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Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction: Understanding the Hidden Source of Your Back Pain

A person experiencing back pain facing the sun with a graphic illustration of their spine showing on their back.

Back pain is a common ailment that affects millions of people worldwide. While many associate back pain with issues in the lumbar spine (lower back), there’s a hidden culprit that often goes unnoticed: the sacroiliac (SI) joints.

SI joint dysfunction can cause significant discomfort and impact daily activities. Yet it’s frequently misdiagnosed or overlooked. This blog aims to shed light on this often misunderstood condition, exploring its causes, symptoms, and available treatment options.

Understanding the SI Joints

The SI joints are located on either side of your lower spine, connecting the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of the spine) to the ilium (the upper part of the pelvis). These joints play a vital role in transferring weight and force between the upper body and the legs. While they have limited mobility, they provide stability and support to the spine and pelvis.

What Is SI Joint Dysfunction?

SI joint dysfunction occurs when there’s an imbalance in the movement of the SI joints. They may become too stiff or too loose, leading to pain and discomfort.

This dysfunction can stem from various factors, including:

  • Injury or Trauma:A fall, an accident, or sudden impact can strain or injure the ligaments supporting the SI joints, leading to dysfunction.
  • Pregnancy and Childbirth:Hormonal changes and the physical stress of pregnancy and childbirth can affect the SI joints, causing pain and instability.
  • Arthritis:Inflammatory conditions like ankylosing spondylitis or osteoarthritis can affect the SI joints, leading to pain and stiffness.
  • Leg Length Discrepancy:A difference in leg length can put uneven stress on the SI joints, contributing to dysfunction.
  • Overuse or Repetitive Strain:Activities that involve repetitive twisting or bending, as found in certain sports and occupations, can strain the SI joints.

Recognizing the Symptoms

The symptoms of SI joint dysfunction can vary, but they often include:

  • Lower Back Pain:Pain is typically felt in the lower back or buttocks and may radiate to the hips, groin, or legs.
  • Stiffness:The lower back may feel stiff, especially in the morning or after sitting for a long time.
  • Pain with Movement:Pain may worsen with activities that involve twisting, bending, or bearing weight on one leg.
  • Tenderness:The area around either or both of the SI joints may be tender to the touch.

Treatment Options

A physical therapist working on a patient's back during a therapy session.
A physical therapist carefully working on a patient’s back, focusing on relieving tension and improving mobility through targeted treatment.

The good news is that several effective treatment options are available for SI joint dysfunction, ranging from conservative approaches to minimally invasive procedures:

  • Physical Therapy:A physical therapist can design a personalized exercise program to strengthen the muscles supporting the SI joints, improve flexibility, and correct any biomechanical imbalances.
  • Medications:Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications can help manage pain and reduce inflammation.
  • Injections:Corticosteroid injections into an SI joint can provide temporary pain relief by reducing inflammation.
  • Radiofrequency Ablation:This minimally invasive procedure uses radio waves to destroy the nerves that transmit pain signals from an SI joint.
  • Prolotherapy:This involves injecting a solution into the ligaments surrounding an SI joint to stimulate healing and tighten it.
  • SI Joint Fusion:In severe cases, surgical fusion of an SI joint may be necessary to stabilize the joint and eliminate pain.

Put Your Health First

The physicians at Houston Physicians’ Hospital understand the complexities of back pain and the importance of an accurate diagnosis. They provide comprehensive care for individuals with SI joint dysfunction and other spinal conditions. If you suffer from joint pain, visit the Orthopedic Surgeon in League City TX, Center of Excellence to learn more about various conditions and treatment options.

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The physicians at Houston Physicians’ Hospital also specialize in treating neck pain, hip pain, knee pain, and shoulder pain.