Herniated Disc Groin Pain: Causes & Relief

Groin pain caused by a herniated disc is a lesser-known but clinically relevant symptom of spinal dysfunction. While disc injuries are often associated with leg or lower back pain, damage at the upper lumbar spine, particularly the L1-L2 segment, can result in groin discomfort. This article explores the intricate relationship between spinal disc injury and groin discomfort, sheds light on overlapping conditions such as sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction, and highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis and evidence-based treatment.

Yes, a herniated disc can indeed cause groin pain, particularly when the L1-L2 disc is involved. This upper lumbar region innervates structures in the groin area, and any injury here, such as a disc bulge or rupture, can lead to referred pain. 

Our findings show that this pain may be mistaken for a urological issue, herniated disc hip pain, or soft tissue injury, delaying accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.

Herniations at lower lumbar levels like L4-L5 or L5-S1 typically result in sciatica, affecting the buttocks, legs, or feet. In some cases, L5-S1 disc herniation abdominal pain can also present. Although groin symptoms from these lower levels are rare, they are not impossible.

Not all groin pain originates from spinal issues, which is why a comprehensive evaluation is crucial. Common non-spinal causes include inguinal hernias, hip labral tears, prostatitis, kidney stones, and gynecological conditions such as endometriosis or ovarian cysts. 

These conditions can produce symptoms that overlap with spine-related referred pain, adding to the diagnostic challenge.

For instance, a hip labral tear might present with groin and thigh pain during activities involving flexion or rotation of the hip. Similarly, inguinal hernias can cause persistent groin pain aggravated by physical exertion. 

A thorough history, physical examination, and selective diagnostic imaging can help rule out these conditions and prevent misdiagnosis.

Clinicians often use a process of exclusion to identify the true source, but an integrated approach like the Deuk Spine Exam offers more precise, non-invasive detection, streamlining both diagnosis and treatment.

The onset of groin pain from a herniated disc can vary greatly. In some cases, symptoms develop suddenly after an acute injury, such as lifting something heavy or twisting the spine. In others, groin pain emerges gradually due to cumulative stress, degenerative disc disease, or poor posture over time. 

A herniated disc causes pain by leaking inner disc material into the annular tear, causing inflammation. These fragments, when lodged in the tear, continually trigger immune responses, preventing healing. The body is unable to resorb this material effectively on its own, necessitating intervention.

Some people ask, can a bulging disc cause stomach problems? While rare, certain lumbar disc issues can lead to referred sensations or muscular compensation that manifests as abdominal discomfort.

For groin pain linked to spinal disorders, effective management starts with identifying and treating the underlying cause, not just masking symptoms. 

While therapies like NSAIDs, heat application, or stretching may offer brief relief, they fail to resolve the chronic inflammation driving the pain. Surgical interventions such as discectomy or spinal fusion may carry higher risks and require longer recovery.

Groin pain may be spinal in origin if it is accompanied by symptoms such as back stiffness, leg weakness, numbness in the thigh or buttocks, or worsening pain with bending, lifting, or prolonged sitting. These signs suggest a nerve-related issue, often linked to inflammation in the upper lumbar discs or sacroiliac joint dysfunction.

A hallmark of SI joint-related groin pain is worsening with walking or standing and relief upon sitting. Although MRI or CT imaging can detect structural abnormalities, they often miss the real source of pain. 

Many asymptomatic individuals show disc herniations on scans, making clinical correlation essential. That’s why the Deuk Spine Exam, which integrates history, examination, and functional mapping, provides a 99% accuracy rate in identifying the pain generator.

Based on our observations, successfully treating referred groin pain requires eliminating the source of the inflammation. Physical therapy or medications may offer palliative benefits but fall short of a permanent fix. 

Long-term NSAID use also carries risks such as ulcers or heart problems, and no amount of exercise can close an annular tear or deactivate pain nerves.

At Deuk Spine Institute, referred groin pain is addressed with precision-guided procedures. Deuk Laser Disc Repair treats disc-related pain by excising only the inflamed material while preserving the disc’s integrity. 

Deuk Plasma Rhizotomy targets and disables the sensory nerves that carry pain signals from SI joints or facet joints. Both procedures are outpatient, carry minimal risk, and produce permanent results.

Groin pain caused by spinal pathology is often overlooked but is entirely treatable. Whether due to a herniated disc or SI joint dysfunction, the solution lies not in generic pain management but in pinpointing and eliminating the underlying cause.

Deuk Spine Institute is at the forefront of non-invasive spinal care, offering permanent relief without the trauma of traditional surgery. If you're experiencing persistent groin pain and suspect your spine may be the culprit, schedule a free MRI review and take the first step toward lasting recovery.