What are Sacroiliac Joints
Sacroiliac joints (or SI Joints) are on both sides of your lower back vertebrae and connect your spine to your pelvis. The SI joint is made up of the sacrum bone (triangular shaped bone that sits at the bottom of the spine and stops at the top of the buttocks), the spine's lower vertebrae and ilium of the pelvis (the large broad bone forming the upper part of each half of the pelvis).
What Causes Sacroiliac Joint Pain
Although there is not excessive movement in and around the SI joints (on either side) there is some rotational properties which can create problems with joint pain and referral pain in the buttocks.
If the pain in the lower back is coming from a vertebrae you can have discomfort at one segment or on either side of the spine along the soft tissue and muscles of the spine. Some would call this a strain if related to the muscle.
Symptoms of Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
Symptoms of sacroiliac joint dysfunction are typically soreness with activity, prolonged sitting or standing and possible side lying pain, with referral pain into the buttock and leg musculature can be common.
Treatments for Sacroiliac Joint Pain
Typically stretching, manipulations, mobilizations, physical therapy, massage therapy, hip and core strengthening and biomechanical alignment evaluation (including the foot and lower leg) is very important.
Patients can also include ice, pain medications, even heat if it’s very chronic, and if conservative care fails then injection therapy can help. Evaluation by a spine specialist will be important if pain does not subside.
If you are experiencing Sacroiliac joint pain, contact Dr. Schoene to set up a consultation today.