The sacroiliac (SI) joints connect your spine to your pelvis, playing a critical role in stabilizing your body during movement. When these joints become inflamed or strained, they can cause pain in your lower back, hips, or even legs.
For many patients, SI joint pain can be managed through rest, physical therapy, or simple lifestyle adjustments. However, for some, the pain persists or worsens, and professional medical care is necessary.
Let us discuss when to seek a doctor’s care for SI joint pain and how to prepare for your visit, ensuring you gain the most from your treatment.
What Is SI Joint Pain
The SI joints are located where your lower spine meets the pelvis. While relatively small, these joints bear significant weight and help distribute forces throughout your body when you walk, run, or climb stairs.
SI joint pain develops when these joints no longer function as they should due to injury, inflammation, arthritis, or other causes. Symptoms include:
- Lower back pain, often on just one side.
- Pain radiating to the hips, groin, or thighs.
- Stiffness or reduced range of motion.
- Pain that worsens with standing, walking, or transitioning from sitting to standing.
If you notice these symptoms, it is essential to monitor them closely to determine if they are improving or if it is time to consult a doctor.
When to See a Doctor for SI Joint Pain
While it is normal to experience occasional SI joint pain, certain signs suggest your SI joint pain may require medical attention. Consult an orthopedic doctor if your SI joint-related symptoms include:
- Severe or persistent pain lasting longer than a week.
- Pain spreading into the legs or groin.
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs.
- Difficulty performing daily activities due to the pain.
- Worsening symptoms despite rest or over-the-counter medication.
- Pain following a recent accident, injury, or fall.
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial when addressing SI joint pain. Ignoring these symptoms may result in the issue becoming chronic or more challenging to treat.
Treatment Options for SI Joint Pain
Treatment for SI joint pain usually begins with noninvasive methods to reduce symptoms and restore mobility. Some common treatments include:
Noninvasive Treatments
- Activity Modification: Avoid high-impact activities that may stress the SI joint, like jogging or heavy lifting.
- Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can design exercises to strengthen supporting muscles and improve joint stability and mobility.
- Medications: Prescription or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) or naproxen sodium (Aleve), can help reduce inflammation and pain.
- Hot or Cold Therapy: Heat can relax muscles, while cold packs reduce swelling and numb pain.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
If noninvasive methods are not enough, your doctor may recommend:
- Corticosteroid Injections: Anti-inflammatory medications injected into the SI joint to reduce pain and swelling.
- Radiofrequency Ablation: A procedure that uses heat to target and reduce the function of specific nerves transmitting pain from the joint.
Surgical Options
For severe cases, surgery may be explored, such as SI joint fusion. This stabilizes the joint by using screws or implants to prevent abnormal motion that causes pain. Surgery is typically the last resort when all other treatments have failed.
Your back doctor will assess your condition and discuss the best treatment options based on your specific needs.
What to Ask Your Doctor About SI Joint Pain
When visiting your spine doctor, asking the right questions can help you feel informed and confident in your treatment plan. Here are some questions to consider:
- What is causing my SI joint pain?
- Are there specific activities I should avoid?
- What treatments are best suited for my SI joint pain?
- How long will it take for me to feel better?
- Are there side effects to the SI joint pain treatments you recommend?
- Do I need imaging tests like X-rays or MRI to confirm the diagnosis?
- What exercises or stretches can I do at home to manage SI joint pain?
- Are there warning signs I should watch for that indicate my condition is worsening?
These questions will help guide the conversation and ensure you leave the appointment with a clear understanding of your condition and the next steps.
Treatment for SI Joint Pain in Rochester Hills, Bad Axe, and Royal Oak, Michigan
At Ahlgren Spine, we are dedicated to diagnosing, treating, and relieving pain caused by SI joint dysfunction. Our Dr. Bradley D. Ahlgren is recognized as one of Southeast Michigan’s leading spine specialists, providing a comprehensive, compassionate approach to care.
Whether through lifestyle adjustments, physical therapy, or advanced surgical techniques, our board-certified orthopedic doctor is here to help.
If you are struggling with SI joint pain, we encourage you to take action today. Call us today at (248) 215-8080 or use our appointment request form to begin your path to relief. We look forward to serving you!
