Sacroiliac Joint Pain - Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

If you are experiencing pain in your lower back, you may have sacroiliac joint pain. This condition is caused by problems with the sacroiliac joint, where the spine and pelvis meet. This blog post will discuss the symptoms, causes, and treatment of sacroiliac joint dysfunction and pain. We will also provide tips on how to manage this condition.

What is sacroiliac joint (SI joint) dysfunction and pain?

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is a condition that causes pain in the lower back. This condition is caused by problems with the sacroiliac joint, where the spine and pelvis meet. Pain can result from sacroiliac joint dysfunction, chronic SI joint pain, SI joint inflammation, or irritation of the strong ligaments. The sacroiliac joints are the large joints that connect the spine to the pelvis. This joint helps to absorb shock and provides stability for the spine.

What are the symptoms of sacroiliac joint pain?

The most common symptom of SI joint pain is lower back pain. This pain may be dull and achy, or it may be sharp and stabbing. Other symptoms of sacroiliac joint pain include:

Pain in the buttocks

It is common for SI joint pain to radiate and cause buttock pain. It is often described as a dull ache diffuse along the buttock region and sacrum.

Pain in the hips

Pain can radiate from the SI joint to the side of the hip bones. The pain is usually described as a throbbing or ache and is constant pain.

Radiating pain down the legs

Leg pain may be a symptom of other issues, such as a herniated disc or sciatica. However, SI joint pain can also refer to leg pain but typically does not go past the knees. Instead, leg pain is usually vague and diffuses along the thigh.

Stiffness in the lower back

Pain in the SI joint is worse with movements. Transition movements from sitting to standing, standing to sitting, getting up out of bed, or in and out of a car are common complaints associated with SI joint pain.

Difficulty moving the legs or hips.

Because the SI joint stabilizes the pelvis for the legs and hips to move, SI joint dysfunction in the joint can cause difficulty and pain with moving hips or legs.

Instability in the knees

Pain in the SI joint can cause weakness and instability in the knees. Many of the knee supporting muscles originate in the hips and are shared with the pelvis. SI joint dysfunction can cause these muscles to become weak and consequently cause knee instability.

Lower Back Pain and the SI Joint

The main difference between lumbar spine pain and SI joint pain is the location of the pain. Lumbar spine pain is typically felt in the lower back, while sacroiliac joint pain is felt in the lower back and may radiate into the buttocks or legs.

Sacroiliac joint pain is often aggravated by movements transitioning from sitting to standing or standing to sitting. However, these movements do not necessarily aggravate low back pain associated with a disc herniation or facet syndrome.

What are the causes of SI joint dysfunction?

There are a few risk factors associated with sacroiliac joint dysfunction, including:

Age

The incidence of SI joint pain increases with age. This is likely due to the wear and tear on the joints as we age.

Gender

Women are more likely to experience SI joint pain than men. This may be due to hormonal changes or differences in anatomy.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy?can cause an increase in the hormones that loosen ligaments. This can lead to instability in the SI joint and pain. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is a common cause of low back pain in pregnancy and postpartum.

Obesity

Obesity puts additional stress on the SI joint and can cause SI joint strain, leading to inflammation and pain.

Trauma

A fall or other traumatic event can injure the SI joint and lead to pain.

How is a diagnosis made for SI joint pain?

A combination diagnoses SI joint dysfunction through a physical exam and imaging tests. During the physical exam, your doctor will feel for areas of tenderness in the lower back and buttocks.

They may also ask you to perform specific movements to see if they aggravate your pain. Imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs may also be ordered to evaluate the joint further.

A doctor, physical therapist, or evidence-based chiropractor will perform five standard tests for SI joint dysfunction.

Gaenslen's Test

The first test is the Gaenslen's Test, which assesses pain in the SI joint. To perform this test, the patient lies on their back with their knees bent and feet flat on the ground. The examiner then places one hand on the patient's lower back and applies pressure while slowly moving the other hand down the patient's thigh. If the patient experiences pain in their SI joint, it is considered a positive Gaenslen's Test.

Patrick Faber Test

The second test is the Patrick Faber Test, which assesses pain in the SI joint when weight-bearing. To perform this test, the patient stands on one leg with their foot flat on the ground and their knee bent. The examiner then applies pressure to the patient's pelvis while asking them to stand up on their tiptoes. If the patient experiences pain in their sacroiliac joint, it is considered a positive Patrick Faber Test.

Stork Test

The third test is the Stork Test, which assesses pain in the sacroiliac joint when moving. To perform this test, the patient stands on one leg with their foot flat on the ground and their knee bent. The examiner then asks the patient to bend forward at the waist and touch their toes. If the patient experiences pain in their sacroiliac joint, it is considered a positive Stork Test.

Compression Test

The fourth test is the compression test, which assesses pain in the sacroiliac joint when pressure is applied. To perform this test, the patient lies on their back with their knees bent and feet flat on the ground. The examiner then places one hand on the patient's lower back and applies pressure while slowly moving the other hand down the patient's thigh. If the patient experiences pain in their sacroiliac joint, it is considered a positive compression test.

Distraction Test

The fifth test is the distraction test, which assesses pain in the sacroiliac joint when movement is away from the joint. To perform this test, the patient lies on their back with their knees bent and feet flat on the ground. The examiner then places one hand on the patient's lower back and applies pressure while slowly moving the other hand up the patient's thigh. If the patient experiences pain in their sacroiliac joint, it is considered a positive distraction test.

What treatments are available for sacroiliac joint dysfunction?

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction can be treated with a variety of methods, including:

Physical therapy

Physical therapy can help strengthen the joints' muscles and improve the range of motion. This can help provide pain relief and improve function. Physical therapy can also help with acute pain with modalities such as dry needling, ultrasound, and electric stimulation. In addition, they may recommend a supportive pelvic belt.

Chiropractic care

Chiropractic care can help to realign the joints and reduce inflammation. This can also help to relieve sacroiliac pain. Long-term treatment usually includes strengthening, and an evidence-based chiropractor will be trained in these exercises.??

Massage

Massage can help to relax the muscles around the joints and reduce inflammation. It is essential to go to an experienced massage therapist as simple elements of treatment such as laying in the wrong position can put additional strain on the SI joints and worsen the pain.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine that involves inserting needles into specific points on the body. This can help alleviate acute pain and release spastic and painful muscles.?Natural remedies for pain are becoming increasingly popular.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDS)

NSAIDs are a type of medication that can help reduce inflammation and pain. They can be taken orally or applied topically. NSAIDs are typically used for short-term relief of acute pain but can also be used for long-term chronic pain management. Some common NSAIDs include ibuprofen and naproxen.

Corticosteroid injections

Corticosteroid sacroiliac joint injections are a type of medication that can help to reduce inflammation and pain. They are typically used for short-term relief of acute pain but can also be used for long-term chronic pain management. Some common corticosteroids for SI joint injections include prednisone and methylprednisolone.

Surgery

Surgery is typically only recommended if other methods of treatment have failed. In this case, SI joint fusion is the most commonly recommended. However, a few different types of surgery can be performed for sacroiliac joint dysfunction, and the type of surgery will depend on the severity of the condition.

What are some common misconceptions about sacroiliac joint pain?

One common misconception about sacroiliac joint pain is that it is the same as low back pain or sciatica. This is not the case. Sacroiliac joint pain is a specific type of pain that comes from the sacroiliac joints located in the pelvis.

Another common misconception about sacroiliac joint pain is that it can be cured with a simple adjustment. Unfortunately, this is also not the case. While an adjustment may provide short-term relief, it is not a cure.

A third common misconception about sacroiliac joint pain is that it can be cured with surgery. Unfortunately, this is also not the case. Surgery may be recommended in some cases, but it is not a cure for sacroiliac joint pain.

When to see your doctor about SI joint pain

Sacroiliac joint pain is usually treatable with conservative care such as physical therapy and inflammatory control.

If you experience any of the following, it is essential to see your doctor:

• You have disturbed sitting patterns due to pain
• You have disrupted sleep patterns due to pain
• You have severe pain in your hips that radiates to your legs
• You have leg instability
• You have a previous history of lumbar fusion
• Your low back pain radiates to your buttocks or legs

These are all signs that you may have severe sacroiliac joint dysfunction, and you must see your doctor get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Left untreated, sacroiliac joint pain can become excruciating and cause more problems such as hip joint pain, knee pain, and ankle pain. Getting the proper diagnosis and treatment is essential to avoid these complications.

Check out our original post on www.thewellnesscabinet.co