An Overview of Sacroiliac Joint Pain And Its Treatment

Shaivy Choubey

Medically Reviewed By Dr. Aarti Nehra

The sacroiliac (SI) joint, situated where the sacrum (spinal triangular bone at the base of the spine) joins the pelvis, is responsible for absorbing shock from the upper body to the legs. But this joint can be a source of discomfort for many people, causing joint pain that can vary from mild to severe. Sacroiliac joint pain is a condition that affects daily mobility and quality of life; therefore, it is important to identify its symptoms and seek the best treatments.

What is Sacroiliac Joint Pain?

When the SI joint is dysfunctional or inflammatory, it can result in the pain of the sacroiliac joint. It can be caused by injury, arthritis, pregnancy, or even an uneven gait. SI joint issues are estimated to affect 25% of people with lower back pain (NIH). Sacroiliac joint pain is often confused with general lower back pain, but it originates from the joint where the sacrum connects with the iliac bones.
People with sacroiliac joint tenderness often report sharp or aching pain in the lower back, buttocks, and, in some cases, down the leg, making it hard to walk or sit.

Causes of Sacral Joint Pain

Several factors can contribute to sacral joint pain, with the most common causes being:

  • Trauma or Injury:
    Inflammation and pain can sometimes arise from direct injury to the SI joint from a fall or accident.
  • Arthritis:
    The sacroiliac joint can be affected by conditions like osteoarthritis or ankylosing spondylitis that results in inflammation and pain.
  • Pregnancy:
    During pregnancy, hormonal changes loosen ligaments, making the sacroiliac joint more mobile, and can cause pain.
  • Poor Posture:
    The SI joint pain can be aggravated over time if you sit with poor posture or if you have uneven weight distribution. These causes, along with continual stress on the joint, can make the pain of the sacroiliac joint much worse and cause sacroiliac joint tenderness, especially after sitting or standing for long periods of time.

Recognizing Sacroiliac Joint Pain Symptoms

Sacroiliac joint pain symptoms can be tough to deal with, but there are effective treatment options and ways to prevent it. Before knowing its management and best approach to treat, let’s know sacroiliac joint pain symptoms which vary from person to person, but commonly include:

  • Lower back, hip, or buttock pain
  • Reduced or stiff range of motion of the hips.
  • Pain that gets worse with standing, sitting, or walking for long periods
  • Pain that radiates to the thighs or upper legs

If the pain gets worse when you put weight on one leg or twist in movements, that’s a reason for concern. If you are having these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor to help you get a real diagnosis, since SIJ pain can be confused with conditions like slipped or herniated discs or sciatica.

Sacroiliitis Treatment and Understanding About Its Inflammation

Inflammation of the sacroiliac joint, known as sacroiliitis, may be caused by arthritis or infection. This can be a debilitating condition, with serious sacral joint pain and difficulty with mobility. Now the question comes here is what are the possible sacroiliitis treatment that can be suggested or prescribed by the expert, let’s understand some of them:

  • Anti-inflammatory medications:
    They help the body decrease inflammation and relieve pain.
  • Physical therapy:
    Long-term relief can be attained through exercise as you can strengthen muscles that surround the SI joint, which helps add a degree of mobility and improve stability.
  • Steroid injections:
    In some instances, doctors may suggest that you get cortisone shots into the joint to lessen inflammation and pain.
  • Heat and Cold Therapy:
    Heat or ice can be applied to an affected area to cut down on symptoms, particularly after a bout of physical activity.

Treatment Options for Sacroiliac Joint Pain

According to the NHS, common treatments for SI joint dysfunction include a combination of physical therapy, medications, and sometimes surgery for more severe cases. For those dealing with sacroiliac joint pain, there are several approaches to finding relief:

  • Rest and Activity Modification:
    The first step to reducing pain is to avoid activities that aggravate the joint pain. Resting the joint can help with symptoms, but it’s important to move the joint gently to avoid stiffness.
  • Physical Therapy:
    Strengthening and flexibility exercises and warm-ups with a physical therapist help reduce sacroiliac joint strain. It’s especially powerful for the treatment of sacroiliac joint tenderness.
  • Injections:
    If these aren’t helping get rid of the pain, a doctor may prescribe injections of corticosteroids directly into your sacroiliac joint to reduce pain and swelling.
  • Surgical Interventions:
    Sacroiliac joint fusion is a surgical option that is sometimes considered in rare cases where other treatments are ineffective.

Conclusion

To prevent the pain in the sacroiliac joint, you need to pay attention to posture, body mechanics, and strengthening exercises. Additionally, a healthy weight will relieve some SI joint strain. Core strengthening exercises should be prioritized for anyone prone to lower back pain and/or joint (particularly pelvic) pain. Many people experiencing this pain can regain mobility by seeking appropriate care and leading an active, healthy lifestyle, if not treated correctly, the condition can be very painful and often becomes chronic.

About Author - Shaivy Choubey is a dedicated and skilled healthcare writer with over seven years of experience in writing, editing, and proofreading content across various niches, including lifestyle, skincare, haircare, and overall well-being. When not writing, Shaivy is on the lookout for the latest wellness trends, exploring vibrant destinations, or savouring her favourite healthy treats.

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