Lower Back Pain That Radiates to the Front Pelvic Area

Lower back pain is hard enough to deal with, but when it radiates to the front of the pelvis, it can cause discomfort everywhere across the lower region of your torso. The pain might also be felt in the hips, buttocks, or even the legs.

This can make it hard to find the underlying issue that’s causing the pain. Physical therapists are highly educated health care professionals who can help identify structural abnormalities or potential injuries that are linked to lower back and pelvic pain.

Common Causes of Lower Back Pain That Radiates to the Front Pelvic Area

As lower back pain may cause referred pain in other parts of the body, including the front of the pelvis, it’s common to be misdiagnosed—especially if you’re not seen by health care professionals who specialize in spinal-related issues. 

Low back and front pelvic pain can come from many sources including:

• Bulging discs and nerve root irritation
• Sacroiliac joint injuries and pelvic dysfunction
• Physiological changes during pregnancy
• Generalized low back pain and facet joint injuries

A thorough examination can be used to figure out whether an individual’s pain is due to a problem with the spine, nerves, muscles, or sacroiliac joint. Physical therapists are well-versed in anatomy, biology, physiology, and kinesiology (body movement). This allows them to pinpoint areas of concern when symptoms are reported, such as lower back pain that radiates into the pelvis.

Bulging Discs and Nerve Root Irritation

A bulging disc is a common, age-related issue that may lead to nerve irritation. This type of disc injury may occur with or without nerve root irritation at any level along the spine.

Keep in mind that a mild form of broad-based disc bulging is a normal part of the aging process. Thankfully, many adults undergo this degenerative change without experiencing any significant pain.

However, moderate to severe bulging that is localized, particularly in the lumbar region, may lead to inflammation that puts excess pressure on the nerve roots. When this happens, lower back pain and referred pain often cause difficulty during weight bearing movements. Altered sensations in other parts of the body may develop, such as pelvic pain and tingling or numbness in the limbs.

Another health issue linked to nerve root irritation is spinal stenosis. This condition is characterized by the narrowing of the spinal elements that enclose nerve roots (foraminal stenosis) or nerve irritation that occurs as pressure is placed on the spinal cord due to the narrowing of the spinal canal (canal stenosis).

Although this issue generally develops in the lumbar region (lower back), the pain may gradually radiate towards the front of the pelvis. You may notice lower back and pelvic pain gets worse while walking or standing. This is because being in an upright position decreases spinal space and increases pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots.

Sacroiliac Joint Injuries and Pelvic Dysfunction 

Sacroiliac joint injuries occur when the joints that connect the lower (lumbar) region of the spine to the hip bones undergo abnormal structural changes—allowing spinal bones to rub together. In this case, the joint may become stiff and cause lower back and pelvic pain as well as coordination problems. On the other hand, the ligaments within the joint may gradually loosen due to hormonal changes (e.g., pregnancy), causing pelvic or back pain during movement.

Experiencing a hard fall on one side of the body can also lead to sacroiliac joint misalignment that results in persistent pain. This kind of injury may cause inflammation that leads to constant aches in the lower back, pelvis, buttocks, or even the upper thighs. Stiffness, looseness, or misalignment of the sacroiliac joint is often linked to pelvic dysfunction.

Pain associated with pelvic dysfunction may be felt while sitting, standing, or walking. It can also affect bladder control if it’s not properly addressed. Over time, sacroiliac joint issues and pelvic dysfunction can alter core muscle activation, making it hard to carry out normal daily activities.

Physiological Changes During Pregnancy

The body undergoes a wide range of physiological and postural changes during pregnancy. Hormonal changes in particular influence the start and progression of a pregnancy. Certain hormones may also cause ligaments in the sacroiliac region to relax or loosen.

The loosening of ligaments is needed to accommodate the many changes that occur during pregnancy, but it also places stress on the sacroiliac joint, resulting in pain. The pain may be felt in the lower back, abdomen, and pelvis. This issue typically resolves after giving birth, but some women experience long-term discomfort due to sacroiliac joint changes.

Weight gain during pregnancy can also strain muscles in the lower back and hips, resulting in lower back pain that extends toward the front pelvic area. Then there are uterine contractions—these may radiate through the back, pelvis, and lower abdomen, especially if they’re strong.

It’s also true that pregnant people tend to experience abdominal, pelvic, and upper stomach discomfort, particularly during late stages of pregnancy when the uterus starts to compress different organs.

Generalized Lower Back Pain and Facet Joint Injuries

Low back pain that radiates to the front of the pelvis can have many underlying sources. If you’re experiencing this type of pain, you probably find it hard to accurately explain where the pain is coming from. Also, structural abnormalities can be tricky to detect through scans or x-rays.

This form of generalized lower back pain is often due to muscle strains or tight back muscles that limit the way spinal joints move. A serious strain, poor posture, or improper activation of core muscles can also affect nerve root joints that extend toward the front pelvic area—causing chronic discomfort.

Degenerative (age-related) changes that develop at facet joints are another common issue linked to generalized lower back and pelvic pain. Facet joints are small bony structures that help stabilize spinal bones (vertebrae). These two small joints look like bony knobs located between the vertebrae.

Facet joints connect spinal bones together in a chain-like manner to facilitate the movement of the spine in different directions. As individuals age, gradual wear and tear, certain repetitive movements (e. g., heavy lifting), or stress fractures of the facet joints might happen. These types of injuries can lead to acute inflammation that causes pain during movement.

Degeneration of or damage to the facet joints can also lead to the onset of a condition called facet joint syndrome. Facet joint pain typically develops in the area where the affected joint is located.

Common signs of facet joint syndrome include pain in the lower back and referred pain in the front of the pelvis, the buttocks, upper thighs, or legs. There have also been reports of muscle weakness, a loss of spinal flexibility, and pain or tenderness in the inflamed region.

In some cases, injuries that a person considers minor, such as twisting or lifting something the wrong way, may trigger the onset of facet join pain. If left untreated, the injury may also affect nerve roots that extend toward the front of the pelvis. 

Overall, ongoing lower back or pelvic pain related to a disc injury (e.g., bulging disc), nerve problems, sacroiliac joint issues, pelvic dysfunction, or changes during pregnancy that linger for extended periods of time may require professional pain management.

Physical therapy is typically recommended because it combines manual tissue manipulation with therapeutic exercises that:

• Relax overactive muscles
• Enhance nerve function
• Promote core and lumbo-pelvic muscle retraining
• Help individuals regain full body movement

These strategies help restore strength and mobility by targeting nerve root irritation and reducing the incidence of re-injury.

Treatment for Lower Back That Radiates to the Pelvis

Physical therapists generally perform extensive physical and diagnostic exams to make sure that the most beneficial treatment or therapy is recommended. The proper approach can help relieve acute pain in a short period of time. Of course, making an effort to adhere to the therapeutic plan will better help you overcome your pain and discomfort.

Individuals suffering from chronic lower back pain accompanied by discomfort in the front pelvic area may see dramatic improvement from physical therapy. This form of therapy is one of the most successful forms of pain management.

As a non-surgical approach, Physical Therapy is initially recommended for about 4-6 weeks to determine whether progress is being made or if a more invasive form of treatment, such as surgery, is needed. For some people, a longer physical therapy regimen results in long-term benefits.

The main goal of this type of therapy is to reduce inflammation, increase mobility, improve range of motion, restore muscle and vertebral function, and reduce or relieve back pain, which should target the pelvic pain at the same time. It is also important to target inflammation and irritation that may be affecting nerve roots in the lower back or pelvic region.

In addition, most physical therapy regimens are tailored to each individual’s specific case to promote progress as quickly as possible. The process also involves teaching maintenance techniques that can be used at the workplace or at home to lower the risk of recurring lumbo-pelvic issues.

For people who are experiencing sacroiliac joint issues or pelvic dysfunction, physical therapy is optimal—health care professionals in this field are experts at assessing and treating pelvic dysfunction. This generally involves a combination of manual therapy, muscle and nerve release strategies, and specific therapeutic exercises that promote rehabilitation as well as the restoration of lumbo-pelvic muscle control. 

For people who have generalized pain in the back or front pelvic area due to facet joint issues, the physical therapy regimen may be specifically geared towards easing pressure on the irritated facet joint. This approach decreases inflammation and reactivates the muscles that support the joint during movement.

Physical therapists may even suggest the use of certain devices such as support belts, which offer extra support for the pelvis and lower back. A support belt helps reduce pain by stabilizing the sacroiliac joint as it easily wraps around the pelvis and hips.

Support belts are safe to use during pregnancy and provide gentle lumbar (lower back) compression, providing symptom relief for some people who use it. The use of this type of device is designed to accommodate the anatomy of the lower torso, which makes it beneficial for targeting pain, delaying the progression of certain problems, and promoting recovery.

With the appropriate form of treatment and muscle training, the majority of people suffering from lower back and front pelvic pain improve quickly. Therefore, it is important to work with practitioners, such as physical therapists, who have an in-depth knowledge of how to properly assess the pelvis and lumbar spine (lower back), as well as the surrounding nerves and muscles.

By working closely with a physical therapist, you can also learn self-care strategies, such as strength-training exercises, to promote long-term pain relief and help prevent future injuries.

Summary

Lower back pain may radiate toward the front of the pelvis for a number of reasons. Some of the most common sources of this type of pain include spinal injuries, bulging discs, nerve root irritation, and changes that occur during pregnancy.

In some cases, the issue gradually resolves by resting the back, engaging in more careful movements, or using pain relievers for short periods of time. Other individuals may require professional pain management due to more serious underlying problems that are contributing to the lower back and pelvic pain.

If you are experiencing back pain that radiates to the front pelvic area, contact FYZICAL today. Our physical therapists have the education and expertise to properly assess the cause of chronic lower back or pelvic pain. After completing a thorough examination, a physical therapist can recommend a specific pain management regimen that will help provide pain relief and start the path to recovery. Most individuals experience long-term improvement by adhering closely to their physical therapy plans.

FYZICAL offers a wide variety of physical therapy services by qualified providers across the U. S. To find a FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Center near you, visit our website at FYZICAL.com. Our highly skilled therapy providers are 100% focused on your optimal health so you can Love Your Life®!

To learn more about how FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers can help you, download our free e-book.

Radiating Back Pain: Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment

Back pain is one of the most common symptoms that people experience and one of the main reasons people visit a doctor. Radiating back pain means that the back pain moves from one part of your body to another. For example, lower back and front thigh pain or pain that radiates from the lower back down both legs is a common sign of sciatica.

The Anatomy of the Back

Before taking a look at the various causes of back pain, let’s take a moment to discuss the complex anatomy of the human back.

• The spine, or backbone, runs up our back and has various important functions. It provides the body with support and protects the important nerves of the spinal cord. The spine is made up of vertebrae, which are a series of interlocking bones stacked on top of one another. The vertebrae are separated by intervertebral discs, which cushion the vertebrae and keep them from rubbing together.
• The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that carries messages from the brain to the body, and back. Spinal cord nerves come off at each level of the spine and exit the spine between adjacent vertebrae.
• Back muscles help stabilize your spine and are almost constantly in use. In fact, these are the very muscles that help you stand up straight.
• Ligaments are strong bands that connect one bone to another. The vertebrae in your spine are interconnected by ligaments.

Back pain can stem from a problem with any of these components, so it’s important to pay attention to the clues in your back pain symptoms to help identify the cause of your back pain.

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What Are the Possible Causes of Radiating Back Pain?

There are many possible causes of back pain. The most common causes fall into a few major categories of health concerns.

• Muscle or ligament strains: These are extremely common. They can be caused by sudden or awkward movements, for example if you try to lift something that is too heavy or if you fall in an awkward fashion. So if you have lower back pain on the left side above your hip, this may be a muscle or ligament strain.
• Radiculopathy: Radiculopathy is a disease of a spinal cord nerve. This can lead to pain, numbness, or weakness in the body part supplied by the nerve. Radiculopathy is typically caused by compression of the nerve as it leaves the spinal cord. This often happens when an intervertebral disc bulges and compresses the nerve as it leaves the spine. Sciatica is one example of radiculopathy that involves the leg, while upper back pain radiating to the arm may indicate radiculopathy of the upper part of your spine.
• Arthritis: Arthritis is inflammation of a joint, and can cause pain in the joints of your spine.
• Fractures: A fracture in the spine can result from trauma, or when bones degenerate over time, as can be seen with osteoporosis.
• Infections: Such as kidney infections, can also cause lower back pain with frequent urination, back pain along your flank, or back pain radiating to the front, towards your bladder during urination.

Additional Symptoms to Watch For

If you have unbearable back pain and basic treatments aren’t helping, you should talk to a doctor. You should also see your doctor if you have a history of cancer or osteoporosis, as these conditions predispose you to more serious causes of back pain. Radiating back pain could be a sign of a dangerous medical condition. If you have any of the symptoms below, you should be evaluated by a physician immediately:

• Weakness in your arms or legs
• Loss of control of your bowels or bladder
• Fever above 100. 4° F (38° C)
• Pain after a fall or other trauma

Possible Back Pain Diagnoses & Treatments to Consider

If you have back pain, there are various steps you can try to alleviate your pain at home and support your body as it heals:

• Continue the activities you can tolerate, such as sitting, standing, or walking, but avoid those that worsen the pain, like low back pain when straightening up from bending.
• Try over-the-counter pain medications, like ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).
• Use a warm compress by placing a warm towel or hot water bottle on your back. This can help relax the muscles in your back and soothe some of the pain.

Still in Pain? What to Do Next

If these interventions do not help and you still have unbearable back pain, you should contact your physician, who may prescribe you stronger pain medications, refer you for physical therapy, or complete other diagnostic tests such as an x-ray of your spine. Of course, you should also remember to take steps on a daily basis to prevent back pain, like doing exercises to strengthen your core muscles (especially abdomen and back), maintaining a healthy body weight, and focusing on good posture.

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How K Health Can Help

Radiating back pain can be related to a variety of medical and orthopedic conditions. It’s important to seek care if your back pain is accompanied by other symptoms like weakness or fever.

Did you know you can access online urgent care with K Health?

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K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.

Useful information about misalignment (displacement) of the pelvic bones

Useful information about the misalignment (displacement) of the pelvic bones

Signs of a possible misalignment of the pelvis

1. Pain that occurs mainly during movement.
2. Stiffness of movement.
3. Unsteadiness when walking, frequent falls are symptoms of moderate pelvic tilt.
4. Pain in the back, shoulders and neck, especially often pain in the lumbar region radiating to the lower extremity.
5. Pain in the thigh.
6. Pain in the projection of the sacroiliac joints.
7. Pain in the groin.
8. Pain in the knee, ankle, foot or Achilles tendon.
9. The appearance of a difference in the length of the lower limbs.
10. Bladder dysfunction.
11. Bowel dysfunction.
12. Violations of the function of the genital organs.
13. Muscle imbalance. Lack of adequate physical activity, a sedentary lifestyle, “sedentary” work often lead to the fact that some muscle groups of the human body gradually weaken and even atrophy, while others are in constant tension, a state of increased tone. The balance of muscle tissue is disturbed, which normally should form a kind of supporting corset for the entire musculoskeletal system. As a result of the tension of some muscle groups against the background of the weakening of others, the pelvis may shift.
14. Injuries of the pelvic bones (due to mechanical impact – fall or impact). The most serious injuries include fractures of the pelvic bones and, especially, fractures accompanied by a rupture of the pelvic ring. Improper union of these fractures can lead to a violation of the shape and subsequent displacement of the pelvis.
15. Physical overexertion (sudden lifting of weights, prolonged carrying of heavy objects on one side of the body, etc.). Often, a pelvic tilt occurs in people involved in powerlifting and weightlifting, especially if these classes are carried out without the supervision of an experienced and competent instructor.
16. Pregnancy. The female pelvis is quite flexible and elastic by nature, which is provided so that the woman can subsequently give birth to a child. Therefore, during pregnancy, especially when carrying a large fetus, the female pelvis may well shift. Also, a woman may experience a violation (displacement) of the pelvis during childbirth.
17. Damage to the muscles of the pelvis and adjacent areas of the body. As a rule, damaged muscles are less elastic, denser and more tense than healthy ones. If an area of ​​muscle tissue in the pelvic region is damaged, the tension and compaction of the fibers of this area will cause tension in the ligaments and displacement relative to each other of the bones that form joints and fixed joints. If the muscles do not fully recover and remain in increased tone, the pelvic bones will eventually shift relative to each other and change the position of the pelvis in relation to other parts of the skeleton. Depending on which muscle is damaged in this case, the pelvis will move in different directions. For example:
    
    – damage to the lumbar muscle causes the pelvis to move forward;
    
    – damage to the quadriceps muscle leads to hip flexion;
    
    – damage to the hip adductors will cause the pelvis to tilt forward and rotate the hip inward.
18. A difference in the length of the lower extremities, which is a manifestation of anatomical features or a consequence of a disease. Most often, different leg lengths cause the pelvis to shift from right to left, but sometimes in such cases the pelvis shifts from front to back or back to front. Twisting of the pelvis may also occur.
19. Presence of a herniated disc. The displacement of the pelvis in such cases occurs due to the resulting prolonged muscle spasm, and the distortion is functional. The mechanism of formation of pelvic tilt in this case is similar to that in case of muscle damage.
20. Surgical interventions in the area of ​​the bones that form the pelvis, as well as in the area of ​​the hip joints.
21. The presence of scoliotic changes in the spine (congenital or acquired), especially in the lumbar region.

Causes of misalignment of the pelvic bones

Consequences of incorrect positioning (misalignment) of the pelvis

Changing the location of the pelvis can cause quite unpleasant consequences:

1. Curvature of the spine and impaired function. When the pelvis is displaced, the spinal axis is displaced, which often leads to an uneven distribution of the load inside the spinal column, excessive pressure on some points, as a result of which bone structures are gradually destroyed in these places. Subsequently, this can cause degenerative changes in the vertebrae, the formation of intervertebral hernias, the development of deforming osteoarthritis, spinal canal stenosis, sciatica, and many other diseases of the spine.
2. As a result of displacement and dysfunction of the spine, a person develops pain in various parts of the back, shoulders, neck and limbs. Limb functions may be impaired, carpal tunnel syndrome may develop.
3. Increased load on one of the lower limbs. When the pelvis is positioned correctly, the load is divided evenly between both limbs. When it is skewed, the center of gravity shifts, and gravity acts more on one leg.

Treatment

Treatment is prescribed after the cause of the pelvic displacement has been established and should be aimed at eliminating this cause in the first place. The following methods are recognized as effective:

• manual therapy;
• medical and physical culture complex;
• performance of a complex of special gymnastic exercises;
• special massage;
• physiotherapy;
• if necessary, surgery is performed.

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Pelvic Distortion – Beauty and Health Laboratory

Let’s deal with the question from my practice, what is pelvic tilt and what pain symptoms can signal a violation to us, why atlastherapy, which I have chosen as one of the tools of work, can solve these issues.

The pelvis is one of the sections of the human skeleton, which is formed by several bones that are interconnected.
The main functions of the pelvic bones are protective and supporting.
Being a receptacle for the so-called pelvic organs, the pelvic bones prevent them from being injured by rough physical external influences and support them in space.
The pelvic bones are involved in the process of hematopoiesis due to the presence of a large amount of red bone marrow in them.

The pelvis plays an important role in the movement of the body and maintaining natural balance, helping to evenly distribute the load on the limbs while standing upright and during various movements.
The bones of the pelvis support the spinal column, which is attached to them, and their normal location relative to the axis of balance allows you to maintain the correct posture.
What are the consequences of an incorrect position (distortion) of the pelvis?

• Curvature of the spine and impairment of its function. When the pelvis is displaced, the spinal axis is displaced, which often leads to an uneven distribution of the load inside the spinal column, excessive pressure on some points, as a result of which bone structures are gradually destroyed in these places. Subsequently, this can cause degenerative changes in the vertebrae, the formation of intervertebral hernias, the development of deforming osteoarthritis, spinal canal stenosis, sciatica, and many other diseases of the spine.
• As a result of displacement and dysfunction of the spine, a person develops pain in various parts of the back, shoulders, neck and limbs. Limb functions may be impaired, carpal tunnel syndrome may develop.
• Increased load on one of the lower limbs. When the pelvis is positioned correctly, the load is divided evenly between both limbs. When it is skewed, the center of gravity shifts, and gravity acts more on one leg.

What are the causes of pelvic tilt?
Muscle imbalance. Lack of adequate physical activity, a sedentary lifestyle, “sedentary” work often lead to the fact that some muscle groups of the human body gradually weaken and even atrophy, while others are in constant tension, a state of increased tone. The balance of muscle tissue is disturbed, which normally should form a kind of supporting corset for the entire musculoskeletal system. As a result of the tension of some muscle groups against the background of the weakening of others, the pelvis may shift.
Injuries of the pelvic bones (due to mechanical impact – fall or impact). The most serious injuries include fractures of the pelvic bones and, especially, fractures accompanied by a rupture of the pelvic ring. Improper union of these fractures can lead to a violation of the shape and subsequent displacement of the pelvis.
Physical overstrain (sudden lifting of weights, prolonged wearing of heavy objects on one side of the body, etc.). Often, a pelvic tilt occurs in people involved in powerlifting and weightlifting, especially if these classes are carried out without the supervision of an experienced and competent instructor.
Pregnancy. The female pelvis is quite flexible and elastic by nature, which is provided so that the woman can subsequently give birth to a child. Therefore, during pregnancy, especially when carrying a large fetus, the female pelvis may well shift. Also, a woman may experience a violation (displacement) of the pelvis during childbirth.
Damage to the muscles of the pelvis and adjacent areas of the body. As a rule, damaged muscles are less elastic, denser and more tense than healthy ones. If an area of ​​muscle tissue in the pelvic region is damaged, the tension and compaction of the fibers of this area will cause tension in the ligaments and displacement relative to each other of the bones that form joints and fixed joints. If the muscles do not fully recover and remain in increased tone, the pelvic bones will eventually shift relative to each other and change the position of the pelvis in relation to other parts of the skeleton. Depending on which muscle is damaged in this case, the pelvis will move in different directions. So for example:

• damage to the psoas muscle causes forward displacement of the pelvis;
• quadriceps injury results in hip flexion;
• damage to the hip adductors will cause the pelvis to tilt forward and rotate the hip inward.

A difference in the length of the lower extremities, which is a manifestation of anatomical features or a consequence of a disease. Most often, different leg lengths cause the pelvis to shift from right to left, but sometimes in such cases the pelvis shifts from front to back or back to front. Twisting of the pelvis may also occur.
The presence of a herniated disc. The displacement of the pelvis in such cases occurs due to the resulting prolonged muscle spasm, and the distortion is functional. The mechanism of formation of pelvic tilt in this case is similar to that in case of muscle damage.
Surgical interventions in the area of ​​the bones that form the pelvis, as well as in the area of ​​the hip joints.
The presence of scoliotic changes in the spine (congenital or acquired), especially in the lumbar region.
What does a person feel when the pelvis is tilted?

• Pain that occurs mainly during movement.
• Stiffness of movement.