The sacroiliac joint is responsible for carrying the weight of the upper body when standing and shifting the weight to your legs. Because of the stress placed on this joint every day, it is a common source of lower back pain. Issues with the sacroiliac joint may be called: sacroiliitis, SI joint syndrome, SI joint strain, SI joint inflammation, and sacroiliac joint dysfunction. SI joint pain can make it difficult to sit, stand, walk, and lay down.
Symptoms:
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is a common source of lower back pain.
The symptoms of SI joint dysfunction include:
- Lower back pain
- Pain in hips, buttocks, thighs, or groin
- Pain when standing up
- Pain may be more noticeable in the morning and lessens as the day goes on
- Pain while doing everyday activities like walking up the stairs
- Pain that gets worse when standing and walking but improves when lying down
- Stiffness in pelvis
Causes:
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is usually caused by inflammation around the joint.
Common causes of sacroiliac joint dysfunction include:
- Arthritis: Both spondylosis (spinal osteoarthritis) and ankylosing spondylitis can cause sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
- Pregnancy: Pregnancy may cause the sacroiliac joint to become loose and stretch. Weight gain and hormonal changes can also put additional stress on the sacroiliac joints.
- Trauma: A traumatic injury like a fall or car accident could damage the SI joints.
- Infection: SI joint pain caused by an infection is a rare cause, but it does occur.
Visit Brain2Spine Institute to find a treatment plan that is right for you. To schedule an appointment, call (727) 351-6902.
