Lower back pain can be a real roadblock to living your best life, and one sneaky culprit behind it is sacroiliac joint pain. Often overlooked, this condition can make simple tasks like walking, sitting, or even sleeping a challenge.
So, what is the best treatment for sacroiliac pain? By understanding its root causes and exploring effective treatment options, you can take the first step toward relieving pain and getting back to the activities you love.
Understanding the Sacroiliac Joint
The sacroiliac joint sits where your sacrum meets your ilium bone. Your sacrum is the triangular bone at the base of your spine, while the ilium is the large bone that forms the upper part of your pelvis. These two bones connect through the sacroiliac joint on each side of your body.
This joint normally moves very little and acts like a shock absorber between your upper body and legs. The joint is held together by strong ligaments and muscles. These tissues help maintain stability while allowing small movements during walking and other activities.
How the Joint Functions
The sacroiliac joint has several important jobs in your body. It transfers weight from your upper body to your legs when you walk or stand. The joint also helps absorb impact when you jump or run. During pregnancy, hormones can make the joints more flexible to help with childbirth.
When the joint works properly, you should not feel any pain. The small movements happen smoothly without causing discomfort. Problems arise when the joint becomes too stiff or too loose. Either situation can lead to pain and inflammation.
What Causes Sacroiliac Joint Pain
Several factors can contribute to sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction can result from factors like age-related cartilage breakdown, pregnancy-related ligament relaxation, or additional stress from weight.
Risk factors include:
- Lower back injuries
- Arthritis
- Uneven leg lengths
- Abnormal walking patterns
- Prolonged sitting or standing
- Poor lifting form
- Contact sports
Trauma from accidents or falls can also damage the sacroiliac joint. Car accidents are a particularly common cause of this type of injury. The sudden impact can strain or tear the ligaments that support the joint.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Sacroiliac joint pain has several distinctive characteristics. The pain usually occurs on one side of your lower back or buttocks. It may feel sharp, stabbing, or burning. The pain often gets worse with certain movements or positions.
Many people describe the pain as starting in the lower back and traveling down the leg. This pain pattern can be confused with sciatica. However, sacroiliac joint pain typically does not go below the knee. The pain may also worsen when you stand up from sitting or climb stairs.
Diagnosis Methods
Diagnosing sacroiliac joint pain can be challenging. The symptoms often overlap with other back conditions. Your doctor will start with a detailed medical history and physical examination, and ask about your symptoms, when they started, and what makes them better or worse.
During the physical exam, your doctor will perform specific tests. These tests stress the sacroiliac joint to see if they reproduce your pain.
Common tests include the FABER test and the compression test. These tests help determine if the sacroiliac joint is the source of your pain.
Imaging and Additional Tests
X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans can help identify sacroiliac joint issues, though X-rays may often appear normal. A diagnostic injection, where numbing medication is injected into the joint, is the most reliable method for confirming sacroiliac joint pain.
Best Treatment for Sacroiliac Pain
The best treatment for sacroiliac pain often involves a combination of approaches.
At-Home Treatments
Most people start with conservative treatments before considering more invasive options. Rest and activity modification are usually the first steps in treatment.
Anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) can help reduce SI joint pain and swelling. These medications work best when taken regularly for several days. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) may also provide pain relief without reducing inflammation.
Physical Therapy Options
Physical therapy is one of the best treatments for sacroiliac pain. A physical therapist can teach you exercises to strengthen the muscles around the joint. These exercises help provide better support and stability to the area.
Specific stretching exercises can also help improve flexibility and reduce pain. Your therapist may use techniques like manual therapy or mobilization. These hands-on treatments can help restore normal joint movement.
Advanced Treatment Options
When conservative treatments do not provide enough relief, other options are available.
Corticosteroid Injections
Corticosteroid injections can provide longer-lasting pain relief. These injections are typically performed by a pain management specialist.
Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation is another option for persistent SI joint pain. This procedure uses heat to damage the nerves that carry pain signals from the joint. The effects can last for several months or longer.
Surgical Fusion
In severe cases, surgical fusion of the sacroiliac joint may be necessary. This procedure permanently joins the bones together to eliminate painful movement. Surgery is the best treatment for sacroiliac pain in cases where other treatments have failed.
Best Treatment for Sacroiliac Pain in Rochester Hills, MI
If you are experiencing persistent lower back pain that may be related to sacroiliac joint dysfunction, consider consulting with a spine specialist. At Ahlgren Spine, we specialize in diagnosing and treating complex spinal conditions, including sacroiliac joint pain. Our team of experts, led by orthopedist Dr. Ahlgren, can provide personalized treatment plans to help you find relief and improve your quality of life.
Contact us today at (248) 215-8080 or fill out our appointment request form to schedule a consultation and find the best treatment for sacroiliac pain. We look forward to serving you!
