If you are experiencing pain in the lower back, it is likely that the problem is in the SI joint. Inflammation of this joint is a common cause of lower back pain and is more common than you might think. It affects between 15 and 30 percent of people who suffer from lower back pain. Sports injuries, falling down, or jogging can all cause inflammation in this joint. Often, there is no specific cause for SI joint pain, but a person who experiences it is unlikely to be an athlete.
Pain in the SI joint typically starts in the lower back and may radiate to the groin or upper thigh. In some cases, pain in this joint is one-sided, and it typically worsens during transitional movements such as sitting and standing. Pain in the SI joint may also result in weakness or numbness in the affected leg, or tingling. A diagnosis of SI joint dysfunction should be made as early as possible to ensure that it isn’t a more serious condition.
Other causes of SI joint inflammation include arthritis, bulging discs, or other chronic conditions. A physical exam can determine the underlying cause of the pain. Inflammation of the SI joint may require medical treatment, including physical therapy or a pelvic brace to protect the joint during movement. Depending on the location of inflammation, pain may be relieved with exercise or by using numbing drugs. Physical therapy may also include low-impact exercises designed to strengthen the SI joint.
Other conditions that cause inflammation of the SI joint include trauma to the area and arthritis. Pregnancy may also cause inflammation of the SI joint because it causes laxity of the surrounding ligaments and a lack of progesterone, which causes the cartilage to wear. Ankylosing spondylitis can also result in inflammation of the SI joint. If this pain is affecting your daily life, it is time to seek medical attention.
Non-surgical treatment is often recommended for chronic SI joint pain, but it may not be effective. Surgery may be the best option if other treatment methods fail. It is important to discuss any treatment options with your doctor. A search engine will allow you to find a physician that specializes in SI joint pain. There are several methods for treatment and many different types of pain relief. If you don’t want to take medications, consult your doctor.
Physical therapy can improve hypermobility and strengthen lumbopelvic muscles, as well as increase mobilization of the SI joint. Different physical therapy techniques are available for different diagnoses. Recovery time for SI joint pain is typically two to four weeks. If patients do not change their lifestyle and avoid physical activities, recurrence is common, with a 30 percent recurrence rate. So if you’re suffering from SI joint pain, seek medical care right away.
While inflammation in the SI joint can be an inflammatory condition, a disorder that affects the entire body could also be the cause. One example of this is ankylosing spondylitis, inflammatory arthritis in the spine. This condition causes stiffness and pain in the SI joint and other joints in the spine. Gout is another inflammatory arthritis condition that affects the SI joint, as it causes the buildup of uric acid in the underlying tissue. Visit to get an exclusive webinar! It’s simple, short, and Free: pursuittherapy.com/si-joint-pain
