatment options, and prevention of low back and pelvic pain.
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Causes of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system.
Causes of back/groin pain in women that are related to the musculoskeletal and nervous systems may be obvious to you (for example, a fall) or less obvious (for example, poor posture).
Overuse Injuries and Trauma
Frequent use and repetitive movement patterns can cause it.Overuse Injuriesin muscles, ligaments and joints. This could include:
- Exercises and physical activities, such as tennis or golf, that require repeated twisting and bending in the same direction.
- Frequent lifting of heavy objects or repetitive movements.
The trauma can also lead to pain in the lower back and groin. Trauma can result from car accidents, falls, or sports accidents. Such trauma can lead to acute and chronic physical injuries, such as muscle strains or broken bones. Depending on the type of trauma, healing time and required treatment may vary.
Both overuse and traumatic injuries to the lower back or groin can cause leg weakness, tingling, numbness, pain, stiffness, or a popping sensation.
poor mobility
Reduced mobility and the mobility of muscles and joints over time can lead to discomfort and pain. Causes for this include:
- Spend a lot of time in the same position.
- prolonged sitting
This type of pain often feels dull, achy, and stiff. Muscle spasms may also occur, characterized by brief episodes of sharp, intense pain.
What Causes Groin Pain When Walking?
attitude
Your posture when sitting, standing, and walking affects your freedom of movement. It can also affect the nerves and blood supply to the back and groin.
Prolonged incorrect posture can lead to back pain and muscle tension. Postural discomfort can feel painful and stiff, leading to brief episodes of increased pain.
Sciatica and pinched nerves
SciaticaYpinched nervesthey are most commonly caused by a bulging or herniated disc. Thisfeel like a shooting, burning, or radiating painalong the neural pathway.
Arthritis
ArthritisIt is an inflammation that causes swelling, stiffness, pain, and breakdown of the cartilage that cushions the joints. Hip arthritis causes pain in the groin and sometimes back pain, which is made worse by prolonged standing or walking.
Arthritis of the thoracic or lumbar spine or degenerative disc disease are other common causes of back pain.
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
The sacroiliac joints connect the lower spine and the pelvis. If these joints move too much or too little, it can cause problems.Sacroiliac joint painThis leads to a burning sensation in the lower back and groin.
Renal/Urine Causes
kidney stones
kidney stonesThey are caused by the accumulation of minerals and salts that form a hard, stone-like ball in the kidneys. When the kidney stone begins to move from the kidney to the bladder, it usually becomes painful. It causes severe pain in the back and side, and pain that radiates to the groin, as well as symptoms such as a change in the color of urine, painful urination, nausea, and vomiting.
Kidney and urinary tract infections
urinary tract infections andkidney infectionsare other causes of lower back and groin pain in women. They cause fever, frequent urination, and painful urination.
gynecological causes
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Infections of the female reproductive organs, the so-calledpelvic inflammatory diseaseit usually occurs when sexually transmitted bacteria spread to the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries.
Symptoms include:
- Pain in the lower abdomen or groin area
- Fever
- pain during sex
- bleeding between periods
- vaginal discharge
ovarian cysts
Aovarian cystIt is a solid or fluid-filled sac on the surface or inside an ovary. Small ovarian cysts are unlikely to cause pain.
Large or ruptured ovarian cysts can cause pain that can range from mild discomfort to severe pain. This pain can occur during the menstrual cycle or sexual intercourse, or acutely in the back, pelvis, or lower abdomen.
Back and groin pain during pregnancy
Back pain and groin discomfort are common during pregnancy. As your body adjusts to the pregnancy, the bones and circular ligaments in your pelvis move and stretch, which can cause discomfort.
Although these symptoms are usually normal, it is important that you notify your doctor in your check-ups. Lower back and groin pain during pregnancy can be a sign of miscarriage or labor (including preterm labor).
Contact your doctor right away if your pain is severe or does not go away, or if it is accompanied by vaginal bleeding, cramping, or discharge.
sexually transmitted disease
Some sexually transmitted infections, such asclamidiaohiker, can cause lower back and groin pain. Other symptoms may include painful urination, vaginal discharge, painful intercourse, and bleeding between periods.
candidiasis
Acandidiasisis the overgrowth of the fungusCandidiasis. It is a common vaginal infection whose symptoms include itching, swelling, irritation, and pain in the pelvis.
Sex positions that cause back pain and what to do about it
other causes
Appendicitis
Appendicitis occursif your appendix is blocked and infected. For most people, pain that starts near the belly button is a major symptom. However, for some, it can start in the lower back and radiate to the right side of the pelvic area.
pain associated withAppendicitisit can get worse over time if you cough, move, or breathe deeply.
Otherssymptoms of appendicitisThese include upset stomach, nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite, fever or chills, or abnormal bowel movements (including constipation and/or diarrhea).
Is my pain due to an ovarian cyst or appendicitis?
hernia
A hernia is called a hernia.hernia. This is soft tissue, often part of the intestine, that pushes through the weak muscles in the groin. It causes pain in the abdomen, lower back, or pelvis, especially when bending over or lifting heavy objects.
pancreatitis
pancreatitisIt is an inflammation of the pancreas. One of its symptoms is abdominal pain that radiates to the back. It can be caused by gallstones, alcohol, or an infection.
Pancreatitis pain is worse during and after eating. Other symptoms of pancreatitis include nausea, vomiting, and fever.
enlarged lymph nodes
Haylymph nodesThey are found both in the internal and external areas of the iliac artery. These can become enlarged for many reasons, including infection, injury, and in rare cases, cancer. Symptoms of enlarged lymph nodes include pain, swelling, redness and irritation of the skin, and fever.
enlarged spleen
Hebaseit is a small organ located behind the left side of the rib cage. Filters the blood and helps form new blood cells. Like the lymph nodes, infection and disease can cause the spleen to enlarge.
Pain associated with an enlarged spleen (a condition known assplenomegaly) is usually located on the left upper abdomen, and sometimes on the left shoulder and upper back as well. However, some people with an enlarged spleen experience abdominal discomfort, such as B. the inability to eat large meals without discomfort.
When to see a health care provider
If your pain is caused by a muscle strain, minor joint sprain, or overuse, the pain should decrease with rest and improve without medical help.
If you have chronic or unusual lower back and groin pain, see your GP.Obstetrics and Gynecologycan help you identify the cause of your pain or refer you to a specialist. Lower back and groin pain in women is a symptom that has many possible causes. Therefore, be sure to see your doctor for a proper diagnosis.
See a doctor at an emergency room or ER center right away if your pain is severe or sudden, or if you have any of these symptoms:
- dizziness
- Fever
- nausea and vomiting
- Rapid breathing or heart rate
- weakness
To diagnose
Depending on the cause of your pain, a doctor can diagnose it by doing a physical exam and asking questions about your condition. More tests may be needed to find the cause, especially blood tests and imaging (bone scanomagnetic resonance imaging).
Treatment
Treatment for your pain will depend on the cause. Once a diagnosis is made, your treatment plan will be created. An effective treatment plan will likely include a combination of the following tactics:
lifestyle management
For injuries caused by muscle strains, joint sprains, overuse, and minor trauma, rest, freezing, and over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen often relieve pain. Orthotics or compression bandages can support your body and reduce pain while you heal.
Postural exercises, mindfulness when lifting, and stretching can help reduce pain.
drug
Medications can be used in a variety of ways to treat pain in the lower back and groin. If your pain is caused by an infection, medication will be prescribed to kill the infection and relieve symptoms of the condition. These include:
- antibiotics
- Antimycotics
- Virostatika
Your doctor may also prescribe medicine to relieve your pain. This may include:
- Medications to relieve nerve pain
- The muscle relaxant
- Analgesic
- steroids
physical therapy
Working with a physical therapist will help solve problems with:
- decreased mobility
- attitude
- Fortaleza
- walking equipment
Depending on your condition, physical therapy can relieve or resolve your pain by helping to solve problems or improve your situation. A physical therapist will provide you with exercises to help increase and maintain your strength, mobility, and flexibility.
pelvic floor therapy
pelvic floor therapyIt is a form of physical therapy that focuses on the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissue in the pelvis. Helps with pain, weakness, and dysfunction in the pelvic floor area.
A physical therapist will determine a treatment plan for pelvic floor therapy to increase the strength and mobility of the pelvic muscles.
chiropractic care
Chiropractors offer spine and hip corrections to realign the joints of the spine. Adjustments performed by a trained chiropractor have been shown to help reduce back and hip pain.
Operation
Some conditions are more serious and may require surgery. Ovarian cysts, hernias, and other infections sometimes require emergency surgery to remove infected or unhealthy tissue (such as a tear).ovarian cystsoAppendicitis).
Also, sometimes health care providers recommend essential surgeries that are not strictly necessary, such as:
- a hernia repair
- A hip replacement designed to relieve arthritis pain
- Gallbladder removal to prevent recurrence of pancreatitis
prevention
Not all ailments and diseases that cause lower back and groin pain in women can be prevented. However, for some conditions, lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of pain. To prevent back and groin pain, consider the following:
- Use proper bending and lifting techniques.
- eat healthy food
- Get some form of physical activity every day, such as walking, swimming, yoga, bicycling, or lifting weights (with proper form).
- keep a healthy weight
- Keep hydrated
If you have any questions about the symptoms you are experiencing, please consult your doctor. Early treatment is always the best way to control pain.
Summary
Low back and groin pain in women can have a variety of causes. Like your doctor, you may want to group possible causes into categories that may include musculoskeletal or nervous system problems, renal/urinary causes, gynecological influences, and some conditions you might consider "other" triggers.
Determining the cause is the first step in designing a treatment plan, which may include lifestyle improvements, medication, physical therapy, or chiropractic care.
FAQs
What causes pain in the lower back and groin in women? ›
Examples include sciatica, arthritis, and injury. Other organ system-based: Causes may stem from the kidneys (such as stones), reproductive system (such as the ovaries), or gastrointestinal system (such as inguinal hernias or appendix). Causes can also be related to acute/chronic conditions or infections.
What causes lower back and groin pain in women? ›Examples include sciatica, arthritis, and injury. Other organ system-based: Causes may stem from the kidneys (such as stones), reproductive system (such as the ovaries), or gastrointestinal system (such as inguinal hernias or appendix). Causes can also be related to acute/chronic conditions or infections.
What does it mean when your lower back and groin hurt? ›Most instances of groin pain are due to acute injuries that typically resolve on their own with home treatments given enough time. However, groin pain that presents with pain in the mid or low back, could be caused by a spinal condition like a herniated disc, pinched nerve, arthritis, or spinal stenosis.
How do you get rid of lower back and groin pain? ›In cases where pain is caused by too much movement, icing the lower back and pelvis and refraining from exerting physical activity can lessen symptoms and allow the joint to heal. In cases where SI pain is caused from too little motion, physical therapy can help alleviate symptoms.
When should I worry about female groin pain? ›In most cases, groin pain is not serious. However, if you are in severe pain or you have groin pain after an accident or injury, it is important to seek urgent medical attention. Hip fractures can cause sharp groin pain and often need surgery to stabilise the broken bone.
Can lower back pain radiate to groin and down leg? ›Sciatica is characterized by lower back pain that is caused by a pinched (compressed) nerve in the lumbar spine. The pain radiates along the sciatic nerve, which is one of the main nerves that runs down the lower back, the hips, buttocks, and the legs.
What cancers cause groin pain in women? ›Lymphoma in the groin is a type of cancer that affects the lymph nodes in the groin area. The disease can present as either Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Lymphoma occurs when the body's immune system produces atypical cells that grow and multiply out of control, leading to tumors in the lymph nodes.
What is a red flag for groin pain? ›Seek immediate medical attention if you have: Groin pain associated with back, abdomen or chest pain. Sudden, severe testicle pain. Testicle pain and swelling accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fever, chills or blood in the urine.
Why does my lower back pain radiate to the hip and pelvis? ›Lower back pain may radiate toward the front of the pelvis for a number of reasons. Some of the most common sources of this type of pain include spinal injuries, bulging discs, nerve root irritation, and changes that occur during pregnancy.
Why does my lower back pain radiate to my inner thigh? ›Lower back pain that travels down the front of the thigh is usually caused by a pinched nerve. This can be caused by a bulging or herniated disc, an arthritic facet joint, or a bone spur.
How long does back and groin pain last? ›
With rest and proper treatment, most groin strains heal on their own in about 4–8 weeks. More severe groin strains can take longer. It is very important to let the strain heal fully and get the doctor's OK before going back to activities.
What can cause pain in the groin area of a woman? ›Groin pain in females is most often caused by muscle strain. However, many other possible causes, include urinary tract infections, ovarian cysts, appendicitis, kidney stones, and osteoarthritis (OA). Groin pain can also be related to pregnancy.
Can a pinched nerve in lower back cause groin pain? ›A pinched nerve in the lower spine may cause groin pain. Numbness and tingling in the groin area may also happen. 8 This condition is called lumbar radiculopathy . Compression of a nerve (called nerve entrapment) may cause burning or stabbing groin pain, as well as middle-thigh pain.
What can be mistaken for groin pain? ›Sports hernias mimic the symptoms of a pulled groin, yet they are a separate condition of the groin muscles. Essentially, if you have a chronic pulled groin, chances are that you have a sports hernia.
Can sitting too much cause groin pain? ›And if you're sitting for 2-3 hours at a time this may lead to a bit of stiffness when you eventually do stand up and go for a walk, or may even lead to some pinching in the groin or hip when you go outside for a longer walk.
Why won't my groin pain go away? ›Some of the more common possibilities include muscle pull (adductor group), tendonosis (adductor group), SI (sacroiliac) joint dysfunction, osteoarthritis of the hip, labral tear in the hip joint, sports hernia, inguinal hernia, osteitis pubis, and nerve entrapments. Are you sure it is your groin muscle?
Can the sciatic nerve cause groin pain? ›Now, let's get to business: yes, sciatica can cause groin pain. It's a very common phenomenon in sufferers, though it's not one that's well-understood by patients.
What does sciatica feel like in groin? ›weakness or loss of muscle strength in the affected area, especially when you walk or use pelvic and groin muscles. pins and needles sensation (paresthesia) numbness in groin or upper thighs. pain ranging from dull, aching, and chronic to sharp, intense, and sudden.
What nerve goes from back to groin? ›Your obturator nerve is one of many peripheral nerves that run through your groin. It's part of your peripheral nervous system. This system helps your brain communicate with the rest of your body. The beginning of your obturator nerve (nerve root) is in your lumbar plexus.
What are the symptoms of lymphoma in females groin area? ›Common symptoms of having lymphoma include swelling of lymph nodes in your neck, in your armpits or your groin. This is often but not always painless and often could be associated with fevers, or unexplained weight loss, or drenching night sweats, sometimes chills, persistent fatigue.
Where is groin pain located on a woman? ›
It's located near the hips, above your upper thighs, and below your stomach. An injury is usually to blame when you feel pain on one or both sides of your groin. While injury or inflammation can be the most common cause of that groin pain, we'll discuss other potential causes below.
What cancers cause lower back pain? ›Blood and tissue cancers such as multiple myeloma, lymphoma, and melanoma can all cause lower back pain.
Can bowel problems cause groin pain? ›Chronic constipation can cause additional groin pain by causing a hernia or tearing muscles with a difficult bowel movement.
What cancers cause groin pain? ›Cancers such as testicular or penile cancer can lead to swollen lymph nodes in the groin, similar to infections. In addition to swollen groin nodes, a dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin is also a symptom for testicular cancer. Not all swollen lymph nodes are abnormal, so don't forget to consult with your doctor.
How do doctors check groin pain? ›X-ray or ultrasound are typically used initially, based on the doctor's probable suspected diagnosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is frequently necessary to diagnose soft tissue groin injuries and some stress fractures.
What causes lower back pain just above the buttocks? ›Sciatica refers to pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve travels from the lower back through the hips and buttocks and down each leg. Sciatica most often occurs when a herniated disk or an overgrowth of bone puts pressure on part of the nerve.
What can be mistaken for back pain? ›Some common disorders which can mimic chronic low back pain include sciatica, facet arthropathy, osteoporotic compression fractures, infection, tumor, trauma, and inflammatory diseases.
How can you tell if back pain is muscular or something else? ›Sharp pain rather than a dull ache: This could indicate a torn muscle or ligament, or a problem with an internal organ in the back or side. 2. Radiating pain: This pain "moves" or shoots to the glutes or legs, which could indicate a nerve compression condition. Radiating pain could be a sign of nerve damage.
What nerve causes pain in groin and back of thigh? ›Meralgia paresthetica is caused by irritation of the nerve, most commonly from entrapment. The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, which runs through the pelvis, groin and into the thighs, can become compressed due to swelling, trauma or pressure in the surrounding areas.
What nerve causes pain between groin and thigh? ›Meralgia Paresthetica, Pain on Outer Thigh
In most people, this nerve passes through the groin to the upper thigh without trouble. But in meralgia paresthetica, the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve becomes trapped — often under the inguinal ligament, which runs along your groin from your abdomen to your upper thigh.
What is the pain down both legs from the lower back? ›
Sciatica is a term used to describe pain felt in the leg but which often comes from the lower back. The sciatic nerve starts in the lower back and goes all the way down the back of the leg into the foot. Symptoms can be experienced along any part of the nerve.
Does groin pain come from hip or back? ›Groin pain is a common complaint in people who have hip problems. Many times people think their groin pain is due to a pulled groin muscle, but it can be frequently due to an irritation inside the hip joint. Groin pain that comes from the hip typically develops slowly over time without a specific injury or trauma.
Is walking good for a groin strain? ›Instead, rest is all about avoiding unnecessary strain on the groin, so avoid kicking, intense exercises such as running, and heavy lifting. If the pain is intense, avoid walking or any physical activity for a day or two following the injury.
Is heat good for groin pain? ›After 2 or 3 days, if your swelling is gone, apply heat. Put a warm water bottle, a heating pad set on low, or a warm cloth on your groin area. Do not go to sleep with a heating pad on your skin. If your doctor gave you crutches, make sure you use them as directed.
Why does my hip pain radiate to my groin? ›Hip tendinitis
This is called tendinitis. Hip tendinitis can occur when the tendon attaching the iliopsoas muscle in the hip to your upper thigh becomes inflamed. The pain can also start in your hip and radiate to your groin when inflammation occurs in the tendons that attach the groin muscle to the hip bone.
The most common cause of groin pain is a muscle, tendon or ligament strain, particularly in athletes who play sports such as hockey, soccer and football. Groin pain might occur immediately after an injury, or pain might come on gradually over a period of weeks or even months.
How long does female groin pain last? ›With rest and proper treatment, most groin strains heal on their own in about 4–8 weeks. More severe groin strains can take longer. It is very important to let the strain heal fully and get the doctor's OK before going back to activities.
Why does my lower back pain wrap around my hip? ›What Is Sciatica? Sciatica refers to back pain caused by a problem with the sciatic nerve. This is a large nerve that runs from the lower back down the back of each leg. When something injures or puts pressure on the sciatic nerve, it can cause pain in the lower back that spreads to the hip, buttocks, and leg.
Does groin pain mean hip problems? ›Groin pain is a symptom commonly associated with hip arthritis. Our team of orthopedic hip specialists begin by diagnosing the cause of your hip pain, and reviewing treatment options with you to get you back to your normal activities.
What is the best test for groin pain? ›MRI is sensitive in diagnosing pathology in groin pain. Not only can MRI be used to image rectus abdominis/adductor longus aponeurosis and pubic bone pathology, but it can also evaluate other pathology within the hip and pelvis. MRI is especially helpful when groin pain is poorly localized.
What does a groin hernia feel like in a woman? ›
Patients usually describe the pain as discomfort, feeling pressure, pins and needles or burning sensation, or sharp and agonizing pain in the groin. They also may complain of the radiation of their pain to the perineal region and/or upper aspect of the inner thigh.
Why can I barely walk after sitting? ›It is not uncommon to feel 'wobbly' or unsteady on your feet after sitting for a long period. It can be due to reduced blood flow, tight muscles and ligaments, fluid pooled in the body's lower extremities, or pins and needles sensations in the feet.
What is the best position to sit in with lower back pain? ›Sit with a back support (such as a rolled-up towel) at the curve of your back. Keep your hips and knees at a right angle. (Use a foot rest or stool if necessary.) Your legs should not be crossed and your feet should be flat on the floor.
Why does my hip and groin hurt when I get up from sitting? ›Sitting for long periods can lead to a pinched nerve. The medical term for a pinched nerve is radiculopathy. This occurs due to stretching, compression, or constriction of a nerve or set of nerves. When this occurs in the hip, it can cause pain in the thigh, buttocks, groin area, and hip.
Why is my lower back and groin hurting? ›Most instances of groin pain are due to acute injuries that typically resolve on their own with home treatments given enough time. However, groin pain that presents with pain in the mid or low back, could be caused by a spinal condition like a herniated disc, pinched nerve, arthritis, or spinal stenosis.
Why does my lower back pain go to my groin? ›The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) is a commonly underdiagnosed cause of both acute and chronic back pain. This is because the pain is typically located in the lower back and can radiate to the groin and buttock which is also common with hip problems, sciatica or even a pinched nerve.
What helps lower back and groin pain? ›In cases where pain is caused by too much movement, icing the lower back and pelvis and refraining from exerting physical activity can lessen symptoms and allow the joint to heal. In cases where SI pain is caused from too little motion, physical therapy can help alleviate symptoms.
What causes pain in female groin area legs and hips? ›Groin pain in females is most often caused by muscle strain. However, many other possible causes, include urinary tract infections, ovarian cysts, appendicitis, kidney stones, and osteoarthritis (OA). Groin pain can also be related to pregnancy.
What are 3 tests to tell you if your back pain is caused by SI? ›Specific physical exam provocative tests for SIJ dysfunction include FABER, compression, distraction, thigh thrust, and Gaenslen tests. Typically, SIJ pain is diagnosed when at least three out of the five provocative maneuvers are positive.
How do you fix a groin pain in a woman? ›- Rest your groin muscle by taking a break from activity.
- Ice the area with a cold pack to reduce pain and inflammation. Do this for about 20 minutes at a time, several times per day.
- Compress the area with a medical bandage to limit blood flow.
- Elevate your groin area to keep blood from flowing into the area.
What is lower back pain that spreads to the hips? ›
What Is Sciatica? Sciatica refers to back pain caused by a problem with the sciatic nerve. This is a large nerve that runs from the lower back down the back of each leg. When something injures or puts pressure on the sciatic nerve, it can cause pain in the lower back that spreads to the hip, buttocks, and leg.
Why does my inner thigh hurt near my groin? ›What causes pain in upper inner thigh and groin? The most common causes are a pulled groin muscle (muscle strain), inguinal hernia, kidney stones, or osteoarthritis in the hips.
What is a Fortin finger test? ›The Fortin Finger Test is used to detect sacroiliac joint dysfunction. The sacroiliac joint can be a source of low back pain and lower limb pain.
What does sacroiliac pain feel like? ›Sacroiliac (SI) joint issues can occur with osteoarthritis, injury, or other health conditions. They can cause either sharp or tingling pain. You may experience SI joint pain as a sharp, stabbing pain that radiates from your hips and pelvis up to the lower back and down to the thighs.
What is the finger test for pain? ›What is the Fortin Finger Test? The Fortin finger test is a diagnostic tool to help identify SI joint dysfunction. It is performed by doing the following: The patient will point to the spot on their body that is most irritable or where they feel a majority of their pain.