what is
si joint dysfunction
What is the SI Joint?
What is SI Joint Dysfunction?
SI joint dysfunction is a common source of lower back pain and discomfort for many individuals. It can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life, causing persistent lower back pain and discomfort. Read more about the common causes and symptoms below. If you believe that you are experiencing symptoms suggestive of SI joint dysfunction, consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.
Common Causes
of SI Joint Dysfunction
Prior Injury or Accident
A significant (or traumatic) event such as a car accident, sports-related injury, or slip and fall (or work-related incident) can result in long-term complications with the SI joint.
Postpartum Pelvic Girdle Pain
Most women experience relief from post-partum pelvic girdle pain shortly after giving birth, but for some, the pain persists for several years after delivery.
Ligamentous Loosening Due to Pregnancy
During pregnancy, hormonal changes can cause the ligaments in your body, including those around the SI joint, to become loose and expand to make room for the growing baby. This increased mobility can lead to unstable joints that provide less support, potentially causing pain in the SI joints.
Arthritis
Sacroiliac joint arthritis is a chronic degenerative condition that affects the SI joint, which connects the pelvis and lower back. It causes pain, inflammation, and loss of function in the hips, pelvic region, and lower back.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a medical condition that affects many people in the United States. It is caused by the breakdown of cartilage in the joints, leading to complications such as pain, swelling, and difficulty with movement. When osteoarthritis affects the sacroiliac (SI) joints, it can result in the growth of bone spurs known as osteophytes, which can cause pain and instability.
Prior Low Back Surgery
Clinical studies show that people who have had previous lumbar back surgeries have a 40%+ higher incidence of si joint pain and dysfunction.1
1. Liliang P-C, Lu K, Liang C-L, Tsai Y-D, Wang K-W, Chen H-J. Sacroiliac joint pain after lumbar and lumbosacral fusion: findings using dual sacroiliac joint blocks. Pain Med Malden Mass. 2011;12(4):565–570. [PubMed]
2. DePalma MJ, Ketchum JM, Saullo TR. Etiology of chronic low back pain in patients having undergone lumbar fusion. Pain Med. 2011;12(5):732–739. [PubMed]
Low Back Pain
Pain in the lower back is commonly one-sided but can also present on both sides.
Pelvis and/or Buttock Pain
This pain in the buttocks and/or groin can wrap around the pelvic area and radiate outwardly.
Lower Extremity Pain
This pain can radiate into the pelvis or upper thigh but does not usually go past the knee. It can be dull or sharp and cause weakness.
Leg Instability & Gait Issues
SI joint dysfunction can cause leg instability and gait issues, leading to difficulty walking or maintaining balance due to discomfort or misalignment in the sacroiliac joint. Some patients say that it feels as though one leg is shorter than the other.
Pain Going from Sitting to Standing
SI joint dysfunction can manifest as pain or instability when moving from sitting to standing, often causing discomfort or difficulty in movement due to sacroiliac joint issues.
Disturbed Sleep due to Pain
Patients with dysfunction in the sacroiliac joint may experience difficulty sleeping on the affected side. Shifting positions can also be uncomfortable, as rapid movement can compress the joint and cause pain.
Common Symptoms
of SI Joint Dysfunction
Treatment Options
for SI Joint Pain
NSAIDs
SI joint dysfunction treatment often involves NSAIDs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which reduce pain and inflammation in the sacroiliac joint, aiding in symptom management and improving comfort.
Physical Therapy
SI joint dysfunction treatment commonly includes physical therapy, employing exercises and stretches to improve joint stability, mobility, and muscle strength, reducing pain, and enhancing or maintaining overall function.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care is a common treatment for SI joint dysfunction, where spinal adjustments aim to realign the sacroiliac joint, alleviate pain, and enhance overall mobility and comfort.
Prescribed Home Exercise Plan
SI joint dysfunction is often treated with a home exercise plan prescribed by your physician. This plan includes specific exercises and stretches to improve joint stability, mobility, and strength. It can help manage symptoms and aid in overall recovery.
Pain Management Evaluation & Intervention
SI joint dysfunction treatment involves a comprehensive pain management approach. Pain medications, therapeutic injections, and radiofrequency ablation may be used to alleviate discomfort and offer long-lasting relief. These interventions can improve mobility and overall quality of life.
SI Joint Fusion
SI joint fusion is the final consideration along the course of the treatment cycle. It should only be considered after more conservative treatments have failed to provide long-term pain relief. Fusing the SI joint can offer lasting pain relief.
Find a Physician Near You
If you would like to contact a physician to discuss whether an SI joint fusion procedure using CornerLoc™ solutions might be an option, we can help you locate a nearby practice.
Patient Guide Brochure
Find out more about the sacroiliac (SI) joint, SI joint dysfunction, and the comprehensive suite of options that CornerLoc™ provides. You can request a digital copy of our CornerLoc GRAFTS™ and TransLoc 3D™ patient guide brochures to be sent to you via email. You can also download a copy now.
