Sacroiliac Joint Pain
Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain, often abbreviated as SI joint pain, is a frequently encountered issue that can significantly impact daily life. Located at the base of your back where the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of the spine) meets your pelvic bones. When these joints become dysfunctional or inflamed, it can lead to pain and discomfort that ranges from mild to severe. It is often overlooked as a cause of lower back pain with most people being aware of - disc issues, sciatica, muscle tension and back sprains as a cause of discomfort but not the SI joints. SIJ dysfunction contributes to roughly 15-30% of people with low back pain.
Causes of Sacroiliac Joint Pain
Understanding the root causes of SI joint pain is essential for effective treatment. The most common causes include:
Trauma: Repetitive microtrauma or acute trauma can contribute to sacroiliac injury. Injury from a fall, car accident, or sports-related impact can strain the ligaments around the SI joint, leading to pain. As well as repetitive movement ts that irritate the SIJ.
Arthritis: Degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis or ankylosing spondylitis can affect the SI joint, causing inflammation and pain.
Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy relax the ligaments around the SI joint, leading to instability and pain.
Postural Imbalances: Poor posture, such as prolonged sitting or standing with improper alignment, or muscular imbalances can contribute to SIJ pain.
Symptoms of Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
Identifying SI joint pain can be challenging, as the symptoms often mimic other conditions related to lower back pain, lumbar spine issues or hip problems. Common symptoms include:
Pain: Typically felt on one side of the lower back or buttocks, which may radiate down the leg. Pain may be sharp or stabbing over the lower back or buttock region
Stiffness: Difficulty in certain movements, especially when transitioning from sitting to standing or vice versa.
An Osteopathic Approach to Treating Sacroiliac Joint Pain
Our approach to treating SI joint pain involves:
Comprehensive Assessment: Through a detailed examination, we are able to identify the root cause of your pain and identify the specific factors contributing to your pain.
Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques such as gentle manipulation, soft tissue massage, myofascial release, dry needling and more will be used to help alleviate pain and restore mobility to the SI joint. Techniques aim to ensure proper pelvic alignment and appropriate load transfer through the pelvic joints.
Exercise Prescription: Tailored exercises and stretches are recommended to strengthen the muscles supporting the SI joint and improve posture.
Postural Education: Guidance on proper ergonomics and posture helps prevent future flare-ups of SI joint pain.
Why Choose Osteopathy for SI Joint Pain?
Osteopathic treatment offers a wholistic approach to managing SI joint pain by addressing not just the symptoms but also the underlying causes. Unlike medications or invasive procedures, Osteopathy focuses on natural, non-invasive techniques that promote healing and long-term relief.
If you're experiencing lower back pain that could be related to your sacroiliac joints, contact us today to schedule a consultation.