Can Inguinal Hernias Cause Back Pain?
Clifton Physical Therapy
What Is an Inguinal Hernia?
An inguinal hernia occurs when part of the intestine or fatty tissue pushes through a weak area of the lower abdominal wall, specifically through the inguinal canal. This area is naturally more vulnerable, especially in men, due to anatomical development before birth.
Inguinal hernias are extremely common:
They account for roughly two-thirds of all hernia cases
About 80% occur in men
Hernia repair is among the most frequently performed surgeries worldwide
Most people are born with a predisposition due to a natural weakness in the abdominal wall. Daily activities—such as coughing, lifting, sports, or bowel movements—don’t cause the hernia but can make an existing weakness more noticeable over time.
Common Symptoms of an Inguinal Hernia
Symptoms can vary depending on the size and severity of the hernia. Some are subtle, while others interfere with daily life.
What you may feel:
Dull aching or pressure in the groin
Burning or tingling sensations
Heaviness or weakness in the lower abdomen
Pain that worsens with standing, lifting, coughing, or straining
Relief when lying down or resting
What you may see:
A soft bulge in the groin or scrotum
The bulge may shrink or disappear when lying down
The bulge often becomes more noticeable as the day goes on
Warning signs that need urgent care:
A bulge that cannot be pushed back in
Red, purple, or dark discoloration
Severe pain, fever, nausea, or vomiting
These symptoms may indicate incarceration or strangulation, which is a medical emergency.
Can Inguinal Hernias Really Cause Back Pain?
Yes—inguinal hernias can contribute to back pain, even though the issue starts in the groin.
Why This Happens
When a hernia is present, the body often compensates without you realizing it. To avoid discomfort, you may:
Shift weight unevenly
Tighten abdominal or pelvic muscles
Alter how you walk, stand, or lift
These compensations change normal biomechanics. Over time, this added strain affects:
The lower back muscles
The hips and pelvis
Core and pelvic floor stability
Nerves that refer pain to the back, hip, or inner thigh
Research shows that core instability and altered pelvic mechanics increase lumbar spine stress, which helps explain why hernia-related pain can radiate beyond the groin. This aligns with what clinicians frequently observe: patients treating “back pain” without addressing the hernia often experience limited or temporary relief.
Why Choose Acupuncture for Shoulder Pain?
While surgery is often required to repair an inguinal hernia, physical therapy plays an important role both before and after surgery—and in some cases, during watchful waiting when surgery isn’t immediately necessary.
Pelvic floor physical therapy focuses on restoring balance to the muscles that support the spine, pelvis, and abdominal wall. When these systems work together properly, strain on the lower back decreases.
Pelvic floor physical therapy in New Jersey may help by:
Improving deep core and pelvic stability
Reducing muscle guarding around the groin and lower abdomen
Addressing postural changes caused by pain avoidance
Normalizing movement patterns in the hips and lower back
What Physical Therapy Treatment May Include
Every hernia case is different, which is why treatment is always individualized. A physical therapy program may include:
Targeted Strengthening
Gentle, progressive exercises to activate:
Deep abdominal muscles (transversus abdominis)
Pelvic floor muscles
Hip stabilizers and gluteal muscles
These muscles help reduce pressure on the hernia site while protecting the lower back.
Manual Therapy
Hands-on techniques such as soft tissue mobilization can:
Reduce tension in the abdomen, hips, and low back
Improve circulation and tissue mobility
Ease pain caused by muscle compensation
Postural & Movement Training
Poor posture and lifting mechanics increase abdominal pressure. Patients receive guidance on:
Standing and sitting posture
Safe lifting and bending strategies
Reducing strain during work, exercise, and daily tasks
This education is especially valuable for patients returning to work or physical activity after hernia repair.
When Surgery Is Necessary—and How PT Supports Recovery
An inguinal hernia does not heal on its own. Over time, the opening in the abdominal wall typically enlarges, increasing the risk of pain and complications.
Surgery is usually recommended when:
Pain interferes with daily activities
The hernia continues to grow
There are signs of incarceration or strangulation
Physical Therapy After Hernia Surgery
Post-surgical physical therapy can:
Restore core strength safely
Prevent chronic groin or back pain
Reduce stiffness and scar-related restrictions
Help patients return to work, sports, and normal activity with confidence
Why Hernia Pain Can Radiate Beyond the Groin
As a hernia worsens, pain doesn’t always stay localized. It may spread to:
The lower back
The hip or inner thigh
The leg or genitals
This happens because the nerves and muscles of the groin, pelvis, and spine are closely connected. Ongoing pressure and altered movement patterns increase irritation along these pathways. Addressing only the pain—without correcting the underlying mechanics—often leads to recurring symptoms.
When to See a Physical Therapist
You may benefit from pelvic floor physical therapy if you:
Have an inguinal hernia with persistent back or hip pain
Are preparing for hernia surgery and want better outcomes
Are recovering from hernia repair but still feel unstable or sore
Notice pain worsening with standing, lifting, or walking
If you’re experiencing groin discomfort, a visible bulge, or unexplained lower back pain, a proper evaluation matters. At Clifton Physical Therapy, our team in Clifton, NJ focuses on restoring strength, movement, and confidence—so you can get back to living without constant pain or fear of making things worse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can lifestyle changes prevent an inguinal hernia from worsening?
Yes. While lifestyle changes cannot heal an existing hernia, they can help reduce strain and prevent rapid progression. Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding heavy lifting without proper technique, managing chronic coughing or constipation, and practicing safe exercise can all reduce pressure on the abdominal wall.
Q2: Are there non-surgical ways to temporarily manage hernia symptoms?
For some patients, wearing a supportive hernia belt or truss can provide temporary relief. However, these devices do not fix the hernia and are only a short-term measure for comfort while awaiting surgery or during daily activity modification.
Q3: Do inguinal hernias affect fertility in men?
Most inguinal hernias do not impact fertility. Rarely, large hernias or complications affecting the spermatic cord may influence testicular function, which is why timely evaluation and repair are important.
Q4: How long does it take to recover after hernia surgery?
Recovery varies depending on the surgical technique and patient health. Open repair may take 4–6 weeks for full activity, while laparoscopic procedures often allow faster recovery, sometimes in 2–3 weeks. Physical therapy can further speed up safe return to movement.
Q5: Can children get inguinal hernias?
Yes, children—especially newborns and infants—can develop inguinal hernias. They often result from an opening in the abdominal wall that didn’t close properly before birth. Pediatric hernias require evaluation and, in most cases, surgical repair.
Q6: Are there exercises to avoid if I have an inguinal hernia?
High-impact or heavy-resistance exercises that dramatically increase intra-abdominal pressure, such as heavy squats, deadlifts, or intense abdominal crunches, should be avoided until cleared by a healthcare provider. Physical therapists can recommend safe modifications.
What patients are saying
"I recently had ankle surgery and Clifton PT has been nothing short of amazing! My goal was to get back to playing soccer as quick as possible before the college season started and so far I'm right on track. Izzy, Bianca, Tiff, and John have gone above and beyond to make sure I'm back to 100%. Couldn't be more grateful to be treated by the best team ever!." - Nat Rufino
All the therapists at Clifton Physical Therapy are awesome, but I spend most of my time with Izzy and Bianca—and they’ve been amazing. They’re enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and always take the time to explain what I’m doing and what my issues are. Their positive energy and clear communication make a big difference in my recovery." - Bryan Tompkins
"Going Clifton physical therapy was one of the best thing that came out of my back pain! Every single staff member is amazing and cares for your recovery! I have been with them for the past couple of months and now continuing their workout program! I can’t recommend them enough! Tiffany, Izzy, Bianca and everyone else I have worked with there! Can’t rave about them enough!!." - Monica Mehta
"Clifton Physical Therapy has been a great place for me to heal my meniscus tear. The staff is very knowledgeable and friendly, and has been extremely helpful in guiding me through my recovery. I highly recommend their services.." - Kelly Bevando
Clifton Physical Therapy
✆ Phone (appointments): (973)-241-1338
Address: 1059 Bloomfield Ave, Clifton, NJ 07012
