Sacroiliac Joint Pain

Sacroiliac joint pain (SI joint pain) is a common condition that affects the lower back and pelvis. It is estimated that up to 25% of people with lower back pain have SI joint pain, and it is more common in women than men. SI joint pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, arthritis, pregnancy, and degenerative joint disease.

The SI joint is located in the pelvis, connecting the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of the spine) to the ilium (the uppermost part of the pelvis). The SI joint is responsible for transmitting weight and force from the upper body to the legs, and it is crucial in providing stability to the lower back and pelvis.

Symptoms of Sacroiliac Joint Pain

Symptoms of SI joint pain can include:

• Location of pain: the pain may be felt in the low back, buttock, hip or groin
• Quality of pain: the pain may be sharp or dull
• Aggravating factors: the pain may worsen with activities such as walking, standing or climbing stairs

Sacroiliac Joint Pain Treatment

Treatment options for SI joint pain vary depending on the severity and cause of the condition. Some common treatment options include:

• Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help to manage mild to moderate pain. In more severe cases, prescription medications may be necessary.
• Injection therapies:
  • Corticosteroid injections can be used to reduce inflammation and pain in the joint.
  • Nerve blocks and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) can be used to disrupt nerve signals and reduce pain.
• Physical therapy: Physical therapy may include exercises to strengthen the muscles that support the SI joint, as well as stretches to improve flexibility and range of motion.
• Chiropractic care: Chiropractic care may also be helpful in reducing pain and improving joint mobility.
• Surgery: Surgery for SI joint pain is generally considered a last resort and is only recommended in severe cases where other treatments have been ineffective. Surgical options may include fusion of the SI joint or removal of damaged tissue.

Most interventional pain procedures are done at the onsite procedure suite. 

Don’t let sacroiliac joint pain keep you from living your life. Lakeshore Pain and Spine Center is dedicated to providing personalized and compassionate care to help you achieve pain relief and improve your overall well-being. Call Lakeshore Pain and Spine Center or book an appointment online today.