Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Pain / SI Joint Dysfunction
What is Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Pain?
The sacroiliac joint, or SI joint, is a large L-shaped synovial joint in
the pelvis that connects the sacrum and the ilium of the pelvis. The SI
joints’ function as additional shock absorption for the spine. As
we age, the joint’s stability can change and this can cause inflammation
and lower back pain. SI joint pain encompasses conditions that include
the sacroilitis, SI joint inflammation, SI joint syndrome, sacroiliac
joint dysfunction, and SI joint strain.
Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Pain Symptoms
- Lower back pain
- Pain climbing stairs or getting up from a chair
- Stiffness or burning sensations in the pelvic
- Referred pain to the hip, groin, buttocks, and back of the thigh
- Hypermobility of the joint - moving too much
- Hypomobility of the joint - joint can feel "locked up"
- Difficulty doing daily activities such as: sitting, standing, walking and
even sleeping
Non-Surgical or Conservative Treatment Options for Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Pain
- Ice, heat and rest
- Pain medication (acetaminophen, NSAIDs, oral steroids, narcotic drugs,
and muscle relaxants)
- Supports or braces
- Physical therapy & exercise
- Sacroiliac (SI) joint injections
Surgical Treatment for Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Pain
For severe cases of pain that SI joint pain that is not remedied through
conservative, non-surgical treatments, minimally invasive sacroiliac (SI)
joint fusion surgery may be an option. SI joint fusion involves one or
both of the sacroiliac joints being fused together with the goal of eliminating
abnormal motion (e.g. hypermobility of the SI joint).
SI joint fusion surgery can relieve the symptoms of SI joint pain and dysfunction by:
-
Immediate fixation: By placing an implant across the joint, the SI joint will be immobilized
and fusion can begin
-
True SI joint fusion: This requires Our spine surgeon will prepare the SI joint surfaces with
special instruments that trigger the body to grow bone, and insert a bone
graft into the joint that works as a scaffold for bone to grow through.
This procedure will ensure the SI joint pain relief will last.
Schedule an appointment with a
spine doctor at Newport Orthopedic Institute today to ensure you receive a proper diagnosis
and receive evidence-based treatment options for your SI joint pain.