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Causes of Groin Pain
      Groin pain is typically a disorder common in athletes, but it also may occur as a secondary pain syndrome to low back or hip pain disorders. The pain associated with a groin pull may or may not be produced by trigger points. If the muscle groups in the groin region were overloaded by an injury, then it is likely that trigger points developed in these muscles. It is common for trigger points in these muscles to continue to produce pain long after the original muscle strain has healed. This is one reason that athletes typically take a long time to completely recover from this type of injury.

The Muscles and Trigger Points that Cause Groin Pain
      As many as five muscles can contain trigger points that refer pain to the groin or inside thigh region. The following three muscle groups are the most frequently involved:
  • The Adductor Magnus
  • The Quadratus Lumborum
  • The Abdominal Obliques
     The Adductor Magnus is a large muscle group found deep in the inner thigh region. This muscle attaches to the pelvis and runs downward to attach at several places along the large thigh bone (the femur). This muscle contracts to rotate and swing the thigh inwardly (towards the other leg). Trigger points in this muscle can refer pain to the groin or inner thigh region. One particular trigger point may also refer pain that is felt inside the pelvis, genitalia, or rectum. This trigger point is frequently active during times of severe menstrual cramping. This muscle group is typically injured during a groin pull or strain.
       The Quadratus Lumborum muscle group is composed of several small muscles that are located deep within the lower back muscle mass. It attaches to the lowest rib, at several spots along the lower (lumbar) spine, and along the pelvic rim. The Quadratus Lumborum contracts to help stabilize the spine, and to flex the trunk to either side. This muscle group can contain up to four trigger points that refer pain to the low back, groin, hip, and gluteal regions. A person with active Quadratus Lumborum trigger points will typically experience severe pain when their trunk is in an upright position. Often they will instinctively brace and support their upper body with their arms to avoid this severe pain. Alternatively, they may be forced to move about on all fours. Coughing and sneezing produce agonizing pain. Referred pain from Quadratus Lumborum trigger points may activate other trigger points that in turn produce sciatica-type symptoms.
        Learn more about the Quadratus Lumborum trigger points with this article from Dr. Perry > The Quadratus Lumborum Trigger Points: Masters of Low Back Pain
     The Abdominal Oblique muscles form the outer abdominal wall in the stomach region. They attach to the ribs, pelvis, and to other abdominal muscles via a large sheet of connective tissue. This muscle group contracts to stabilize the trunk, and to flex and/or rotate the trunk to either side. Trigger points in this muscle group can refer pain to the lower abdomen, groin, and genitalia. They may also produce diverse symptoms such as heartburn, abdominal bloating, belching, and diarrhea.
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Important: The following content is provided for information purposes only. A proper diagnosis of any condition requires a physical examination by a licensed doctor.