Is Your Back Pain Due to SI Joint Dysfunction?
A painful sacroiliac joint is one of the more common causes of mechanical low back pain. There are two SI joints, each located on either side of the sacrum.
These joints allow twisting movements when we move our legs.
There are many different terms for sacroiliac joint problems, including dysfunction of the sacroiliac joint, sacroiliac joint strain, and inflammation (sacroiliitis). Each of these terms refers to a condition that causes pain in the joints from a variety of causes.
Dysfunction may occur when the joint is injured or irritated. This is seldom dangerous and rarely requires surgery.
There are many different causes of joint pain. These joints have a cartilage layer covering the bone which allows for some movement and acts as a shock absorber between the bones. When this cartilage is damaged or worn away, the bones begin to rub on each other, and degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis) occurs. This is the most common cause of joint dysfunction.
Pregnancy may be a factor in the development of SI joint problems. During pregnancy, hormones are released that lets ligaments relax. The relaxation of the ligaments holding the joints together allows for increased motion in the joints and can lead to increased stresses and abnormal wear.
If a person has one leg which is shorter that the other, the abnormal alignment may cause SI joint pain.
SI joint dysfunction can also occur from trauma, such as injuries resulting from a fall or associated with a motor vehicle accident.
The most common symptom of SI joint dysfunction is pain in the low back that is aggravated by prolonged sitting, standing, and stair climbing.
The diagnosis of Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is often overlooked.
The most accurate method of diagnosing SI joint dysfunction is by performing an injection that can numb the irritated area. An anesthetic material with a steroid can be injected directly into the joint. This is usually performed with X-ray guidance to verify that the injection is correctly placed in the joint.
If the anesthetic and steroid relieves the pain from sacroiliitis, this helps to verify that this is the source of the pain, and treatment can target the Sacroiliac Joint specifically.
The type of treatment your doctor recommends depends on the signs and symptoms you're having, as well as the underlying cause of your sacroiliitis.
Sometimes, over the counter anti-inflammatory medications can be used. If these are not effective, your doctor may prescribe a non-narcotic pain reliever. On a rare occasion, a narcotic may be prescribed for a very short period of time.
Call your physician to determine if your back pain is due to Sacroiliac Dysfunction.
These joints allow twisting movements when we move our legs.
There are many different terms for sacroiliac joint problems, including dysfunction of the sacroiliac joint, sacroiliac joint strain, and inflammation (sacroiliitis). Each of these terms refers to a condition that causes pain in the joints from a variety of causes.
Dysfunction may occur when the joint is injured or irritated. This is seldom dangerous and rarely requires surgery.
There are many different causes of joint pain. These joints have a cartilage layer covering the bone which allows for some movement and acts as a shock absorber between the bones. When this cartilage is damaged or worn away, the bones begin to rub on each other, and degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis) occurs. This is the most common cause of joint dysfunction.
Pregnancy may be a factor in the development of SI joint problems. During pregnancy, hormones are released that lets ligaments relax. The relaxation of the ligaments holding the joints together allows for increased motion in the joints and can lead to increased stresses and abnormal wear.
If a person has one leg which is shorter that the other, the abnormal alignment may cause SI joint pain.
SI joint dysfunction can also occur from trauma, such as injuries resulting from a fall or associated with a motor vehicle accident.
The most common symptom of SI joint dysfunction is pain in the low back that is aggravated by prolonged sitting, standing, and stair climbing.
The diagnosis of Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is often overlooked.
The most accurate method of diagnosing SI joint dysfunction is by performing an injection that can numb the irritated area. An anesthetic material with a steroid can be injected directly into the joint. This is usually performed with X-ray guidance to verify that the injection is correctly placed in the joint.
If the anesthetic and steroid relieves the pain from sacroiliitis, this helps to verify that this is the source of the pain, and treatment can target the Sacroiliac Joint specifically.
The type of treatment your doctor recommends depends on the signs and symptoms you're having, as well as the underlying cause of your sacroiliitis.
Sometimes, over the counter anti-inflammatory medications can be used. If these are not effective, your doctor may prescribe a non-narcotic pain reliever. On a rare occasion, a narcotic may be prescribed for a very short period of time.
Call your physician to determine if your back pain is due to Sacroiliac Dysfunction.
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