What is the treatment for sacroiliac joint pain?
Sacroiliac joint pain, often overlooked and misunderstood, can be a source of significant discomfort and limitation for many individuals.
Located at the base of the spine, where the sacrum joins to the pelvis, this joint maintains stability and mobility in the lower back and hips.
Let us give you some details about what the sacroiliac joint is and the causes and symptoms to watch out for.
What is Sacroiliitis?
Sacroiliitis is a condition characterized by inflammation in one or both of the sacroiliac joints, which connects the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of the spine) to the ilium (the large pelvic bone). This inflammation can lead to pain, discomfort, and restricted movement in the lower back and hips. Sacroiliitis is often associated with various underlying causes and can manifest in different types:
Types of Sacroiliitis:
- Axial Sacroiliitis: Inflammation in the sacroiliac joint, leading to localized lower back or buttock pain. Commonly linked to ankylosing spondylitis.
- Peripheral Sacroiliitis: Inflammation extends to surrounding tissues, causing discomfort in the hips, buttocks, and sometimes legs. Associated with conditions like psoriatic arthritis or reactive arthritis.
- Bilateral Sacroiliitis: Affects both sacroiliac joints simultaneously, often due to conditions like axial spondyloarthritis or ankylosing spondylitis.
- Unilateral Sacroiliitis: Involves one side of the sacroiliac joint and can result from trauma, infection, or inflammatory conditions.
- Infectious Sacroiliitis: Triggered by infections, like bacterial or fungal, leading to sacroiliac joint inflammation, requiring specialized treatment for the underlying infection.
Causes of Sacroiliac Joint Pain
- Trauma or Injury: Injuries from falls or car accidents can lead to SI joint pain.
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can loosen ligaments, contributing to SI joint discomfort.
- Degenerative Arthritis: The wear and tear of cartilage in the SI joint over time can cause inflammation and irritation.
- Anatomical Abnormalities: Conditions like leg length discrepancy may strain the SI joints due to pelvic imbalances.
- Repetitive Stress: Certain activities, such as heavy lifting, running on uneven surfaces, or extended periods of poor posture, can increase the risk of sacroiliac joint pain.
Note: Identifying these causes and risk factors is vital for tailoring effective treatment plans.S
Diagnosis of Sacroiliac Joint Pain
- Physical Examination: Healthcare professionals assess your range of motion tenderness and perform provocative tests to reproduce symptoms.
- Imaging Studies: X-rays reveal structural issues like fractures or arthritis in the sacroiliac joint, while MRI scans provide detailed soft tissue images.
- Diagnostic Injections: Numbing medication is injected into the SI joint under real-time X-ray guidance to confirm the diagnosis and monitor symptom relief.
Treatment for Sacroiliac Joint Pain
→ Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Medication:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief.
- Prescription medications when prescribed by a healthcare professional.
Physical Therapy:
- Customized exercise programs designed by a skilled physical therapist.
- Strengthening and flexibility exercises targeting muscles around the SI joint.
- Stabilization, pressure relief, and pain reduction through exercises.
Other Non-Surgical Treatments:
- Chiropractic adjustments to restore joint alignment and function.
- Acupuncture stimulates healing through needle insertion at specific body points.
- Supportive braces or belts to provide structural support and alleviate pain.
→ Surgical Treatment Options
SI Joint Fusion:
- Permanent fusion of the SI joint’s bones using screws or hardware to stabilize the joint.
Denervation:
- Selective destruction of nerves transmitting pain signals from the SI joint.
- Procedures like radiofrequency ablation or cryoablation to interrupt pain signals.
Surgical Consideration:
- Surgery is a last resort after non-surgical treatments have been exhausted.
- Seek guidance from a healthcare professional experienced in treating SI joint dysfunction.
→ Sacroiliac joint pain exercises:
Role of Physical Therapy:
- Pain relief, improved flexibility, and muscle strengthening.
- Personalized exercise programs tailored to individual needs.
Stretching sacroiliac joint pain exercises:
- Gentle stretches for muscles surrounding the SI joint.
- Examples: hamstring and hip flexor stretches.
Strengthening sacroiliac joint pain exercises:
- Target the core, glutes, and hip muscles to stabilize the SI joint and reduce stress.
Low-Impact Aerobic Exercises:
- Activities like swimming and cycling promote overall fitness.
- Water-based exercises provide joint support through buoyancy.
Consult Dr Mohamed El Toukhy for expert treatment for sacroiliac joint pain
In your journey to find relief from sacroiliac joint pain, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to face this challenge alone. Seeking expert care is crucial to receiving the most effective treatment options and support for managing your condition.
If you are experiencing symptoms of sacroiliac joint pain or suspect that you may be dealing with SI joint dysfunction, it is highly recommended that you consult Dr Mohamed El Toukhy.
With his vast knowledge and understanding of the complexities surrounding SI joint pain, Dr El Toukhy will perform a comprehensive evaluation for accurate diagnosis. From there, he will discuss non-surgical and surgical treatment options tailored to your needs.