SI Joint Pain
Sacroiliac joint (SI) pain is one of the most under diagnosed causes of low back pain. It is estimated that 15% to 30% of people suffering with low back pain actually have an issue with their SI joint.
What is an SI Joint?
The SI joint is located in the pelvis linking the iliac bone to the sacrum. This joint transfers a person’s weight and forces between the upper body and legs. A normal SI joint can only move 2-4mm in any direction. It is composed of ear shaped articular surfaces and have free nerve endings.
Since the SI joint has these free nerve endings it is the reason a person experiences pain when they are damaged.
What are Risk Factors For SI Joint Pain?
Some risk factors associated with SI joint pain include:
- Pain in Back/Buttock
- Pain Can Radiate Into Hip/Groin/Upper Thigh
- Pain With Sitting, Standing, Walking, Climbing Stairs.
- Rule Out Pathology in Lumbar Spine and Hip
- Leg Discrepancy
- Inflammatory Arthritis (Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Psoriatic Arthritis)
- Pregnancy: Ligaments Supporting Joints are Less Stiff in Women. Hormones With Pregnancy Allows Increased Mobility. Mobility Decreases With Age.
- Advanced Age
- Trauma
What are the Treatments For SI Joint Pain?
Here are some treatment options that can assist with SI joint pain:
- SI Joint Belt
- Heat/Ice/Rest
- Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (Nsaids)/Acetaminophen
- Physical Therapy/Chiropractic Manipulation (Specific Exercises For Stretching/Strengthening).
- Steroid Injections
- Stem Cell Injections
- Rhizotomy
- SI Joint Fusion
