Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

Dysfunction in the sacroiliac joint can be a cause of lower back and/or leg pain. The pain can be similar to that caused by a herniated disc.

The joint lies next to the spine and connects the sacrum (the triangular bone at the bottom of the spine) with the pelvis (see image below). The joint is small and does not have much motion. The sacroiliac also transmits all upper body forces to the pelvis (hips) and legs and acts as a shock-absorbing structure.

Dysfunction at this location is difficult to diagnose as no non-invasive diagnostic test has been found to isolate the joint with the exception of injection blocks specifically applied to the joint.

While pain originating from this area can be caused by ankylosing spondylitis, Paget’s disease, or tuberculosis, it more commonly occurs due to stresses on the joint or too much movement (hypermobility).

Stresses to the joint can occur from the following activities:

Persistent standing on one leg
Falling on your "tailbone"
Swinging a golf club
Over-lifting or lifting with incorrect form (i.e., using your back instead of your legs)
Bending over

If the joint is hypermobile, pain occurs anytime the joint is displaced. This is more common in females due to their joint structure, hormonal changes, and the strains of childbirth.

Diagnosis
The most accurate way of determining whether the sacroiliac joint is causing pain is to perform a diagnostic injection of the joint.

Because the joint is so deep, this must be done using "live" xray guidance with a fluoroscope. Once the doctor properly places the needle, an anesthetic is injected to numb the joint. If your pain goes away while the anesthetic is in the joint, your doctor can be reasonably sure your pain originates from the sacroiliac.

Treatment Options
Many people with this dysfunction can be effectively treated with conservative measures.

Treatment options include:

Rest or restricted activity
Anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen and naproxen
Use of a sacroiliac belt that wraps around the hips and holds the sacroiliac joint tightly together
Physical therapy and exercise programs
Osteopathic or chiropractic manipulation
Sacroiliac joint injections

In addition to their diagnostic value in confirming the cause of lower back pain, the injections deliver pain medication (cortisone, steroids, etc.) directly to the inflamed joint, bringing immediate relief that can last for months.

If found to be effective, a series of injections can help keep pain under control while the joint heals and help enable the patient to take part in rehabilitation activities.

We Can Help
The physicians at the Northwest Surgical Specialists Pain Management Center are experts at diagnosing the need for and delivering soothing pain medicine exactly where it will result in maximum relief.

If you or a loved one is suffering the effects of chronic pain, contact the Pain Management Center at 847.885.9525 to arrange a consultation.

Hoffman Estates

Northwest Surgical Specialists
3100 W. Higgins Rd., Ste. 150
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
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Foot & Ankle Care
Pain Management
Physical Therapy
Therapeutic Massage
Skin Care
Surgical Care Center

847.885.9525

Elgin

Summit Green Medical Center
431 Summit Street, Suite 102
Elgin, IL 60120
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Foot & Ankle Care
Physical Therapy

847.697.4500