Can back pain cause groin pain?

Yes. Lower back pain can sometimes refer pain into the groin because the lower back, pelvis, hip and nearby nerves share overlapping movement and nerve pathways. A proper assessment can help identify whether the pain is likely to be coming from the back, hip, pelvis or another source.

What causes lower back and groin pain?

Common causes include muscle strain, hip joint irritation, sacroiliac joint irritation, lumbar spine irritation, nerve referral, hernias, urinary problems, kidney issues, digestive conditions and pelvic or reproductive health conditions.

What causes lower back and groin pain in females?

In females, lower back and groin pain may be musculoskeletal, but it can also be influenced by pregnancy, postnatal changes, endometriosis, ovarian conditions or other pelvic health issues. Severe, unusual or worsening pelvic pain should be assessed medically.

What causes lower back and groin pain in males?

In males, lower back and groin pain may come from the back, hip, pelvis or muscles, but hernias, prostate- related symptoms and testicular conditions should also be considered. Sudden or severe testicular pain needs urgent medical advice.

Is lower back and groin pain serious?

It is not always serious. Many cases are musculoskeletal and can improve with the right management. However, pain with red flag symptoms such as bladder or bowel changes, numbness around the saddle area, fever, unexplained weight loss, severe weakness or significant trauma should be checked urgently.

Can sciatica cause groin pain?

Sciatica usually causes pain that travels down the back of the leg, but lower back nerve irritation can sometimes produce pain in other areas, including the hip, thigh or groin, depending on the structures involved. Assessment helps clarify the likely pain pattern.

Is groin pain related to the hip or back?

It can be either. Groin pain is commonly associated with hip joint problems, but it can also be referred from the lower back, pelvis, muscles, tendons or nerves. The pattern of pain and movement testing helps identify the likely source.

Why do I have lower back and groin pain when walking?

Pain when walking may relate to the hip joint, pelvis, lower back, groin muscles, tendons or nerves. If walking is becoming difficult, painful or progressively worse, an assessment can help identify the cause and guide treatment.

Should I see a GP, osteopath or physiotherapist?

See a GP first if you have urinary symptoms, fever, unexplained weight loss, abdominal or pelvic symptoms, a suspected hernia, testicular pain, or any red flags. An osteopath or physiotherapist may be appropriate when symptoms appear linked to muscles, joints, movement, activity or recurring mechanical pain.

Can an osteopath help with lower back and groin pain?

An osteopath may help when the pain is musculoskeletal and linked to the lower back, pelvis, hip or surrounding soft tissues. Treatment should follow assessment and may include hands-on care, movement advice and exercises.

Can physiotherapy help lower back and groin pain?

Physiotherapy may help when rehabilitation, strength, movement control and return to activity are important. This can be useful for sports injuries, recurring strains, hip-related symptoms and persistent lower back pain.

When should I book an assessment?

Book an assessment if symptoms are persistent, recurring, limiting your normal activities or making you unsure how to move safely. Seek urgent medical help instead if you have red flag symptoms or sudden severe pain.

Physiotherapy10 June 20261 min read

Lower Back and Groin Pain: Causes, Red Flags and When to See a Specialist

By Danny Morgan, Clinical Director & Principal Osteopath

Osteopath assessing lower back and pelvis movement at Bodyfunction Clinic in Islington

Possible Source	How It May Feel	Who to See First
Lower back or nerve referral	Back pain with pain spreading towards the groin, hip or front of the thigh.	Osteopath, physiotherapist or GP depending on severity.
Hip joint irritation	Deep groin ache, stiffness, pain when walking or getting in and out of a car.	Osteopath, physiotherapist or GP.
Muscle or tendon strain	Pain after sport, sudden movement, lifting or overstretching.	Osteopath or physiotherapist.
Sacroiliac joint or pelvic mechanics	Pain around one side of the lower back, buttock, pelvis or groin.	Osteopath or physiotherapist.
Hernia	Groin pain with a lump, pressure or pain when coughing or straining.	GP.
Kidney, urinary, digestive, pelvic or reproductive causes	Pain with fever, urinary changes, abdominal pain, nausea, bleeding or feeling unwell.	GP, NHS 111, urgent care or A&E depending on severity.

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