Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction: Symptoms and Treatment

Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction: Symptoms and Treatment

Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction is a common yet often overlooked source of lower back and pelvic pain. The SI joint, located between the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of your spine) and the ilium (hip bones), plays a vital role in stabilizing your pelvis and absorbing shock between your upper body and legs.

When this joint moves too much or too little, it can lead to pain and reduced mobility—a condition known as SI joint dysfunction. At The Pain Experts of Arizona, we specialize in diagnosing and treating SI joint dysfunction to help patients regain mobility and improve their quality of life.

In this blog, we’ll discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for SI joint dysfunction and how our team can help.

Understanding SI Joint Dysfunction

The sacroiliac joint is designed for stability with minimal movement, thanks to strong ligaments and other soft tissues. However, when the joint experiences too much movement (hypermobility) or too little movement (hypomobility), it can result in pain and discomfort.

Hypermobility (Instability):
Excessive movement in the SI joint can cause a feeling of pelvic instability and lead to:

• Lower back pain that radiates to the hip.
• Discomfort in the groin or pelvic area.

Hypomobility (Fixation):
Restricted movement in the SI joint can lead to:

• Stiffness in the lower back and pelvis.
• Pain on one side of the lower back or buttocks, sometimes radiating down the leg.

Both conditions can trigger inflammation in the joint, further exacerbating symptoms.

Symptoms of SI Joint Dysfunction

The symptoms of SI joint dysfunction can vary but often include:

• Lower back pain: A dull, aching pain typically concentrated on one side.
• Radiating pain: Discomfort extending to the hips, buttocks, or groin.
• Sharp, stabbing pain: Especially in the buttocks or down the back of one leg, mimicking sciatica.
• Stiffness: Reduced range of motion in the hips, pelvis, or lower back, making activities like climbing stairs or bending at the waist difficult.
• Pelvic instability: A sensation that the pelvis may buckle or give way when standing, walking, or transitioning between sitting and standing.

Treatment Options for SI Joint Dysfunction

At The Pain Experts of Arizona, our goal is to alleviate pain and restore function. Most cases of SI joint dysfunction respond well to non-surgical treatments, including:

1. Rest and Activity Modification: Short-term rest and avoiding activities that aggravate symptoms can help reduce pain.
2. Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen supporting muscles and improve joint stability.
3. Heat and Ice Therapy: Applying heat or cold packs to reduce inflammation and relax muscles.
4. Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription anti-inflammatory drugs.
5. SI Joint Injections: Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and provide targeted pain relief.
6. Braces or Supports: Wearing a sacroiliac belt can help stabilize the joint and alleviate symptoms.

Surgical Treatment:
For severe cases that do not respond to conservative treatments, surgery may be an option. The most common procedure is SI joint fusion, which involves permanently stabilizing the joint.

What to Expect During Treatment

If you suspect SI joint dysfunction, the first step is a thorough evaluation by one of our specialists. This includes a detailed medical history, physical examination, and possibly imaging studies to confirm the diagnosis.

Our team at The Pain Experts of Arizona takes a personalized approach, creating a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Whether through physical therapy, injections, or other interventions, we’ll work with you to restore mobility and reduce pain.

Why Choose The Pain Experts of Arizona?

At The Pain Experts of Arizona, we combine advanced diagnostic tools, cutting-edge treatments, and compassionate care to deliver lasting relief. Our board-certified physicians specialize in managing complex pain conditions, including SI joint dysfunction, and are dedicated to improving your quality of life.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you’re struggling with lower back or pelvic pain, SI joint dysfunction could be the cause. Let our team help you find relief and get back to living life to the fullest.

Contact The Pain Experts of Arizona today at 480-550-9393 to schedule your consultation in Mesa or Gilbert, AZ. Together, we can develop a treatment plan that works for you.

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