What causes Sacroiliac Joint Pain?
A variety of factors can cause sacroiliac joint pain. These include:
- Arthritis: Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can cause inflammation and damage to the sacroiliac joints.
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause the ligaments around the sacroiliac joints to loosen, resulting in pain.
- Trauma: A fall or car accident can cause injury to the sacroiliac joints and lead to pain.
- Infection: Rarely, an infection in the sacroiliac joint can cause pain.
- Degeneration: The sacroiliac joints can degenerate over time, leading to pain and stiffness.
- Spondylarthritis: This is a type of inflammatory arthritis like ankylosing spondylitis, that can affect the sacroiliac joints, spine, and other joints in the body.
How does Sacroiliac Joint Pain present?
Sacroiliac joint pain can present in different ways depending on the severity and underlying cause of the pain. Some common symptoms of sacroiliac joint pain include:
- Low back pain: The pain is usually felt on one side of the lower back or buttocks and can be described as a dull ache or sharp pain.
- Hip pain: The pain can be felt in the hip, groin or upper thigh and may be mistaken for a hip problem.
- Pain when sitting or standing for long periods: Activities involving prolonged sitting or standing can worsen the pain.
- Stiffness: The joint may feel stiff, especially in the morning or after prolonged periods of inactivity.
- Pain during certain movements: Pain can be triggered by certain movements such as bending forward, twisting, or lifting.
- Leg pain: Pain may radiate down the leg, like sciatica.
How is Sacroiliac Joint Pain managed?
The management of sacroiliac joint pain depends on the severity and underlying cause of the pain.
The first step will include a physical examination. Following this, imaging in the form of X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs may be done (sometimes blood tests) to find the cause and confirm problems with the sacroiliac joint.
- Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or pain relievers can be used to manage pain and reduce inflammation.
- Physical therapy: Specific exercises can help improve the range of motion, strengthen the muscles around the joint, and reduce pain.
- Chiropractic care: Chiropractic adjustments can help relieve pain and restore normal joint function.
- Injections: Corticosteroid injections can be used to reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief.
- Radiofrequency ablation: This procedure involves using heat to disrupt the nerve signals that are causing pain.
- Surgery: In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to fuse the joint or remove damaged tissue.
Learn more about managing and understanding back-related conditions:
The top 5 causes of lower back pain and how to prevent them
Living with chronic back pain: coping strategies and support
Explore procedures for Sacroiliac Joint Pain:
Sacroiliac Joint Injection: An injection to alleviate pain in the sacroiliac joint area.
More related spinal conditions:
Coccyx Pain: The discomfort associated with tailbone injuries and its impact on daily life.
Neck Pain: Explore common causes, symptoms, and management strategies for persistent neck pain.
Back Pain: Delve into the underlying factors contributing to chronic or acute back pain.
Leg Pain (Sciatica): The origins and symptoms of leg pain associated with sciatic nerve irritation.