You wake up with familiar lower back pain, but this time something is different—a dull ache has settled into your groin, and you’re not sure why. You’re not alone. According to CDC data, 39% of American adults experienced back pain in 2019, and research published in the Burden of Musculoskeletal Diseases report reveals that one in three people with low back pain also experience pain radiating into other areas, including the groin and legs.

This connection between your back and groin isn’t coincidental. The nerves that exit your lumbar spine travel directly through the groin region, meaning problems in your lower back can manifest as pain far from where the issue actually originates. Understanding this relationship is the first step toward finding effective treatment.

If you’re experiencing back pain that radiates to your groin, don’t wait for it to worsen. Arizona Pain and Spine Institute’s specialists, Dr. Asim Khan and Dr. Daniel Ryklin, have helped countless East Valley patients identify the source of their radiating pain and develop personalized treatment plans.

Schedule Your Consultation: (480) 986-7246

Why Back Pain Travels to the Groin: The Anatomy Behind Referred Pain

Medical illustration showing L2-L4 nerve pathways from lumbar spine to groin and hip flexor

When pain originates in one location but is felt in another, doctors call it “referred pain.” The back-to-groin connection is a classic example of this phenomenon, and understanding why it happens helps explain why proper diagnosis is so important.

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The L2-L4 Nerve Pathway

The lumbar spine contains five vertebrae (L1-L5) in your lower back. The nerves that exit at L2, L3, and L4 pass through the psoas muscle and supply sensation to the groin crease, hip flexor, and inner thigh. When these nerves become irritated or compressed—whether from a disc problem, arthritis, or muscle strain—pain signals travel along the entire nerve pathway.

According to research cited by Eureka Health, approximately 28% of lumbar disc herniations involve the L3 nerve root, and two-thirds of those patients report aching or burning sensations in the groin area. This means your groin pain may actually be a “symptom” of a problem occurring inches away in your spine.

Dermatome Overlap

The L1, L2, and L3 dermatomes (areas of skin supplied by specific spinal nerves) create what specialists describe as a “pain strip” extending from the lumbar spine to the inner thigh. Because these dermatomes overlap, your brain can interpret signals from one area as coming from multiple locations—explaining why you might feel pain in both your back and groin simultaneously.

The key takeaway: Groin pain without an obvious groin injury often points back to the spine. A thorough evaluation by a specialist can pinpoint the true source.

Common Conditions That Cause Back Pain to Radiate to the Groin

Several conditions can create this back-to-groin pain pattern. According to information published on Arizona Pain and Spine Institute’s website, understanding these conditions helps patients recognize when to seek professional evaluation.

1. Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction

The sacroiliac joints connect your lower spine to your pelvis—they’re among the largest joints in your body. When inflamed or dysfunctional, they can cause pain that radiates from the lower back into the groin, buttocks, and thighs.

Research published in Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery found that 46.5% of patients with SI joint dysfunction experienced groin pain. The study identified that pain provoked during SI joint testing and tenderness at specific anatomical points were associated with groin symptoms.

According to the Center for Comprehensive Spine Care at Weill Cornell, SI joint dysfunction affects an estimated 15-38% of the general population and can result from:

  • Direct impact to the buttocks
  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Ballet or ice skating injuries
  • Arthritis or age-related degeneration
  • Pregnancy

Arizona Pain and Spine Institute offers sacroiliac joint steroid injection treatments that can both diagnose SI joint dysfunction and provide therapeutic relief. Using fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray guidance), Dr. Khan and Dr. Ryklin ensure precise needle placement for optimal results.

2. Lumbar Disc Herniation

Your spinal vertebrae are cushioned by discs with a soft inner substance and hard outer shell. When a disc herniates (bulges or ruptures), it can compress nearby nerves, causing pain that radiates along the nerve pathway—including into the groin.

The NCBI StatPearls resource on back pain notes that younger individuals frequently exhibit disc herniation, while older adults more commonly experience degenerative disc disease. Both can cause referred groin pain when nerves at the L2-L4 levels are affected.

According to Arizona Pain and Spine Institute’s published information, physical therapy and temporary pain medication are common first-line treatments for herniated discs, with the goal of strengthening spinal support structures while reducing inflammation.

3. Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on the bones and nerve roots. As noted by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, this can contribute to aching, numbness, and burning pain that radiates down the buttock and leg—and in some cases, travels to the groin.

This condition most commonly affects adults over 50 and may develop gradually, making early diagnosis important for preventing progression.

4. Psoas Syndrome

According to Cleveland Clinic, the psoas muscles are a pair of long muscles running from your lower back to the top of your hips on either side of your spine. When injured or irritated—often from overuse in athletes—psoas syndrome causes pain in the lower back, hips, groin, and buttocks.

Cleveland Clinic notes that psoas syndrome pain may:

  • Spread (radiate) down your legs
  • Worsen when you try to stand up straight
  • Cause limping or shuffling when walking

The condition is most common in athletes participating in sports that stress the hips, including running, soccer, hockey, and dance.

5. Facet Joint Syndrome

The facet joints are small joints located between the vertebrae in your spine. When irritated or inflamed, they can cause pain in the lower back that extends to the groin. According to information published on multiple medical resources, this type of pain is often described as a dull ache that worsens with twisting or bending movements.

Arizona Pain and Spine Institute offers radiofrequency ablation (RFA) as a treatment option for facet joint-related pain, using electrical currents to interrupt pain signals traveling to the brain.

Red Flags: When Back-to-Groin Pain Requires Immediate Attention

While most causes of back-to-groin pain are mechanical and treatable, certain symptoms warrant urgent medical evaluation. Arizona Pain and Spine Institute emphasizes that patients should seek immediate care if they experience:

  • Sudden, severe pain with no apparent cause
  • Numbness or weakness in the legs, groin, or pelvic area
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control
  • Fever accompanying back pain
  • Unexplained weight loss with back pain
  • Pain that wakes you from sleep or worsens at night

These symptoms may indicate serious conditions requiring immediate intervention.

Don’t ignore persistent pain. If your back-to-groin symptoms have lasted more than a few weeks or are affecting your daily activities, schedule a consultation with a specialist.

Call Arizona Pain and Spine Institute: (480) 986-7246

How Arizona Pain and Spine Institute Diagnoses Back-to-Groin Pain

Accurately diagnosing the source of radiating pain requires expertise and specialized tools. Arizona Pain and Spine Institute follows a comprehensive approach to identify the true origin of your symptoms.

Step 1: Comprehensive Medical History

Dr. Khan and Dr. Ryklin begin with a detailed discussion of your symptoms, including:

  • When the pain started and how it has progressed
  • Specific activities that worsen or relieve pain
  • The exact location and quality of pain (sharp, dull, burning, aching)
  • Any numbness, tingling, or weakness
  • Previous injuries or medical conditions

Step 2: Physical Examination

A thorough neurological and musculoskeletal examination helps identify potential pain sources. According to the Mayfield Clinic, this includes:

  • Range of motion testing
  • Provocative maneuvers that stress specific joints
  • Neurological assessment of strength, sensation, and reflexes
  • Palpation of tender points

For SI joint dysfunction specifically, physicians typically perform a series of five provocative diagnostic tests that stress the SI joints in different directions. If three or more tests recreate typical pain symptoms, further diagnostic testing may be recommended.

Step 3: Diagnostic Imaging

Arizona Pain and Spine Institute utilizes advanced imaging technology to visualize spinal structures and identify abnormalities:

  • MRI: Reveals disc herniations, nerve compression, and soft tissue problems
  • X-ray: Shows bone alignment, arthritis, and structural issues
  • Fluoroscopy: Provides real-time X-ray guidance during diagnostic and therapeutic procedures

Step 4: Diagnostic Injections

In many cases, the most definitive way to confirm the pain source is through a diagnostic injection. As described by SI-BONE, a diagnostic SI joint injection involves injecting local anesthetic into the joint. If the patient experiences significant relief (typically 75% or greater pain reduction), the SI joint is confirmed as the pain source.

Arizona Pain and Spine Institute performs these diagnostic injections using fluoroscopy guidance to ensure precise needle placement—a critical factor in obtaining accurate diagnostic information.

Treatment Options for Back Pain Radiating to the Groin

Infographic showing injection therapy and treatment options for back pain at Arizona clinic

Once the source of your pain is identified, Arizona Pain and Spine Institute offers multiple treatment pathways tailored to your specific condition.

Conservative Treatments

Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises strengthen the muscles supporting your spine and pelvis, improve flexibility, and reduce pressure on irritated nerves. Arizona Pain and Spine Institute works with physical therapists to create coordinated care plans.

Medication Management: Over-the-counter NSAIDs may provide relief for mild cases, while prescription anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants may be appropriate for more severe symptoms.

Activity Modification: As noted by Hinge Health research, finding your exercise “sweet spot” is crucial—too little activity can worsen stiffness, while overexertion can aggravate symptoms.

Minimally Invasive Injection Therapies

Arizona Pain and Spine Institute specializes in image-guided injection procedures that can provide both diagnostic confirmation and therapeutic relief:

Sacroiliac Joint Steroid Injection: For SI joint dysfunction, an injection of local anesthetic and corticosteroid directly into the joint reduces inflammation and provides pain relief lasting weeks to months. According to research cited by the Center for Comprehensive Spine Care, SI joint injections were found to be 96% effective in improving pain for patients with confirmed SI joint complaints.

Epidural Steroid Injection: For disc-related pain or spinal stenosis affecting the lumbar nerve roots, epidural injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication to the space around the spinal nerves.

Facet Joint Injection: For facet-related pain, targeted injections can reduce inflammation at specific spinal joints contributing to symptoms.

Nerve Blocks: Selective nerve root blocks can help identify which specific nerve is causing referred groin pain and provide therapeutic relief.

Advanced Treatments

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): For chronic pain that responds to diagnostic blocks but requires longer-lasting relief, RFA uses heat to interrupt pain signal transmission. As noted on Arizona Pain and Spine Institute’s website, this procedure can offer pain reduction lasting six months to two years.

Regenerative Medicine: For some patients, Arizona Pain and Spine Institute’s regenerative medicine treatments—including PRP therapy and amniotic stem cell therapy—may help address underlying tissue damage contributing to chronic pain.

What to Expect: Your First Visit to Arizona Pain and Spine Institute

Taking the first step toward pain relief can feel overwhelming, but Arizona Pain and Spine Institute has designed their process to be straightforward and patient-centered.

Before Your Appointment

The clinic offers a FastTrack cash-pay program for patients who need expedited access to appointments, imaging, and procedures—bypassing delays from insurance authorization when time is critical.

During Your Visit

According to Arizona Pain and Spine Institute’s published information, patients can expect:

  1. Welcoming environment: The front desk staff understands what you’re going through
  2. Comprehensive consultation: Dr. Khan or Dr. Ryklin takes time to understand your specific condition
  3. Clear explanations: Doctors use models and diagrams to help you understand what’s happening
  4. Personalized treatment plan: Developed collaboratively based on your diagnosis, goals, and preferences

Multiple Convenient Locations

Arizona Pain and Spine Institute serves the East Valley from three locations:

  • Mesa (Vineyard location)
  • East Mesa
  • Queen Creek

Ready to find out what’s causing your pain? The specialists at Arizona Pain and Spine Institute can identify whether your groin pain originates from your spine and create a personalized treatment plan.

Schedule Your Consultation Today: (480) 986-7246

The Cost of Waiting: Why Early Diagnosis Matters

Research consistently shows that early intervention for spinal conditions leads to better outcomes. According to data from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), 8.2% of American adults have chronic severe back pain, and approximately 75% of those individuals experience significant difficulties with mobility, social participation, self-care, or work participation.

Delaying diagnosis allows:

  • Inflammation to worsen
  • Compensatory movement patterns to develop
  • Nerve irritation to potentially cause lasting changes
  • Muscle weakness to progress

The NCBI Bookshelf notes that preventing low back pain from becoming chronic is a high priority, and “referral to pain management is indicated when low back pain persists despite adequate conservative treatment and limits daily function.”

Don’t let back-to-groin pain become a chronic problem. The specialists at Arizona Pain and Spine Institute have the expertise to identify the source of your pain quickly and begin appropriate treatment before your condition worsens.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Pain Today

The connection between your back and groin isn’t a mystery—it’s anatomy. The nerves that exit your lumbar spine travel directly through the groin region, meaning problems like SI joint dysfunction, disc herniations, or spinal stenosis can manifest as groin pain even when the actual problem is in your spine.

Understanding this connection is the first step. The next step is getting an accurate diagnosis from specialists who understand the complex relationship between spinal conditions and referred pain patterns.

At Arizona Pain and Spine Institute, Dr. Asim Khan and Dr. Daniel Ryklin combine advanced diagnostic techniques with comprehensive treatment options—from targeted injections to regenerative medicine—to help patients find lasting relief. With three convenient East Valley locations and a commitment to personalized care, you don’t have to live with undiagnosed pain.

Your Next Step: Call Arizona Pain and Spine Institute at (480) 986-7246 to schedule your consultation, or visit gotpainarizona.com to learn more about treatment options. Same-day and walk-in appointments may be available through the FastTrack program for patients who need immediate evaluation.

Don’t let pain control your life. Let Arizona Pain and Spine Institute help you find the source—and the solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can lower back problems really cause groin pain?

A: Yes. The nerves exiting at L2-L4 in your lumbar spine supply sensation to the groin area. Research shows that 28% of L3 disc herniations and 46.5% of SI joint dysfunction cases involve groin pain as a symptom.

Q: How do I know if my groin pain is coming from my back?

A: Key indicators include: groin pain accompanied by lower back pain, no direct groin injury, pain that changes with back movements, and numbness or tingling in the thigh. A diagnostic injection can definitively confirm the source.

Q: What treatments does Arizona Pain and Spine Institute offer for back-to-groin pain?

A: Treatment options include SI joint injections, epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections, radiofrequency ablation, physical therapy coordination, and regenerative medicine including PRP and stem cell therapy.

Q: How long does it take to get an appointment?

A: Arizona Pain and Spine Institute offers a FastTrack program providing expedited access to appointments, imaging, and procedures. Standard appointments are also available at Mesa, East Mesa, and Queen Creek locations.

Q: Will my insurance cover treatment?

A: Coverage varies by plan and treatment type. Arizona Pain and Spine Institute’s staff can help verify coverage and discuss financing options for treatments not covered by insurance.

Disclaimer

This article references publicly available information from Arizona Pain and Spine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, NCBI StatPearls, Mayfield Clinic, SI-BONE, Center for Comprehensive Spine Care at Weill Cornell, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, CDC National Health Interview Survey, and the Burden of Musculoskeletal Diseases in the United States report, including official documentation, peer-reviewed research, and clinical guidelines dated 2019-2025. All statistics and medical information are from documented sources. Symptoms and conditions described are for educational purposes; individual presentations may vary. This content does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment recommendations. For current information about services offered at Arizona Pain and Spine Institute, visit gotpainarizona.com or call (480) 986-7246.