Sacroiliac Joint Pain
Sacroiliac joint pain is a common musculoskeletal condition that can cause discomfort and mobility issues. This condition is caused by damage or dysfunction to the sacroiliac joint, which is located in the lower back where the sacrum and ilium bones meet.
In this blog post, we will discuss what sacroiliac joint pain is, its common signs and symptoms, and how it can be treated.
What is Sacroiliac Joint Pain?
The sacroiliac joint is responsible for connecting the sacrum, a triangular bone located at the bottom of the spine, to the ilium bones in the pelvis. This joint plays a crucial role in providing stability to the lower back and transferring forces between the upper body and legs. Sacroiliac joint pain can occur due to several reasons, including trauma, degenerative arthritis, or pregnancy-related changes.
It can cause pain and discomfort in the lower back, hip, groin, and legs, and can affect one or both sides of the body.
Common Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms of sacroiliac joint pain can vary depending on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Some common signs and symptoms of sacroiliac joint pain include –
- Pain in the lower back, hip, buttocks, or legs
- Stiffness or limited mobility in the lower back or hips
- Aching or sharp pain on one or both sides of the lower back or pelvis
- Difficulty standing or sitting for prolonged periods
- Pain or discomfort during activities that involve bending or twisting of the spine, such as lifting heavy objects or getting out of bed
- Numbness or tingling sensation in the legs or buttocks
If left untreated, sacroiliac joint pain can cause muscle imbalances, spinal misalignment, and postural changes, which can lead to further pain and dysfunction.
How Can It Be Treated?
The treatment for sacroiliac joint pain depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Initially, conservative treatment options are usually recommended, including rest, ice or heat therapy, physiotherapy, and anti-inflammatory medications. Physiotherapy can help to strengthen the muscles surrounding the sacroiliac joint, improve flexibility, and promote proper body mechanics.
If conservative treatments are not effective, more invasive options may be considered. Injections of corticosteroids or other medications directly into the joint can help to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to stabilise the joint or repair damage to the ligaments or bones.
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Scientific References
- Cohen SP, Hurley RW, Buckenmaier CC, et al. Randomized placebo-controlled study evaluating lateral branch radiofrequency denervation for sacroiliac joint pain. Anesthesiology. 2008;109(2):279-288. doi:10.1097/ALN.0b013e31817f5b8a
- Sembrano JN, Polly DW. How often is low back pain not coming from the back? Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2009;34(1):E27-E32. doi:10.1097/BRS.0b013e31818b8882
- Vleeming A, Schuenke MD, Masi AT, Carreiro JE, Danneels L, Willard FH. The sacroiliac joint: an overview of its anatomy, function and