Overview
Sacroiliac joint pain is felt in the area of the lower back and buttocks. This condition is caused from inflammation, injury, or damage to either or both of the joints connecting the sacrum to the back of the hip bones (sacroiliac joints). In addition to the lower back and buttocks, the pain can extend downward into one or both legs. Activities such as climbing stairs or standing for long periods of time can aggravate the pain.
Sacroiliac joint pain is sometimes confused with other conditions, such as leg pain from a lumbar herniated disc or hip issues. Because of this, it can be difficult to diagnose.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Treatment options include:
- Bracing (Sacroiliac Braces)
- Chiropractic care
- Exercise
- Joint injections
- Pain medication
- Pelvic or sacral belts
- Physical therapy
- Stretching exercises
- Surgery
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms include:
- Achiness
- Decreased range of motion in lower back and hip area
- Difficulty bending
- Difficulty climbing stairs
- Difficulty walking
- Dull pain
- Hip pain
- Hot pain
- Limping
- Lower back pain (on one or both sides)
- Mild to severe pain
- Numbness
- Pain from running
- Pain in buttocks
- Pain in groin
- Sciatic-like pain in thighs
- Sharp pain
- Stabbing pain
- Stiffness
- Tingling
- Weakness
DIAGNOSIS / TESTS
There is not an individual test to diagnose sacroiliac joint pain, but even though it is sometimes difficult to diagnose, a combination of diagnostic tests can accurately diagnose the condition. When diagnosing this condition, it is important to note that sacroiliac joint pain is sometimes confused with leg pain from a herniated disc or back pain caused by that joint arthritis. The diagnostic tests include:
- CAT scan
- Distraction test
- FABER test
- Fluoroscopic guidance
- Medical history review
- MRI
- Nerve block injections
- Palpation tests
- Physical exam
- Review of patient’s sleep, diet, exercise habits
- Sacral thrust test
- Ultrasound guidance
- X-Ray
TYPES
Common forms include:
- Sacroiliac joint is out of alignment: This results in pain, excessive movement, and possible stretching of the ligaments of the joint.
- Inflammation of the sacroiliac joint: This is often a result of arthritis and can cause pain and stiffness.
CAUSES
Causes & contributing factors may include:
- Activities involving repetitious stress on the joint
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Gait issues (e.g. different leg lengths, scoliosis)
- Gout
- Heavy lifting
- Inflammation
- Injury or damage to the sacroiliac joint
- Pregnancy or recent childbirth
- Previous lower back surgery (hip replacements, bone grafts)
- Prolonged sitting or standing
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Reactive arthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
FACTS
- Sacroiliac joint pain is sometimes confused with other lower back issues.
- 15 – 30% of chronic lower back pain cases are caused by the sacroiliac joint.
- 4 out of 5 adults in the US will have lower back pain in their lives.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY!
Contact our office to schedule an appointment.
OUR OFFICE:
The Pain Experts of Arizona
3370 South Mercy Road
Suite 321
Gilbert, AZ 85297
Phone: 480-550-9393
Fax: 480-999-3375