SI Joint Pain and Sacroiliitis
By Madhusudhan Tammisetti
SI joint pain, also known as sacroiliac joint dysfunction, is a disorder that produces pain in the lower back and upper leg. The pain is caused due to disc disorders, age-related joint degeneration, inflammation, and overuse are common, and impacts millions each year. Lower back pain is currently the primary reason for disability, making it the second largest cause of medical visits in adults aged 45 and above in the United States.
Patients suffering from radiating back pain are between 15 and 30 percent and have sacroiliac dysfunctions. The pain in SI joint is distinct in that it's more frequent in middle-aged and young women than in any other age group. Leg and back pain commonly starts between the years of 30s and 40s of a person and might last for the rest of their life if the underlying reasons are not addressed.
Sometimes it's difficult to pinpoint the specific source of a patient's back pain. Many patients suffering from sacroiliac joint issues, for instance, are wrongly diagnosed for herniated disc since the causes are often multifactorial. Disc alterations and degeneration in the back's lower lumbar area are contributing factors of upper thigh or low back pain in a large percentage of patients since they cause other postural and joint compensations issues.
What Is Sacroiliitis?
In medicine, the suffix "-itis" means inflammation, and sacroiliitis means sacroiliac joint inflammation. Sacroiliitis is a dull or intense pain that begins in the hip joint and spreads to the buttocks, upper back, groin, or thighs.
The pain develops when sitting for long periods and may cause stiffness in the lower spine and hips. Sacroiliitis and sacroiliac joint dysfunction are two terms that are used interchangeably. This may be caused due to sciatica pain or lumbar disc herniation and may cause lower back and leg pain.
Posture Correction and Physical Therapy
Good posture when standing, sitting, working, and proper form while exercising is essential for reducing joint stress. It's likely that muscular or joint compensations, particularly those resulting from anomalies in the lower lumbar area, are causing the sacroiliac pain.
Physical therapy increases strength and flexibility in the SI joint, which helps to reduce inflammation. This might also aid in the correction of any overcompensation behaviors developed as a result of the pain. A chiropractor may use massage, heat or cold treatments, and stretching in conjunction.
Treatment
The first thing a chiropractor may do is figure out what's causing the pain. If the sacroiliac joint is the source of the pain, they may begin treatment to address the underlying problem of hypermobility or hypomobility. They may check whether the body is correctly positioned before incorporating stretching and exercises to stabilize the joint. They may also suggest ice therapy to help decrease the inflammation and make you feel better.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Houston, Tex.