Pain in hips lower back and abdomen

Low back pain is a common symptom that affects many people during their lifetime. For some, low back pain can be an acute, short-term problem. Others experience chronic, long-term symptoms. Appropriate testing can show whether the pain is from the hip, spine, or SI joint.


The three components of SI joint function may be affected by everyday wear and tear, degenerative arthritis, an injury, loss of muscle strength, or the hormonal, muscular and postural changes that occur during and after pregnancy. Other surgeries such as spine surgery may limit motion above or below the SI joint making it more susceptible to wear and tear and subsequent pain.

Many structures in the lower back and pelvic area can cause pain, including the SI Joint. Here are just a few:

  • Slipped Disc: Most commonly, people think of a “slipped disc” as a cause of low back pain.
  • Hip Problems: Occasionally, hip problems can be confused with low back conditions.
  • Arthritis: Arthritis of the back can cause low back pain.
  • Degeneration secondary to scoliosis: This is also a cause of pain in the lower back, buttons, and pelvic region.
  • SI Joint Pain: The SI joint is an often overlooked cause of low back pain.

Here's a quiz to determine whether your SI joint is a contributor to pain in your lower back, pelvic region, buttocks, or legs.

More Information

Pelvic pain is pain in the lowest part of your abdomen and pelvis. Pelvic pain might refer to symptoms arising from the reproductive, urinary or digestive systems, or from muscles and ligaments in the pelvis.

Depending on its source, pelvic pain can be dull or sharp; it might be constant or off and on (intermittent); and it might be mild, moderate or severe. Pelvic pain can spread to your lower back, buttocks or thighs. You might notice pelvic pain only at certain times, such as when you use the bathroom or have sex.

Pelvic pain can occur suddenly, sharply and briefly (acute) or over the long term (chronic). Chronic pelvic pain refers to any constant or intermittent pelvic pain that has been present for six months or more.

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July 03, 2021

  1. Hoffman BL, et al. Pelvic pain. In: Williams Gynecology. 3rd ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Education; 2016. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Accessed May 7, 2019.
  2. Frequently asked questions. Gynecologic problems FAQ099. Chronic pelvic pain. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Chronic-Pelvic-Pain. Accessed May 7, 2019.
  3. Tu FF, et al. Evaluation of chronic pelvic pain in women. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed May 7, 2019.
  4. Jameson JL, et al., eds. Menstrual disorders and pelvic pain. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 20th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2018. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Accessed May 7, 2019.
  5. Stratton P. Evaluation of acute pelvic pain in women. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed May 7, 2019.
  6. Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/prostate-problems/prostatitis-inflammation-prostate. Accessed May 7, 2019.

See also

  1. Beating Ovarian Cancer
  2. Bladder cancer
  3. Infographic: Bladder Cancer
  4. What is bladder cancer? A Mayo Clinic expert explains
  5. Bladder cancer FAQs
  6. Bladder cancer treatment options
  7. Bladder infection in men
  8. CA 125 test: A screening test for ovarian cancer?
  9. Cervical cancer
  10. What is cervical cancer? A Mayo Clinic expert explains
  11. Cervical cancer FAQs
  12. Cervical dysplasia: Is it cancer?
  13. Chronic bladder infection
  14. Cystitis
  15. Ectopic pregnancy
  16. Endometrial cancer
  17. Epididymitis
  18. Frequent sex: Does it protect against prostate cancer?
  19. Glowing Cancer Surgery
  20. Gonorrhea
  21. Gynecologic Cancers
  22. Interstitial cystitis
  23. Molar pregnancy
  24. New immunotherapy approved for metastatic bladder cancer
  25. Ovarian cancer
  26. Ovarian cancer: Still possible after hysterectomy?
  27. Ovarian cysts
  28. Ovarian cysts and infertility: A connection?
  29. Pap test: Can it detect ovarian cancer?
  30. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
  31. Pomegranate juice: A cure for prostate cancer?
  32. Prostate Cancer
  33. Prostate cancer
  34. Prostate cancer: Does PSA level affect prognosis?
  35. What is prostate cancer? A Mayo Clinic expert explains
  36. Infographic: Prostate Cancer: Choline c-11
  37. Prostate cancer metastasis: Where does prostate cancer spread?
  38. Prostate cancer prevention
  39. Prostate cancer FAQs
  40. Rickets
  41. Robotic bladder surgery
  42. Scientists propose a breast cancer drug for some bladder cancer patients
  43. Small bowel prolapse (enterocele)
  44. Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome
  45. Uterine fibriods FAQs
  46. Uterine fibroids
  47. What are uterine fibroids? A Mayo Clinic expert explains
  48. Vaginal cancer

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What does it mean when your lower back and stomach hurts at the same time?

Back pain often occurs because some people who are experiencing stress tense their muscles unconsciously. Stomach pain and bloating are more common in people who have stress as well as an underlying condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

What causes lower abdominal pain and lower back pain in females?

Lower back pain is a common symptom of PMS, a condition most women experience during menstruation. However, severe lower back pain may be a symptom of conditions like PMDD and dysmenorrhea. It may also be a symptom of a more serious condition called endometriosis.
Occasionally, patients with significant abdominal pathology can present with hip pain. Such atypical presentation causes the delayed diagnosis leading to significant morbidity and possible mortality.

What causes hip pelvic and lower back pain?

If you experience back hip pelvic pain while performing regular light or strenuous exercise, it may be due to increased stress on the hip joint, stabilizer, or flex or muscles. Hip pain in lower back can impede movement, cause muscle spasms, or cause tenderness.