What is Sacroiliac Joint Pain?

Sacroiliac joint pain or SI joint dysfunction is the result of too much or too little motion occurring at the sacroiliac joint, which leads to inflammation and pain, which can often be debilitating. Part of the pelvis, the SI joint is attached to the front and back by the muscles and ligaments which surround it.

Any of these can be the source of pain in a dysfunctional SI joint.

 

What are some symptoms of Sacroiliac Joint Pain?

While it is not clear how the pain is caused, it is thought that an alteration in the normal joint motion may be the culprit that causes sacroiliac joint pain. This source of pain can be caused by either:

• Too much movement (hypermobility or instability): The pain is typically felt in the lower back and/or hip and may radiate into groin area.
• Too little movement (hypomobility or fixation):
  • The pain is typically felt on one side of the low back or buttocks, and can radiate down the leg.
  • The pain usually remains above the knee, but at times pain can extend to the ankle or foot.
  • The pain is similar to sciatica, or pain that radiates down the sciatic nerve and is caused by a radiculopathy.
• This condition is generally more common in young and middle-aged women.

 

How is Sacroiliac Joint Pain Diagnosed?

Certain physical exam findings correlate with SI joint pain and dysfunction. The current “gold standard” for diagnosis of sacroiliac joint dysfunction emanating within the joint is sacroiliac joint injection confirmed under fluoroscopy or CT-guidance using a local anesthetic solution.

 

Treatment for Sacroiliac Joint Pain

Treatment is often dependent on the duration and severity of the pain and dysfunction. In the acute phase (first 1–2 weeks) for a mild sprain of the sacroiliac, it is typical for the patient to be prescribed rest, ice/heat, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medicine.

If the pain does not resolve in the first 1–2 weeks, then the patient may benefit from a steroid and anesthetic mixture injected via ultrasound guidance into the joint (this also serves in confirming diagnosis), as well as manipulative or manual therapy.

For the most severe and chronic forms of sacroiliac dysfunction, treatment should proceed with the support of a sacroiliac belt, and a series of prolotherapy injections to aid in regeneration and healing of the surrounding injured ligaments.

 

Getting Sciatica Treatment in Staten Island

In addition to conservative care, our Sciatica doctors in Staten Island specialize in treating your sciatica in a precise yet effective manner. These cutting edge therapies and treatment options will allow you to return to work and improve your life. Additional manual therapies, electrical stimulation, ultrasound therapy and pain management options are available. Request a consultation to meet with one of our Top Sciatica Specialists.

Call us today at 212-235-1265 or schedule online for the next available appointment to be evaluated by one of Staten Island top sciatica doctors!