Why Does My Groin Hurt?

By Dr. Eleanor Smith, DPT
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Alex Roberts, BSc Physiology
Last Updated: January 2026

Groin pain often causes confusion because it feels disconnected from the back or leg.

Many people assume it is a muscle pull or joint issue.

But groin pain is not always local.

Common Causes Of Groin Pain

Groin pain may come from:

• Muscle strain or overuse
  
  

• Hip joint irritation
  
  

• Nerve irritation linked to the lower back
  
  

This explains why groin pain sometimes appears without injury.

Groin Pain When Walking Or Sitting

Groin pain that worsens with walking or sitting often involves movement-related stress.

This can happen when:

• Nerves are irritated during motion
  
  

• Sitting compresses nerve pathways
  
  

• The lower back influences hip mechanics
  
  

The pain may ease or worsen depending on posture.

Find out the difference between nerve pain vs muscle pain here.

Groin Pain And Lower Back Connection

The lower back and groin share nerve pathways.

That means problems in the lower spine can refer pain forward into the groin.

This is why some people experience groin pain alongside lower back discomfort.

Groin Pain: Nerve Related Or Muscle?

Muscle-related groin pain usually feels sharp and improves with rest.

Nerve-related groin pain often feels deep, pulling, or persistent.

A pulling sensation without clear injury often points to nerve involvement.

Can Sciatica Cause Groin Pain?

Yes. Although sciatica is known for leg pain, it can also cause groin discomfort.

This happens when nerve irritation affects branches near the hip and groin.

It is often overlooked because the pain location feels misleading.

When Groin Pain Signals Something More

If groin pain:

• Comes with lower back pain
  
  

• Changes with posture

• Feels deep or persistent
  
  

It may be part of a nerve-related pattern rather than a local issue.

Not sure if you have sciatica? Find complete symptoms of sciatica here and confirm. Click Below.

Symptoms Of Sciatica