What Is The Treatment For Sacroiliac Joint Pain?
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction (SJD) is the clinical term for symptoms of pain in the lower back and sacral region. The sacroiliac joints connect the wedge-shaped sacrum to the two pelvic bones. The main function of the sacroiliac joints is to transmit forces from the lower limbs to the spine and upper body, and vice versa. Acting as a critical point for absorbing shock, the sacrum and the iliac bones must work in harmony.
Think of these joints as the “bridge” connecting your upper and lower body; they act as your natural suspension system, stabilising your core while you move. When this bridge is functioning correctly, it absorbs the impact of every step you take, but even a minor disruption in this balance can lead to significant discomfort during daily activities.
The SI joints are responsible for nearly one in three cases of lower back pain, making them a much more common culprit than many people realise. Symptoms typically include pain in the lower back and near the buttock region, but it can also cause groin pain or hip pain. Patients with severe SI joint dysfunction often find activities such as lunging or walking upstairs difficult, with pain signals frequently radiating down the leg. Seeking professional sacroiliac pain treatment early is the best way to manage these symptoms and prevent long-term mobility issues.
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction Treatment
At M Physio, we offer a premium sacroiliac joint treatment that focuses on the root cause rather than just masking symptoms with pain relievers or muscle relaxants. Effective sacroiliac joint pain treatment begins with a physical exam to differentiate the issue from other chronic conditions like ankylosing spondylitis or lumbar spine issues. While some may consider a sacroiliac joint injection or steroid injections, we find that a manual, hands-on approach often provides the long-term relief our patients desire.
What caused my Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction?
Pinpointing the exact cause of sacroiliac joint pain can be complex. However, most experts agree that when the surrounding ligaments are damaged or stressed, it leads to joint inflammation, which is what ultimately triggers those painful symptoms.
Other theories suggest that excess movement, or instability, within the joint is the primary source of pain. This typically results from physical trauma, such as a heavy fall onto the back or the jarring impact of a car accident. For some, inflammatory diseases like psoriatic arthritis or inflammatory arthritis may be an early symptom.
A thorough physical examination of your condition and your sacroiliac joint is the best way to determine the true cause of your pain and provide an accurate diagnosis.
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction & Pregnancy
Pregnant women are at a greater risk of developing SJD. To prepare the body for childbirth, two key hormones — relaxin and progesterone — are produced. These hormones help loosen the ligaments around the lower back, pelvis and birth canal to accommodate the physical changes of pregnancy and the delivery itself. The increased mobility at the sacroiliac joint, as well as the altered loading on the pelvis during pregnancy, is a common cause of lower back pain. Weight gain, calcium deficiency, and changes to exercise patterns also contribute to the condition at this time.
Even after birth, the SI joint may require a specific sacroiliac joint treatment to reduce swelling and manage pain as the body recovers. Our healthcare professionals at our Brisbane and Sydney clinic locations are experts in helping pregnant women ease pain and return to confident movement.
How Can A Sacroiliac Pain Treatment Plan Help?
Effective recovery starts with understanding exactly why your joint is under stress. By following a targeted sacroiliac pain treatment plan, we can move beyond temporary relief to address the underlying biomechanical issues at the source.
A detailed diagnosis is essential to ensure we aren’t dealing with nerve pain, leg pain, or sciatic nerve issues arising from the lumbar spine. A comprehensive physical assessment of the knee, hip, back and surrounding structures allows us to determine the best course of action for treating your condition. Usually, your sacroiliac joint dysfunction treatment will involve correcting any abnormal gait (walking) biomechanics, and strengthening exercises to reduce muscle imbalances, weakness and tight muscles.
Unlike interventional treatments such as radiofrequency ablation or surgical fusion, our physical therapy focuses on restoring your body’s natural ability to help transfer weight effectively.
What should I do to avoid aggravating my Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction?
- Avoid activities that aggravate your pain; this might be walking, lunging or running.
- Avoid heavy lifting and standing for long periods, as these can increase joint pain and sacroiliitis symptoms.
- Remain active, while avoiding aggravating activities.
- For relief, applying ice to the area may help to reduce some pain and inflammation in the initial stages. Be sure to wrap the ice pack in a towel, and only apply for 10 minutes every two hours. Cease use if you have any negative reaction.
- Receive physiotherapy care to get your joints, ligaments and muscles moving freely and functioning correctly.
As your pain settles, your physiotherapist will progress you back to full function with the help of your rehab program. If advanced treatments or interventional procedures are required, we will guide you toward the right pain physician to ensure your recovery is seamless.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common symptoms of SI joint issues?
The common symptoms usually include a dull ache on one side of the lower back or a sharp, stabbing sensation in the buttocks. You may also feel pain radiating down the thigh or into the groin. Because these symptoms often mimic a herniated disc or hip bursitis, a professional assessment is vital to ensure you receive the correct treatment.
Do I need imaging tests to diagnose the problem?
Surprisingly, imaging tests like X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans aren’t always the best way to identify SI joint dysfunction. These scans often show “normal” age-related wear and tear that may not actually be the source of your pain. Instead, our physiotherapists use a cluster of clinical provocation tests and physical movements designed to stress the joint in a controlled way, to accurately pinpoint the source of your discomfort.
How is sacroiliitis treated compared to general joint dysfunction?
While dysfunction is often about how the joint moves, sacroiliitis refers specifically to inflammation within the joint. To treat sacroiliitis effectively, we often focus on a “calm it down, then build it up” approach. Once we use manual therapy to reduce pain and settle the initial inflammation, we progress to strengthening the surrounding muscles to keep the joint stable.
Can other health conditions affect my SI joints?
Yes, certain health conditions can increase your risk of joint pain. Inflammatory markers from conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis can target the SI joints specifically. Additionally, lifestyle factors play a role; for example, long-term weight management is often recommended to reduce the mechanical load placed on the pelvis, which can significantly decrease the frequency of pain episodes.
What if physiotherapy isn’t enough?
For the vast majority of patients, conservative care is the gold standard. However, if symptoms persist, there are several interventional treatment options available. These can range from corticosteroid injections to more advanced procedures like radiofrequency neurotomy. This procedure uses radiofrequency energy to temporarily “turn off” the tiny nerve fibres sending pain signals from the joint, providing a window of relief so you can engage more effectively with your rehabilitation exercises.
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