The sacroiliac (SI) joint is located on either side of the lower spine, which means there are actually two, not one. Given the vital task of stabilizing the back and hips, the SI joint also helps support the body in movement. Because of this, any level of SI joint dysfunction can cause severe pain or discomfort. The SI joint is one of the most common joints that pain and degeneration take place. The good news is there are many different things you can do to find relief.
First and foremost, stop whatever you are doing that could be causing the pain or making it worse. Often, SI joint pain is relieved with rest and a little patience. But there is more to treating SI joint dysfunction than taking it easy. Once you and your doctor determine the exact source of pain, we will be able to find the right treatment. It is important to note that every patient is different, and what works for one won’t necessarily provide relief to the next person.
Everyone at our pain management clinic is dedicated to working closely with each patient. We pride ourselves on providing individualized care, whether you are suffering from hip pain caused by degeneration, knee pain from an injury, or SI joint pain from trauma or degeneration. By educating our patients, we hope to give them the knowledge and power to live a happy and full life.
Today we are going to take a closer look at SI joint pain to help you learn how to treat it on your own. If the tips below don’t help, there are numerous natural treatments, stretches, exercises, and supplements that can effectively treat SI joint pain. Pain medications and surgery don’t always have to be the answer, though sometimes they are.
As mentioned above, there is one SI joint located on each side of the low spine – the left and right iliac bones. They connect the sacrum to the pelvis, providing stability and assisting with everyday motions and actions, including walking, running, sitting, standing, jumping, and more. The sacrum is a triangular-shaped bone that is found just below the lumbar spine. The SI joint is weight-bearing, meaning it can withstand a lot. Unlike the other bones of the spine, the five vertebrae that make up the sacrum don’t move. A network of ligaments, tendons, and muscles hold the sacrum and iliac bones together. However, because the SI joint is located at the bottom of the spine and has the role of supporting the body, regular wear and tear are typical for many people.
Some of the most common symptoms and signs that something may be amiss with your SI joint include the following:
Although it is more common to see SI joint pain on one side, it is possible to have it affect both iliac joints. The type of pain a person experiences will depend on a host of factors, but it typically ranges from mild throbbing or discomfort to severe pain. Over time, SI joint dysfunction can lead to chronic pain that is much more difficult to treat. If you experience any of the above, please contact Texas Partners Healthcare Group right away.
Before we touch on some of the best ways to treat SI joint pain at home, let’s go over what typically causes dysfunction with these important joints:
Any inflammation of the joints can cause SI joint pain. The sooner you have it looked at, the better the prognosis.
The above information isn’t designed to scare you or set you up for a future of pain, but rather give you the knowledge to make an informed decision. The more you know, the easier time you will have to treat your condition. SI joint pain is commonly managed at home with the following tips:
If you would like to learn more about these treatments, or if you have tried everything and you are still living in pain, contact Texas Partners Healthcare Group today. We are the leading pain management clinic in Frisco, Texas, and are committed to helping you find relief sooner than later. Give us a call today to learn more about our approach to treating SI joint dysfunction and other problems.