Understanding and Managing Sacroiliac Joint Pain

Chronic pain affects many people, and it can have a profound impact on every aspect of their lives. One common cause of chronic pain is sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction. The sacroiliac joints, located where the spine meets the pelvis, play a crucial role in supporting your body’s weight. When these joints become inflamed or dysfunctional, it can lead to mild to severe pain. When this pain is not managed or treated, it can become debilitating chronic pain.

Understanding Sacroiliac Joint Pain

The SI joints transfer the weight from the upper body to the lower body, allowing movement between the spine and pelvis. SI joint pain comes from joint inflammation, misalignment, or overuse. While SI joint pain is usually felt in the lower back or buttocks, it can radiate down to the back of the thighs. Activities like sitting or standing for too long or bending and twisting can exacerbate this discomfort.

Diagnosing SI Joint Pain

Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment of SI joint pain. A diagnosis typically involves an assessment of your medical history, physical exams, and imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs to rule out other conditions.

“SI joint pain can be a master of disguise,” said Dr. Akhil Shori from Riverside Orthopedic Specialists. “It might feel like sciatica, a hip issue, or just stubborn low back pain. Teasing out the real culprit is half the battle, and that’s where a good medical history, skilled physical exam, and targeted treatments come in.”

Treatment and Management Strategies

• Physical Therapy and Exercise
  Physical therapy is one of the most effective treatments for SI joint pain. A physical therapist can lead you through exercises to strengthen the muscles surrounding the SI joints, improve stability, and restore proper function. Stretching exercises can help improve flexibility and reduce tension. Core strengthening exercises also play a key role in supporting the spine and pelvis.
• Posture and Body Mechanics
  Improving posture and body mechanics is crucial when dealing with sacroiliac joint pain. Using ergonomic furniture, adjusting your workstation, and ensuring that you sit and stand with proper posture can reduce strain on the SI joints. Avoiding long periods of sitting or standing is also recommended, as this can put added pressure on the joints.
• Relief Through Interventional Pain Medicine
  Interventional pain medicine is a specialty that focuses on decreasing chronic pain through various interventions, ranging from simple medications to more sophisticated treatments like corticosteroid injections. Injections can reduce inflammation and provide longer-lasting pain relief. Surgical options, such as joint fusion, may be considered if more conservative treatments do not provide sufficient relief.

Chronic sacroiliac joint pain can be debilitating, but there are ways to manage it effectively. Physical therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and medical interventions can all help alleviate pain and improve your quality of life. If you're experiencing persistent lower back or hip pain, contact Riverside Orthopedic Specialists today. To learn more and explore your options, including interventional pain medicine, call (815) 802-7090 or visit myrhc.net/orthopedics today.