SI Joint Dysfunction, often called sacroiliitis, is a common cause of pain for about 25% of patients visiting physical therapy clinics with low back pain. The sacroiliac (SI) joint is located where the spine meets the pelvis, and issues here can affect one or both sides of the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of your spine). These problems are sometimes mistaken for sciatica, but there is a key difference: sciatica typically involves pain that travels down the leg along the sciatic nerve, which may or may not occur with SI Joint Dysfunction.
What is SI Joint Dysfunction?
SI Joint Dysfunction refers to pain and mobility issues in the sacroiliac joint. This pain is often severe and can significantly impact your daily activities. I am dedicated to treating this condition with the aim of helping my patients return to their normal activity levels without pain. My approach includes various treatment strategies such as:
- Manual Techniques: Hands-on methods to relieve pain and improve movement.
- Core Stabilization Training: Exercises to strengthen the muscles around your spine and pelvis.
- Neuromuscular Re-education: Techniques to improve the coordination and strength of muscles supporting the SI joint.
One effective method I use early in treatment is Muscle Energy Techniques (MET). These techniques help relax the muscles around the SI joint and correct any dysfunctions. Once the muscles start to relax, it’s important to maintain a routine of stretching and core exercises to correct movement patterns and reduce the chance of symptoms returning.
Common Signs and Symptoms of SI Joint Dysfunction:
- Pain localized over the buttocks, often described as sharp, stabbing, or radiating into the back of the thigh.
- Pain that gets worse with prolonged sitting, climbing stairs, bending forward, or lying on the affected side.
- Pain that improves with movement or walking.
- Tenderness over the bony areas at the top of the sacrum.
If you think you might be suffering from SI Joint Dysfunction, physical therapy can be a great place to seek help. Through screening, patient education, and skilled interventions, we can determine the best course of action to help you regain full function and achieve your health goals.
If you notice any of the symptoms listed, please consider reaching out to a physical therapist for evaluation and treatment. We are here to help you move better and feel better.
