CERBO CLINIC

What may cause groin pain and numbness?

Groin pain and numbness can result from various underlying causes, including:

Hernia: Inguinal hernias, which occur when tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall near the groin, can cause groin pain and sometimes numbness, particularly if the hernia compresses nearby nerves.

Nerve compression: Compression or irritation of nerves in the groin area, such as the ilioinguinal nerve or genitofemoral nerve, can cause pain and numbness in the groin and surrounding areas. This compression can result from conditions such as herniated discs, pelvic tumors including gynecologic or urogenital malignancies, or nerve entrapment syndromes.

Hip problems: Conditions affecting the hip joint, such as osteoarthritis, hip labral tears, or femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), can cause groin pain that may also be associated with numbness, tingling, or weakness in the groin or thigh.

Vascular problems: Reduced blood flow to the legs or pelvis due to conditions such as peripheral artery disease (PAD) or blood clots (deep vein thrombosis) can cause symptoms such as pain, numbness, or weakness in the groin area.

Pelvic floor dysfunction: Dysfunction of the muscles, nerves, or connective tissues in the pelvic floor can cause symptoms such as pelvic pain, numbness, or tingling, particularly with activities such as sitting or sexual intercourse.

Referred pain: Pain originating from other organs or structures, such as the lower back, pelvis, or reproductive organs, can sometimes be felt in the groin area and may be accompanied by numbness or other sensory changes.

Infection or inflammation: Infections or inflammatory conditions affecting the urinary tract, reproductive organs, or pelvic structures can cause groin pain and may also be associated with numbness or altered sensation in the area.

Injury or trauma: Trauma to the groin area, such as a sports injury, fall, or motor vehicle accident, can cause pain, numbness, or other sensory changes depending on the extent of the injury and involvement of nerves or blood vessels.

Your family doctor should be able to assess the possible causes for you symptoms. Proper evaluation and diagnosis may require imaging (CT scans, MRI scans) if you’re experiencing persistent or severe groin pain and numbness, as these symptoms may indicate an underlying medical condition that requires treatment.

Should a spinal disc herniation (affecting the upper nerve roots of the lumbar spine) or some nerve compression or pelvic malignancy with nerve compression or nerve invasion be found, consultation with neurosurgery or spinal surgeon may be indicated, at the discretion of your treating physician team.