Free cookie consent management tool by TermsFeed

Sacroiliac Joint

The sacroiliac joints (SI joints) are joints between the spine and the pelvis. These are on both sides of your back. They help to transfer weight from the upper body down into your legs. Pain in the surrounding area of your back, bottom and hips will occur if these areas become irritated or move incorrectly. I notice that Sacroiliac Joint pain can hurt a lot especially when walking or sitting for a time.

Sacroiliac Joint

What is the Sacroiliac Joint?

I know that strong ligaments help the Sacroiliac Joint stay steady. Strong ligaments keep joints from wobbling.  Pain can also be caused by an inflammatory process, trauma and joint mechanics.However a problem of the SI joint is not sacroiliitis, which is inflammation of the SI joint.

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

  • Lower back pain: Discomfort, near the base of the spine discomfort often on one side. 
  • Buttock pain: Pain in one or both buttocks.
  • Hip or groin discomfort: Sometimes pain can also be felt to radiate into the hip or groin.
  • Leg pain: Pain may also travel down the thigh. Normally this won’t affect.
  • Stiffness:Pain can occur while sitting, climbing stairs or turning in bed.

Pain can be made worse by standing for long periods of time, climbing stairs, long strides and putting more weight on one leg. Some people experience pain on rising from a seated position and/or lying on the affected side. Can affect one or both sides.

When to See a Consultant

See a specialist if you have ongoing, regular or activity related pain. This will determine whether it is caused by an issue with your SI joint or other back or hip issues. Seek help if you notice new weakness in your legs, new numbness in your groin area or new problems with your bladder or bowel.

Causes of Sacroiliac Joint Pain

Several factors can affect the SI joint:

  • Injury: It may be possible that damage occurs to the joint and damage also affects the surrounding tissue.
  • Arthritis: As patients get older their joints will start to suffer chronic degeneration.
  • Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and physical changes can lead to movement and more stress on the pelvic area.
  • Conditions: Ankylosing spondylitis can lead to sacroiliitis and ankylosing spondylitis can also lead to sacroiliitis.
  • Uneven loading: Leg length discrepancy, gait problems and previous spine surgery can cause abnormal loading.

Diagnostic

A history and examination will be performed. Movement will be assessed and tests applied to stress the SI joint. Several positive tests may be used to help make the diagnosis.There is no definitive test but an x-ray/MRI/CT scan may help to rule out alternative causes. A local anaesthetic block may be used to perform a joint block and help identify that the pain is coming from the joint.

Treatment Options

Each person’s case is different. The treatment changes based on how bad things feel. Options may include:

  • Rest and Activity Modification: Pain relief 
  • Physical Therapy: Specific muscle strengthening exercises and stretching exercises may help.
  • Medications: Painkillers or anti‑inflammatories may help.
  • Injections: Injections: On some occasions a corticosteroid injection may be considered in chronic joint pains.
  • Radiofrequency Treatment: This can be helpful in reducing the pain by affecting the small nerve fibres that transmit messages from the joint.
  • Surgery: SI joint fusion would be very rarely considered in those with ongoing severe pain.

Mr. Irfan Malik can examine you to determine what symptoms you are experiencing related to your spine and pelvis. He can then advise on appropriate treatment or referral.

Patients Success Stories

My Happy Patients Are
Saying Something Awesome

Syringomyelia

Syringomyelia

Relieving pressure, restoring life—advanced treatment for syringomyelia.

Read More
Robotic Spine Surgery

Robotic Spine Surgery

Precision meets innovation: Transforming spine care with robotic surgery.

Read More
Spine Tumor Surgery

Spine Tumor Surgery

Targeted precision, renewed life: Advanced surgery for spinal tumors.

Read More
Heart Logo

Request an appointment

Speak to someone today, we're ready for your enquiry. Book an appointment or ask for advice.

Recognized and Connected

Accridation and Affiliations

Showcasing our professional accreditations and affiliations with leading organizations. These endorsements highlight our commitment to excellence and industry standards.