When a person experiences a sensation in their hip crease/groin the question of what is injured is front and center. Is it a pulled groin or something else? And the answer will depend upon the exact location, the type of sensation/pain, and the activities that provoke symptoms. The most common possible sources of pain include: the hip joint, referred pain from the low back, and local muscles. Let’s breakdown common elements of each.

• The hip joint tends to cause pain that is deep feeling. Often it is reported in hip crease and can wrap down into the groin. A person may experience pain when sitting while others will experience walking. Upon examination, hip range of motion will often be limited. Additionally, specific movement testing is also likely to produce pain.
• The low back specifically the upper lumbar region, can refer pain into the groin. A person may describe this pain as burning, tingling, or shooting. It is likely to be provoked with active movement or testing of the low back region. A person with pain originating in the low back may report increased symptoms with prolonged sitting, transitioning movements, or even walking. Examination of the low back can answer the question of referred pain or not.
• Local muscles (hip flexors, adductors (groin)). If a person has sustained a local muscular issue, typically there has been some mechanism or incident to cause the issue. Often the individual can recall a specific event or movement that resulted in the pain. They will often describe the pain as a pulling or tugging sensation and tends to be more superficial. Difficulty with walking is generally reported and these people feel best when sitting. Again, an examination of the local muscles will generally answer the question of whether a person is dealing with a pulled muscle

The common element of all is the necessity for a comprehensive physical examination. Sure, a person can try to “walk it off” but remember that the longer and issue is present, the longer it takes to resolve. So, if the problem has been present for several weeks, it is best to seek care sooner than later. Do not let the issue persist to the point where it limits your daily activities and recreation.

Don’t know where to begin to solve the issue? Then click the following LINK to connect with a muscle and joint expert who can properly evaluate, diagnose, and then implement an appropriate treatment plan.