The sacroiliac joint is the joint that connects the lower spine to the pelvis. The sacrum is a triangular bone located at the spine’s base, forming part of its structure. The pelvis consists of four fused bones. These two bones connect at the sacroiliac joint. The SI joint Flowood is a synovial structure that allows for movement between these two bones. When this joint becomes painful, it can be debilitating to daily activities.
When the SI joint becomes injured, it can be due to direct trauma to the joint or stress occurring in surrounding structures. This type of pain has been linked to pregnancy and is known as symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD).
What are the causes of SI joint pain?
Physical trauma to the pelvis can damage the SI joint or cause inflammation of the SI ligaments. Trauma from motor vehicle accidents falls, slips, and other accidents can damage or stretch these ligaments.
Injuries also occur during sports such as soccer, football, hockey, and gymnastics. Symptoms of SI joint dysfunction after physical trauma include pain in the low back, groin area, gluteal folds, the bottom portion of each buttock, and inner thigh, tenderness over the SI joint, limited hip range of motion, difficulty with sports involving running, twisting, or changing directions, abnormal walking pattern.
Pain from an SI joint injury can range from mild to severe and may be felt in the back, buttocks, groin, or legs. Pain may be continuous or constant, but it also may come and go. Sitting for long periods or lifting heavy objects can worsen SI joint pain.
How to treat SI joint pain
Rest: The Sacroiliac joint (SI joint) is where the bottom of your spine meets the top of your pelvis. If your SI joint is inflamed, it can cause lower back pain, groin pain, and pain that runs down the back of the leg. The best way to treat SI joint pain is by resting. By resting, you give your SI joint time to heal.
Treatment for SI joint problems depends on the cause of the pain. For example, if you have been injured and are in pain, you may need a rest period to allow swelling to go down and any injuries to heal. In some cases, physical therapy or other treatments will help ease the pain. If the pain continues or becomes severe, you may need surgery.
Stretching: Stretching is an integral part of keeping the SI joints healthy. Most people find relief from pain by stretching out the hip flexors and quadriceps and focusing on the lower back muscles and psoas muscles. A stretch for your glutes will help to release muscle tension, which is common in SI joint dysfunction.
Pain relief medications: They may be appropriate for treating symptoms associated with SI joint pain. These medications may include acetaminophen (Tylenol), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or narcotics. If a person has been diagnosed with an inflammatory disorder like rheumatoid arthritis, ibuprofen (Advil) or other NSAIDs are usually recommended. Narcotics are used to treat moderate to severe pain that does not respond well to other treatments.
To treat SI joint pain, it is best to find the underlying cause. This can be accomplished through a physical examination from a doctor and diagnostic imaging (x-ray, MRI) if needed. Treatment options may include physical therapy or injections of steroids or other drugs into the joint to reduce inflammation. If you are experiencing SI joint pain, reach out to Jackson Neurosurgery Clinic experts.
