SACROILIAC JOINT PAIN

Sacroiliac joint pain refers to the pain in the SI joints which happens when they move too much or too little. The SI joints are formed as a connection between the sacrum and the left and right iliac bones. The sacrum is centrally located below the lumbar spine and it’s made out of five vertebrae that are fused together and do not move.The iliac bones are two large bones that make up the pelvis and are held together with the sacrum by very strong ligaments. The SI joints have relatively little motion and most of their motion occurs either in the hip or lumbar spine. Subtle movement in the SI joints is normal and very important. 
Sacroiliac joint pain occurs when these joints are not moving properly due to stiffness or excessive movement.

CAUSES

Sacroiliac joint pain and dysfunction usually happens due to: 

  • Hypermobility which leads to instability and muscle weakness
  • Hypomobility which leads to stiffness
  • Gait issues that cause leg length discrepancy or scoliosis can cause uneven pressure on one side of the pelvis increasing the wear and tear in the SI joint and causing pain 
  • Pregnancy or recent childbirth can cause pelvic changes, loose ligaments and hypermobility
  • Prior lower back surgery that can displace pressure on the sacroiliac joint 
  • Sports and intensive jobs that can place repeated stress on the SI joint 

SYMPTOMS 

Sacroiliac joint pain symptoms include:

  • Lower back pain 
  • Pelvis/buttock pain
  • Pain, numbness, tingling, weakness sensations
  • Hip/groin pain
  • Feeling of leg instability 
  • Disturbed sleep patterns due to pain
  • Disturbed sitting patterns
  • Pain going from sitting to standing

TREATMENT 

Sacroiliac joint pain treatments focus on alleviating pain and restoring the normal motion of the joint. Often the SI joint pain is accompanied by previous lumbar or hip condition that coexists together with the SI joint dysfunction. 
Initial treatments are:

  • Rest 
  • Ice or heat to reduce inflammation and relieve muscle tension and spasms

Other treatments include:

  • Pain medication
  • Physical therapy
  • Corner Loc 
  • Joint injections 
  • Gentle exercises