Low Back, Hip and Groin Pain
Condition Overview
Low back, hip, and groin pain can occur due to a variety of reasons. The low back, hip, and groin muscles all attach to the pelvic structure and play a role in pelvic stability and core functioning. They assist in functional mobility such as walking, lifting, carrying, rolling, pushing, pulling, etc. In addition, if one of these groups of muscles and joints are not working optimally, the other muscles may compensate and work harder to “do the job” of the less efficient or effective group.
Low back, hip, and groin pain can make it difficult to:
Bend over or extend backwards
Walk, run, climb stairs
Transition from different positions (rolling in bed, going from sit to stand, getting out of your car)
Sit or stand for prolonged periods of time
Symptoms Can Include
Symptoms can be constant or intermittent and feel:
Achy, dull
Sharp
Burning
Radiating sensation down the leg (check out our blog on sciatica)
Numbness or tingling
Can also refer to other areas of the body (see more below)
This is a complex group of muscles, joints, ligaments, fascia, and nerves. Because of this, the pain you experience in your low back, hip, or groin may be stemming from some place else and/or the pain in these areas can refer elsewhere! It can feel so debilitating and confusing, but in pelvic health physical therapy we are screening these areas to ensure we get to the root of your pain! Many times, the pelvic floor can actually refer pain to these areas so it is sometimes necessary to assess the pelvic floor and look for signs or weakness, tension, or compensation.
However, with true low back, hip, and groin pain there can be causes such as:
Joint degeneration
Ligamentous laxity
Overuse injuries from work or exercise
Hormonal changes during pregnancy and postpartum
Direct trauma or injury
How Can Physical Therapy Help?
The treatment for pain in these areas often involves a combination of behavioral and activity modification, de-sensitization to the central nervous system, physical therapy, and medical treatment (including medications, injections, or a potential surgery if worse case scenario).
In physical therapy, we will perform a thorough low back, hip, and groin muscle assessment. We will assess your joint range of motion, muscle strength, functional mobility and body mechanics. Other muscles that attach to the pelvic structure and may be involved are the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles.
With consent, we may perform an internal assessment if deemed necessary and appropriate. These muscles are also part of your core which can be vital to healing and returning to daily functions. From our findings we will set-up a treatment plan depending on the individual characteristics of your pain and external factors such as work related duties, home life, exercise regimen, and goals.
In PT we will generally provide an exercise routine that looks into core stabilization, hip strengthening, body mechanic modifications, and return to prior level of activity. The goal is to improve your function and reduce your pain so you can do the things you love!
We may also perform manual treatment to reduce pain, improve tissue mobility, and get you moving better. These treatments may include dry needling, myofascial release, and cupping. With each session we will progress as able and learn new activities to include in your daily routine to manage and prevent worsening symptoms!
If you are having pain in any of these areas, don’t wait for it to get worse - call and make an appointment today!