Dr Harsh Shah
MS, MCh (Surgical Gastroenterology), DrNB (Surgical Gastroenterology)
Registered with Gujarat Medical Council, Reg. No. G-38738
Robotic Hernia Surgeon · Apollo Hospital, Bhat, Gandhinagar · Gota OPD, Ahmedabad
In short
Many people with a groin lump also have back pain. It is natural to wonder if the two are linked. Usually they are not. This page explains why, and how to tell which problem is causing your pain.
The word hernia means something pushing through a gap. It is used for two unrelated problems.
An abdominal wall hernia is a gap in the muscles of the groin or belly. Fat or bowel pushes through and makes a lump. This site is about these hernias.
A disc hernia, or slipped disc, happens in the spine. The soft centre of a disc pushes out and can press on a nerve. It causes back pain and often leg pain. It is treated by spine doctors.
A groin hernia sits at the front of the body, low down. The nerves around it carry feeling to the groin, the scrotum or labia, and the inner thigh. They do not supply the back.
So a groin hernia usually causes a lump, a dragging feeling and an ache in the groin. A large hernia can make you stand or walk a little differently. That may strain the back, but it is not the usual story.
The opposite happens more often. A nerve pinched in the lower spine can send pain to the groin or the front of the thigh. It can feel just like a hernia.
A clue is that there is no lump, even when you stand and cough. The pain may change with bending or sitting. There may be tingling down the leg.
Groin hernia or back problem: the usual pattern
| Clue | Groin hernia | Back problem |
|---|---|---|
| Lump | A lump that grows on standing or coughing | No lump |
| Where it hurts | Groin, sometimes the scrotum | Lower back, may spread to buttock, groin or leg |
| What makes it worse | Lifting, coughing, long standing | Bending, sitting long, certain movements |
| Tingling or numbness | Rare | Common, often down the leg |
| Which test helps | Ultrasound of the groin | MRI of the spine |
Not sure whether your pain is from a hernia or your back? Come with any scan reports you already have.
A lumbar hernia is an uncommon hernia in the lower side of the back, above the hip bone. It can follow a kidney operation or an injury. It shows as a soft bulge in the flank and can cause a local ache. A scan confirms it.
Warning signs that need help the same day
These need an emergency department, not an OPD appointment.
A short examination standing and lying down often answers the question. An ultrasound of the groin confirms a hernia. If the problem seems to come from the spine, a MRI of the back and a spine doctor are the next step.
Some people have both problems at once. Each is treated on its own merits.
It is not common. An inguinal hernia usually causes a lump and an ache in the groin. If your main pain is in the back, look for another cause first.
No. A slipped disc is a problem in the spine. A hernia in the groin or belly is a gap in the muscle wall. They share a name but are treated by different doctors.
Yes. A nerve pinched in the lower spine can send pain into the groin or thigh. It can feel like a hernia even when there is no lump.
Usually not. Hernia repair treats the lump and the groin ache. Back pain from the spine needs its own check and treatment.
Go to hospital at once if back pain comes with leg weakness, numbness between the legs, or loss of control of urine or stool.
The main page on this site is robotic hernia surgery in Ahmedabad. These cover the neighbouring questions.
Where to find us
Dr Harsh Shah, MS, MCh (Surgical Gastroenterology), DrNB (Surgical Gastroenterology)
Shah's Gastro, Cancer & Robotic Surgery Centre
Apollo Hospital, Bhat, Gandhinagar
Gota OPD, Ahmedabad
Bring your reports. Second opinions are welcome.
Swasth Parivar: twice a month, practical advice on recovery, diet and warning signs. No advertising. Stop any time.
Your number is used for these updates and for the clinic to reach you. It is never sold or passed on. To stop, reply STOP on WhatsApp.