Sacroiliac Joint Pain
Sacroiliac joint pain
Every body has 2 sacro-iliac joints (S.I. joints) between the fused sacrum at the base of the spine and the pelvis. They can be felt as the bony ridges at the top of each buttock. Approximately one third of chronic back problems originate in the S.I. joint but they are frequently over- looked or mis-diagnosed. It is impossible for them to be “out” as there are only a few millimetres of slide in these joints. Lots of people are told that they have a “twisted pelvis” due to asymmetry of these joints; in most cases this is not true as a degree of asymmetry is usual.
Sacro-iliac joint problems are frequently caused by pregnancy and child birth (and then may be worse around your menstrual cycle) In men the onset is often traumatic caused by forced back extension eg pulling tree roots out, taking wellies off or pulling a foot out of a pot-hole or a fall onto the bottom. Sufferers commonly experience pain on turning over in bed, stair climbing, standing up from sitting, getting out of the car or stooping over to clean your teeth or wash dishes.
Quick Test...
Lie on your back with your legs straight. Lift one leg off the bed or floor approximately 4 inches, keeping the knee straight. Then repeat with the other leg. Does one leg feel noticeably heavier than the other? Does this test cause your pain at the base of the spine? If so, you may have a problem with that sacro-iliac joint and a Chartered Physiotherapist can help you.
Symptoms of SIJ pain
SIJ pain often manifests in various symptoms, which can significantly impact a person’s daily life. Here are some common signs and symptoms:
- 1. Pain around one side of the waist/buttock area
- 2. Difficulty walking and loading the leg or lifting the leg
- 3. Pain when twisting or trying to get out of the car
- 4. Difficulty with transfers especially sit to standing
- 5. Limited Range of Motion
How can Physiotherapy Help?
Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in the management and treatment of SI joint pain. With a comprehensive approach, physiotherapists employ various techniques and exercises to provide relief and improve the overall condition of patients suffering from SI dysfunction helping them improve the overall recovery times.
At our clinic, after the initial assessment to rule out other possible conditions or further investigations, our experienced physiotherapists will tailor your treatment to your specific needs. A Chartered Physiotherapist has an extensive tool-box of methods to utilise such as hands-on techniques (manual therapy), ultrasound, acupuncture (needle, laser or electric) and strapping/taping.
Alongside the above treatments, a progressive strengthening/stretching program will be prescribed to help improve strength and reduce muscle tightness as well as overall conditioning and function. The above factors are crucial to every patient’s recovery and in avoiding recurrence of your condition.