Sacroiliac Joint Pain: What You Need to Know
If you’re experiencing lower back pain, your Sacroiliac (SI) Joint may be the culprit. The Sacro Iliac joint is located at the lowest part of your back, where your spine and pelvis meet. It helps to support the weight of your upper body and allows for a wide range of motion in your hips and legs. If this joint is misaligned or unstable, it may well be the cause of the pain in your lower back.
What is the Sacroiliac joint?
The SI joint is formed by the sacrum (a triangular bone at the base of your spine) and the ilium (the bones of your pelvis).
The Sacroiliac joint (SI) is a small joint located at the base of the spine, where the sacrum meets the ilium bones of the pelvis. The SI joint is formed by the sacrum (a triangular bone at the base of your spine) and the ilium (the bones of your pelvis). The SI joint anchors the spine to the pelvis and transfers weight and movement from the upper body to the lower body.
What is the function of the Sacroiliac joint?
The Sacroiliac joint is responsible for connecting the sacrum and pelvis together. The joint helps to absorb shock and distribute weight evenly across the body. Additionally, the joint allows for a wide range of motion in the hips and spine. It also helps to stabilize the pelvis and spine.
What muscles influence movement at the Sacroiliac joint?
The muscles surrounding the Sacroiliac joint do not provide most of the direct force needed for its actions. Instead, the tension on the Joint’s ligaments aids in the majority of its motions. Muscle activity provides a means by which the joint remains stable while performing a range of complex movements.
Issues such as injury, sedentary lifestyle, or work demands can change these supporting muscles. They may shorten or weaken, leading to possible tension and instability in the SI Joint. Stretching and releasing these muscles helps to make the joint flexible and pain-free.
While several muscles may impact the pelvis’s functions, a few have a more direct impact. The muscles that influence the SI joint are the following:
- Gluteus Maximus
- Piriformis
- Hamstring muscles
- Quadriceps muscles
- Tensor Fasciae Latae muscle
- Iliacus muscle
- Psoas muscle
- Quadratus Lumborum
- Erector Spinae (muscles that run along the spine)
Ligaments of the SI Joint
The ligaments that comprise the joint of the Sacroiliac (SI) are essential because they help stabilize the joint and allow for smooth motion between the sacrum and pelvis.
The ligaments that comprise the joint of the Sacroiliac (SI) are essential because they help stabilize the joint and allow for smooth motion between the sacrum and pelvis.
Posterior Sacroiliac Ligaments
The posterior sacroiliac ligament is a thin band of connective tissue that connects the sacrum to the ilium. It helps to stabilize the pelvis and hold the sacrum in place. The posterior sacroiliac ligament is also known as the iliolumbar ligament.
Causes of Injury to the Posterior Sacroiliac Ligament
Injuries to the posterior sacroiliac ligament can occur due to a fall, a direct blow to the area, or excessive twisting or bending. This type of injury can cause pain and stiffness in the lower back and buttocks.
Anterior Sacroiliac Ligaments
The anterior sacroiliac ligament is a thin, fibrous band that attaches the front of the sacrum to the ilium on the anterior side of the pelvis. It helps to stabilize and support the pelvis and spinal column. Injury to this ligament can cause pain and instability in the pelvis and lower back.
What are the symptoms of an injury to the anterior sacroiliac ligament?
Symptoms of an injury to the anterior sacroiliac ligament can include pain and instability in the pelvis and lower back. Pain may be worse when standing or walking and may improve when sitting or lying down. However, you may also have difficulty standing up straight or balancing.
Accessory sacroiliac ligament
The Accessory Sacroiliac Ligament is a thin, triangular band of fibrous tissue that attaches to the posterior superior iliac spine and the iliolumbar ligament. It lies deep to the gluteus maximus muscle.
The function of the Accessory Sacroiliac Ligament is to stabilize the Sacroiliac joint. It helps to resist excessive lateral or rotational movement at the joint.
The Accessory Sacroiliac Ligament is often injured in athletes who participate in sports involving sudden direction changes, such as football or basketball. It can also be injured in car accidents. If the Accessory Sacroiliac Ligament is damaged, it can cause pain and instability at the Sacroiliac joint.
Interosseous sacroiliac ligament
The Interosseous Sacoiliac ligament is a thin, delicate ligament that connects the sacrum and ilium. It helps to stabilize the pelvis and transmit weight from the trunk to the legs. The Interosseous Sacoiliac ligament is also responsible for limiting movement between the sacrum and ilium. Injury to this ligament can cause pain and instability in the pelvis.
The Interosseous Sacoiliac ligament is typically injured during high-impact activities such as running or jumping. Symptoms of an injury to this ligament include pain in the back and hips, difficulty walking, and instability in the pelvis.
Superior intracapsular ligament (Illi ligament)
The Illi ligament is a ligament that goes between the sacrum and the iliac bone. It is also called the superior intracapsular ligament. This ligament helps to stabilize the Sacroiliac joint. It is generally quite strong and helps to keep the two bones in place.
Ligaments that attach to SI Joint
The ligaments that attach to Sacroiliac joints are the iliolumbar ligament, sacrotuberous ligament, and sacrospinous ligament. These ligaments help to stabilize the joint and prevent it from moving too much.
These ligaments can be injured in a fall, accident, or repetitive stress.
Symptoms of a tear or rupture include:
- Pain in the lower back and buttocks.
- Difficulty walking.
- Numbness or tingling in the legs.
Iliolumbar Ligament
The Iliolumbar ligament is a band of tough fibrous tissue that connects the ilium and the lumbar vertebrae. It helps to stabilize the pelvis and supports the lower back. It is also responsible for transmitting the upper body’s weight to the lower extremities.
Sacrotuberous Ligament
The Sacrotuberous ligament is a band of tough fibrous tissue that connects the sacrum and the tuberous ischium. It helps to stabilize the pelvis and supports the lower back. It is also responsible for transmitting the upper body’s weight to the lower extremities.
Sacrospinous Ligament
The Sacrospinous ligament is a band of tough fibrous tissue that connects the sacrum and the spines of the ischium. It helps to stabilize the pelvis and supports the lower back. It is also responsible for transmitting the upper body’s weight to the lower extremities.
What are some causes of Sacroiliac Joint pain?
There are many potential causes of SI Joint pain. Causes can include:
- Instability or weakness in the pelvic muscles and ligaments
- Injury or trauma to the area
- Arthritis or other degenerative diseases
- Infection or inflammation of the joint
- Pregnancy, as the weight of the baby, can put pressure on the joint
- Obesity, which can create excess stress on the joint
What are the symptoms of Sacroiliac joint pain?
The most common symptoms of a Sacroiliac joint problem are:
- Lower back pain
- Hip pain
- Pain in the buttocks
- Pain down the back of your leg
- Difficulty moving your hip or legs
- A feeling of instability in your SI joint
How is a Sacroiliac joint problem diagnosed?
A Sacroiliac joint problem can be diagnosed with a physical examination and diagnostic imaging tests, such as an x-ray, MRI, or CT scan. Your doctor will look for signs of inflammation or damage to the ligaments around the joint. They will also ask about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life.
How is SI Joint Pain treated?
If you are experiencing pain in your Sacroiliac joint, your doctor may recommend:
- Rest
- Ice packs
- Physical therapies
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Steroid injections
- Surgery
Your doctor or health care provider will work with you to develop the best treatment plan for you. However, it is essential to seek treatment for Sacroiliac joint pain, as it can cause long-term damage if left untreated.
The most common treatment for a Sacroiliac joint problem is physical therapy. Your physical therapist will prescribe exercises to help improve the stability and flexibility of your SI joint. You may also need to wear a brace or use crutches to reduce the stress on your SI joint. If conservative treatment fails, you may need surgery to correct the problem.
What can I do to prevent a Sacroiliac joint problem?
There is no sure way to prevent a Sacroiliac joint problem, but you can take some steps to reduce your risk:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Exercise regularly
- Avoid excessive twisting or bending of your spine
- Wear shoes that fit well and provide stability to your feet
- Avoid activities that place stress on your SI joint, such as running or jumping.
Is the Lumbar Spine influenced by the SI Joint?
The lumbar spine is the lower region of the spine, influenced by the Sacroiliac joint. Sacroiliac joints help stabilize the pelvis and transmit weight from the trunk to the legs. If this joint is not functioning correctly, it can cause pain and instability in the lumbar spine.
Lower Back Pain and the SI Joint
Your therapist will be able to assess if Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction may be influencing your lower back. There are a few ways to tell if your back pain is coming from the Sacroiliac Joint. Pain referral patterns, such as pain down the back of your leg or buttock, can be a sign that your SI Joint is the source of pain. Limited ranges of motion and muscle tightness in the hips and buttocks can also be indicators of a problem with the Sacroiliac Joint.
Treatment for Lower Back Pain from Sacroiliac Joint dysfunction will depend on your assessment findings. Your therapist may use Manual Therapy, Ultrasound, and Exercises to help reduce pain and improve movement. If you have had little success with other treatment methods, your therapist may also recommend trying a Sacroiliac Joint injection.
Sacroiliac joint pain is not as common as lower back pain, but it can be just as debilitating. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, please see a therapist for an evaluation.
Finally
Sacroiliac joint pain is a condition that can cause significant discomfort and limitations in daily activities. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, please see a therapist for an evaluation. The most common treatment for SI Joint pain is physical therapy, which may include exercises to improve the stability and flexibility of your SI joint. If conservative treatment fails, you may need surgery to correct the problem.
There is no sure way to prevent a Sacroiliac joint problem. Still, you can take some steps to reduce your risk. This may include maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and avoiding activities that place stress on your SI joint. The lumbar spine is also influenced by the Sacroiliac joint, so if you are experiencing lower back pain, your therapist may assess for a problem with the SI Joint. Treatment for lower back pain from Sacroiliac joint dysfunction will depend on your assessment findings.
PLEASE NOTE
PostureGeek.com does not provide medical advice. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical attention. The information provided should not replace the advice and expertise of an accredited health care provider. Any inquiry into your care and any potential impact on your health and wellbeing should be directed to your health care provider. All information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care or treatment.