The pelvis is the area in the middle of the body that includes the pelvic girdle bone and all associated muscles, nerves, tendons and joints. The pelvis is critical in the movement of the legs and spine, especially during exercise. If you feel any muscle pain while jogging that you believe is unnatural, stop immediately and consult a health care professional for diagnosis and treatment.
Muscles
Four main muscle groups are attached to the pelvis and hip, and each can sustain an injury during the course of exercise. The hip flexors attach in the front and work to flex or bend the hip. The hip abductor group pulls the legs away from the middle of the body. The hip extensors, including the gluteal maximus and the four hamstrings, act on the knee joint. Finally, the hip adductors pull the leg across the middle of your body to maintain balance.
Strains
A muscle strain is actually a rupture or tear. In the pelvis, strains can occur in any of the five adductor muscles near the front of the pelvis, such as the pectineus, adductor brevis, adductor longus, adductor magnus and gracilis. Strains usually happen while changing direction or making rapid movements. They are classified into three grades: grade 1 is a minor tear that results in less than 10 percent of fiber damage; grade 2 results in anywhere between 10 and 90 percent fiber damage; and grade 3 is a full rupture. In addition to strains, adductor tendinopathy, which affects the tendons of the adductor region, can be caused by repetitive movements.
Piriformis Muscle
Posterior hip pain is commonly caused by tenderness and tightness associated with the piriformis muscle, which originates in the gluteal region. By assisting with the movements of the thigh and the rotation of the hip, it helps to coordinate the acts of walking and running. The sciatic nerve -- the longest nerve in the body, stretching from the end of your spine down to your feet -- passes through the piriformis muscle. If the nerve becomes pinched within the muscle, it can cause a condition known as piriformis syndrome that radiates pain down the back of the leg. Work on strengthening and stretching your hip, hamstring and lower back to prevent this injury.
Treatment
Use the RICE method for a minor injury: rest, ice, compression and elevation. Anti-inflammatory medication and massage can also help ease the pain. More extreme injuries can result in swelling and the inability to contract the groin muscles. At this point, jogging will become impossible, and you will need professional help and possibly surgery.
