Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction is a common yet often overlooked cause of lower back pain. The SI joints are located on either side of the lower spine, connecting the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of your spine) to the ilium (part of your pelvis). These joints play a crucial role in supporting your upper body’s weight and distributing it evenly across your pelvis and legs. When the SI joints become inflamed or dysfunctional, it can lead to pain and discomfort, impacting your mobility and overall quality of life. At AnCure Clinic, Pune, our team, led by Dr. Hemant Shivajirao Kshirsagar, specialises in identifying and treating this condition to help patients regain pain-free movement.
What Are the Symptoms?
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction can present a range of symptoms, often resembling other types of back pain, making it challenging to diagnose. The most common symptoms include:
- Pain in the lower back, buttocks, or thighs, often worsening with standing or walking
- Stiffness in the hips or lower back, particularly after periods of inactivity
- Difficulty sitting or standing for long periods
- A burning sensation in the pelvis or lower back
- Weakness or numbness in the legs, which may extend down to the knees
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical advice. The specialists at AnCure Clinic can perform a thorough evaluation to determine if SI joint dysfunction is the source of your pain.
Causes of Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction can occur due to several reasons. One of the primary causes is the wear and tear of the SI joints, which can happen with age. As we get older, the cartilage in the joints can wear down, leading to inflammation and pain. Other potential causes include:
- Injury: A sudden impact, such as a fall or car accident, can damage the SI joints, leading to dysfunction.
- Pregnancy: During pregnancy, the body releases hormones that relax the ligaments in the pelvis, preparing for childbirth. This increased mobility can strain the SI joints.
- Arthritis: Conditions such as osteoarthritis or ankylosing spondylitis can lead to inflammation in the SI joints.
- Uneven Leg Length: Having one leg slightly shorter than the other can cause an imbalance, placing additional stress on the SI joints.
Most Common Reasons that Lead to Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
Certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing SI joint dysfunction. These include:
- Repetitive Motion: Engaging in activities that involve repeated bending, twisting, or heavy lifting can strain the SI joints over time.
- Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of movement can cause the SI joints to become stiff, leading to dysfunction. Prolonged sitting, especially with poor posture, can aggravate this condition.
- Obesity: Carrying excess body weight puts additional pressure on the SI joints, increasing the risk of dysfunction.
- Previous Surgeries: Individuals who have had surgeries in the lower spine or pelvis may develop SI joint issues as a result of altered biomechanics.
At AnCure Clinic, our specialists, including Dr. Hemant Kshirsagar, are trained to identify these risk factors and tailor treatments accordingly, focusing on long-term relief.
Home Remedies
While medical intervention is often necessary, there are several home remedies that may help manage the symptoms of sacroiliac joint dysfunction:
- Rest: Giving your body time to heal by avoiding activities that aggravate the pain can be beneficial.
- Ice and Heat Therapy: Applying ice packs to reduce inflammation or heat to relax tense muscles can provide temporary relief.
- Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Gentle stretches targeting the lower back and hips can improve flexibility and reduce stiffness. Strengthening exercises, particularly for the core muscles, can help stabilise the SI joints.
- Proper Posture: Paying attention to your posture while sitting, standing, or lifting can reduce strain on the SI joints.
Though these home remedies can offer relief, they should not replace professional medical treatment if the pain persists.
When to See a Doctor
It’s essential to consult a doctor if your symptoms do not improve with home care or if the pain worsens over time. Signs that warrant medical attention include:
- Pain that lasts for more than a few weeks
- Inability to perform daily activities due to discomfort
- Sudden, severe pain after an injury
- Weakness, numbness, or tingling in the legs
Dr. Hemant Shivajirao Kshirsagar and the team at AnCure Clinic specialises in diagnosing and treating SI joint dysfunction. They can provide expert guidance to help you manage your pain and restore function.
Diagnosis
At AnCure Clinic, the diagnosis of SI joint dysfunction begins with a comprehensive evaluation, including a physical examination and a review of your medical history. The doctor may perform specific tests to pinpoint the source of your pain, such as:
- Palpation: Pressing on the SI joints to identify areas of tenderness or inflammation.
- Movement Tests: Asking the patient to perform certain movements to assess pain levels and mobility.
- Imaging Tests: X-rays, MRI, or CT scans may be used to rule out other conditions and confirm SI joint dysfunction.
- Diagnostic Injections: A numbing injection directly into the SI joint can help determine if it’s the source of your pain. If the pain subsides after the injection, it’s likely that the SI joint is the culprit.
Treatments for Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
AnCure Clinic offers a range of treatments for sacroiliac joint dysfunction, depending on the severity of the condition. These may include:
- Physical Therapy: A customised exercise program focusing on strengthening the muscles that support the SI joint can help relieve pain and improve stability.
- Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, or pain relievers may be prescribed to reduce discomfort.
- Joint Injections: Corticosteroid injections into the SI joint can provide long-term relief from inflammation and pain.
- Radiofrequency Ablation: This minimally invasive procedure uses heat to disrupt the nerve signals that are sending pain messages from the SI joint to the brain.
- Surgery: In rare cases, if other treatments are ineffective, surgery to fuse the SI joint may be recommended.
At AnCure Clinic, we prioritise non-invasive treatments whenever possible, focusing on providing relief with minimal disruption to your daily life.
Conclusion Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is a common cause of lower back pain, but with the right diagnosis and treatment, it’s manageable. At AnCure Clinic, Pune, our specialists, led by Dr. Hemant Shivajirao Kshirsagar, are dedicated to helping patients overcome their pain and regain their quality of life. Whether through physical therapy, medication, or advanced procedures like radiofrequency ablation, we offer a range of solutions tailored to your needs. If you’re experiencing symptoms of sacroiliac joint dysfunction, don’t hesitate to seek help from our expert team. Your journey to pain-free living starts here.