Sacroiliac (SI) joint pain affects many individuals, often leading to discomfort and reduced mobility. This condition arises when the sacroiliac joint—located between the sacrum and the ilium bones of the pelvis—becomes inflamed or dysfunctional.
The Physicians Spine & Rehabilitation Specialists are experts in diagnosing and treating SI joint pain, offering tailored solutions to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. One such advanced treatment option is the Unio procedure, which provides significant relief for patients suffering from chronic SI joint pain. To learn more and schedule an appointment with our specialists, visit our website or contact us today.
If you're tired of relentless pain and yearning for a solution that brings lasting relief, keep on reading to discover how our innovative treatments can transform your life.
Understanding Sacroiliac Joint
The sacroiliac (SI) joint is a critical structure in the lower back and pelvis. It connects the iliac bone (pelvis) to the sacrum (lowest part of the spine, above the tailbone). This joint primarily acts as a shock absorber, transferring the load and maintaining stability between the upper body and the legs. Due to limited motion in this joint, it supports and stabilizes the pelvis, allowing you to walk, lift, and engage in other movements seamlessly.
SI joint pain is commonly caused by:
- Inflammation: Conditions like arthritis can lead to swelling and irritation in the SI joint, resulting in pain.
- Injury or trauma: Falls or accidents can damage the SI joint, causing chronic pain.
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and increased weight during pregnancy can exert pressure on the SI joint, leading to discomfort.
- Overuse: Repetitive movements and activities that strain the SI joint can result in inflammation and pain.
- Poor posture: Misalignment of the spine and poor posture can contribute to SI joint pain over time.
5 Signs of Sacroiliac Joint Pain
If you are experiencing persistent lower back pain, it may be a sign of SI joint dysfunction. Here are five common symptoms to look out for:
1. Lower back pain
Lower back pain is the most prevalent symptom of sacroiliac joint dysfunction. It is typically felt on one side of the lower back and can range from a dull ache to sharp, shooting pain. The discomfort may worsen with prolonged sitting or standing and can also radiate to the hips, buttocks, groin, and thighs.
2. Pain that radiates down to the legs
If you are experiencing SI joint pain, you may also feel discomfort in your legs. The SI joint is closely connected to the nerves running down the legs. Inflammation or dysfunction in this joint can irritate these nerves, causing pain to radiate to the buttocks, thighs, and even the feet. This pain may include tingling or numbness and can make walking or daily activities difficult.
3. Stiffness and limited mobility
Inflammation and dysfunction in the SI joint can lead to stiffness and limited mobility, making daily activities like bending, twisting, or sitting for long periods challenging. You may feel tightness or restriction in your lower back and hips. Over time, this stiffness can worsen if untreated, making physical activities difficult.
4. Painful sitting or standing for extended periods
Prolonged sitting or standing can worsen SI joint pain by putting pressure on the joint and surrounding muscles. This can lead to discomfort and stiffness in the lower back and hips. Additionally, this position may cause the pelvis to tilt, adding strain to the SI joint. Pain and discomfort may increase over time, making it hard to sit or stand for long periods without breaks. If you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention to prevent further aggravation.
5. Difficulty with daily activities
SI joint pain can significantly impact daily activities, making tasks like walking, lifting, and sitting difficult and uncomfortable. In severe cases, even basic self-care activities like dressing or bathing can be painful. This may decrease the overall quality of life, leading to frustration and feelings of helplessness. Seeking treatment for SI joint pain is essential to improve mobility and regain comfort in daily activities.
How We Can Help: Treatment Options for SI Joint Pain
At The Physicians, we provide advanced treatments to relieve pain in your sacroiliac joints and improve your quality of life. Our experienced team ensures each patient receives personalized care.
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Physical therapy: Our experts will create an individualized exercise program to strengthen the muscles supporting the SI joint, improve flexibility, and reduce pain.
- Medication: Over-the-counter or prescription medication may be recommended to manage pain and inflammation.
- SI joint injections: These injections deliver a local anesthetic and steroid directly into the SI joint to provide relief from pain and inflammation.
Minimally Invasive Procedure: Unio Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Fusion
In severe cases where non-surgical treatments fail, our experienced surgeons may recommend minimally invasive SI joint fusion surgery.The Unio™ Procedure uses advanced technology to provide long-term SI joint pain relief by stabilizing the joint.
Our surgeons use real-time imaging and navigation to ensure precise implant placement, leading to faster recovery and minimal scarring. With a high success rate, this procedure has helped many patients regain mobility and improve their quality of life.
Trust The Physicians for SI Joint Pain Relief!
Sacroiliac joint pain can be debilitating, but it is treatable. Seeking medical attention and early treatment can help alleviate symptoms and improve your overall well-being. At The Physicians, we offer a range of advanced treatments, from non-surgical options to the minimally invasive Unio™ Sacroiliac Joint Fusion procedure, to address your specific needs. Our goal is to help you regain mobility and live a pain-free life.
Don't let SI joint pain limit your daily activities. Contact us today at (770) 679-7000 or schedule a consultation online and take the first step towards a healthier, more active life.
