Referred Pain : Referred Pelvic Pain

Laura Castricone, CRT Article published Oct 22, 2022 Article updated Sep 05, 2023

Any pain that originates in one area of the body and then affects another area with pain is called “referred pain” or “radiating pain.” This means that the pain you are feeling in your arm may really be coming from a problem in your neck. This is also very true for back pain.

Radiating back pain into the pelvic area can be quite puzzling. Sometimes it’s difficult to decern whether or not the pain is coming from a structure or organ located in the pelvic area or if the pain is actually coming from the back or spine.

What can make your pelvic area painful:

Sacroiliac joint injuries - This is an inflammation of one or both of the sacroiliac joints where they meet the pelvis. This can cause lower back pain and buttocks pain as well. It is caused by inflammatory arthritis of the spine and can be associated with IBS, Crohn’s disease, UC, or gout. Trauma, exercise, or autoimmunity can also play a role in the development of the inflammatory process that affects these joints.
Sciatica - When the sciatic nerve is pinched or compressed. This can be caused by a bulging disc in the lower back, overgrowth of bone, also known as a bone spur, or, rarely, a tumor. Pain can also radiate down the leg or into the buttocks. Certain diseases, such as diabetes, can cause nerve damage that may affect the sciatic nerve.
Irritable bowel syndrome - a very common affliction that affects the stomach and intestines.
Connective tissue disorders - This is where ligaments that support the structures in the pelvic area (uterus, bladder, rectum) can become too lax to properly support the structure. Sometimes these organs prolapse and may protrude into the vagina. This can cause lower back pain as well.
Muscle strains or pulls - If abdominal or lower back muscles become strained or torn, they can cause pain in the pelvic area as well as in the lower back, flank, or buttocks.
Pelvic inflammatory diseases (women) - This condition is usually secondary to a sexually transmitted disease where bacteria migrate from the vagina to the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or uterus. This condition can also cause lower back pain and can cause scar tissue to form.
Endometriosis (women) - In this condition, there is an overgrowth of tissue that normally lines the uterus. This tissue can grow outside the uterus and cause “webbing” on or between organs in the pelvic area. It is painful in the lower back and may affect other areas of the abdominal cavity.
UTI (urinary tract infection) - This is an infection of any part of the urinary tract. Left untreated, it can cause inflammation, kidney stones, internal scar tissue, and damage to the female reproductive system.
Arthritis - If arthritis is affecting the spine in the lower back, the sacroiliac joints, the pelvic girdle, or the hips, the pain can present in the pelvic area as well as in the lower back.

Pain in the pelvic area is normally not life-threatening. HOWEVER, if your pain is sudden, sharp, or severe and does not resolve in a few hours or is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, abnormal vaginal bleeding, or chest pain, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

If you are pregnant and are having pelvic pain, call your practitioner as soon as possible to discuss. If you have bleeding, go to the nearest emergency department for evaluation.

Pelvic Pain Relief Aids At HPFY

1. Gebauer's Pain Ease Topical Pain Relief

Gebauer's Pain Ease Medium Stream Spray is an anesthetic skin refrigerant used to relieve nerve pain associated with injections and minor sports injuries such as sprains, bruising, cuts, and abrasions. It targets the areas of pain that have swelling or are inflamed due to an injury or post-surgery. It is a topical vapocoolant with an aerosol and offers effective pain relief within 4-10 seconds. Subsequently, Gebauer's Topical Pain Relief Spray for pelvic pain is easy to use by pressing the actuator button firmly for 4-10 seconds or until the skin turns white.

Gebauer's Pain Ease Topical Pain Relief Customer Reviews

09/01/22 by JMark N. ”This item is fantastic for people that are scared of needle pokes. Never go to the doctor or clinic without it if you fear the poke of a needle. This purse-sized spray bottle of Pain Ease will take the fear out of blood draws and other needle pokes. "

2. Aircast Back/Hip/Rib Cryo/Cuff

Aircast Hip Cryo Cuff combines the therapeutic benefits of controlled compression to minimize edema, hematoma, hemarthrosis, swelling, and pain. The versatile design of this cold wrap enables it to be used on the back, hip, or rib area and offers instant relief.

Aircast Back/Hip/Rib Cryo/Cuff Customer Reviews

02/05/20 by Ray S. ”exactly what i ordered "

3. Core CorFit Sacroiliac Back Support Belt

Core CorFit Sacroiliac Back Support Belt relieves excessive stress from the pelvic bone and sacroiliac joints. This belt stabilizes the sacrum by comfortably squeezing these major weight-bearing joints during healing. It also stabilizes the hip joints and helps relieve sciatica pain and scoliosis caused by pelvic instability. It is used after an injury, hypermobility of the sacroiliac joints, or after a pregnancy.

Core CorFit Sacroiliac Back Support Belt Customer Reviews

07/31/16 by Dona R. ”The belt seemed to help my husband's lower back pain. "

Author Profile: Laura Castricone, Respiratory Therapist

Laura Castricone (Certified Respiratory Therapist)

My name is Laura Castricone and I am a Certified Respiratory Therapist. I have been practicing in the state of Connecticut since 1992. I have worked in several aspects of respiratory care including sleep medicine, critical care, rehab, and home care. I earned my respiratory certification at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT. Prior to becoming an RT, I attended the University of Connecticut pursuing a degree in English but left Uconn in my junior year to work with my father in the restaurant business. I stayed with him for over a dozen years. An education, by the way, that can never be bought! Once I married and had children, the restaurant business no longer fit my lifestyle. When my children were one and two years old, I decided to go back to school and that is where my career in respiratory care began. This career has been very rewarding and I have been blessed to meet some extraordinary people along the way. I grew up in Waterbury, CT, and now live in Litchfield County, CT with my husband and our crazy Jack Russell terrier, Hendrix. My hobbies include antiquing, gardening, writing plays, and painting miniature paintings.

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Laura Castricone, CRT

My name is Laura Castricone and I am a Certified Respiratory Therapist. I have been practicing in the state of Connecticut since 1992. I have worked in several aspects of respiratory ...