The sacroiliac joint, often called the SI joint, is one of the important joints in the human body that connects the sacrum, the bone located at the lower spine, to the pelvic bone (ilium). There are two sacroiliac joints located on either side of the sacrum, and they are stabilized by strong ligaments and muscle joints, which help transfer weight from the upper body to the lower limbs.
These sacroiliac joints play a major role as shock absorbers between the upper body, the pelvis, and the legs.
The sacroiliac joint can be affected in many different ways, and most of the time, sacroiliac joint dysfunction leads to sacroiliac joint pain. The leg pain caused by the two conditions, sacroiliac joint dysfunction and lumbar disc herniation (sciatica), may be challenging to distinguish because they can feel quite similar.
Today, it is estimated that nearly 15% to 30% of lower back pain cases are due to sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
SI joint dysfunction
SI joint dysfunction mainly involves hypermobility or hypomobility.
Excessive movement in the sacroiliac joint might result in instability of the pelvis and lead to pain, which is commonly felt in the lower back and/or hip. This pain may sometimes radiate into the groin area.
Less movement in the sacroiliac joint might result in muscle tension and pain. Eventually, it may inhibit the movement of joints. The pain caused by this condition will be similar to sciatica pain; it usually starts in the buttocks or lower back on one side and then radiates down to the back of the leg.
Sacroiliitis, an inflammatory condition of the sacroiliac joint, can also lead to pelvic pain and stiffness. Inflammation might be caused by sacroiliac joint dysfunction and other conditions like infection, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.
Young and middle-aged women are prone to sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
Certain conditions can raise the risk of developing sacroiliac dysfunction and pain.
Gait issues, like uneven leg length or scoliosis
Pregnant women or women who have given birth recently are at greater risk of developing sacroiliac joint pain.
Previous lower back surgery may tend to put pressure on the sacroiliac joint.
Certain activities, like contact sports and lifting heavy objects regularly, also put excess pressure on the SI joint, which causes dysfunction.
Sacroiliac joint pain might also appear without any obvious cause over time in some cases. Injury or trauma due to a fall can also result in SI joint pain.
Signs and symptoms of SI joint dysfunction
- Mild to severe lower back pain
- Pain that spreads to the hips, buttocks, and groin area
- Sharp and stabbing pain similar to sciatica pain, which may include numbness and tingling sensation
- Stiffness and reduced range-of-motion
- Pain becomes worse, especially while climbing stairs, running, and lying on one side.
- Instability in the pelvis or lower back
- Sacroiliitis
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction Treatment
The main aim of sacroiliac joint dysfunction treatment is to alleviate pain, improve the functions of SI joints, and improve the overall quality of life. Below are some of the common SI joint dysfunction treatment approaches:
Conservative treatment options:
The initial treatment options for SI joint dysfunction would be conventional options, which include:
Rest and Activity Modification
Taking rest for 1 or 2 days is suggested. Prolonged rest is not recommended because it will worsen stiffness and increase pain. Also, avoid activities that trigger the symptoms.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy, which involves stretching to reduce muscle spasms and strengthening exercises to support the sacroiliac joint, helps to enhance flexibility and stability. Aerobic exercises, which are an integral part of physical therapy, help to improve blood flow, elevate pain, and boost the healing process. A physical therapist can guide you through various therapy techniques.
Anti-Inflammatory Medications:
To manage pain and inflammation, doctors may suggest NSAIDs, like ibuprofen or naproxen. Self-medication for pain or inflammation is not recommended.
Ice and heat therapy
Pain and inflammation can be reduced by applying ice or a heat pack to the affected region. For some people, switching between ice and heat provides relief.
Bracing
To stabilize the joint and reduce excessive movement, doctors recommended wearing supportive braces or belts.
Interventional Procedures
Joint Injections
To reduce severe pain and inflammation temporarily, doctors may inject corticosteroid injections directly into the sacroiliac joint.
Radiofrequency Ablation
In this procedure, doctors use radiofrequency energy to divert the nerve signals (pain signals) in the sacroiliac joint. This procedure provides longer-lasting pain relief than corticosteroid injections.
Surgical treatment
Where traditional treatment options fail to treat sacroiliac joint dysfunction, a surgical fusion of the sacroiliac joint is the next best option. The procedure involves eliminating movement at the sacroiliac joint completely by fusing the ilium and sacrum together. Thus, it prevents abnormal movement of the joint.
If you suffer from lower back pain and are looking for the best lower back pain treatment in Hyderabad, consult Dr. Surya Prakash, one of the best spine surgeons in Hyderabad.
