SACROILIAC (SI) JOINT DYSFUNCTION
Sacroiliac joint (SI) dysfunction is a condition that results from flawed movement of either one or both of two large, firm joints at the base of the spine. Typically, the sacroiliac joints have a very small range of motion, providing stability when, for example, a person is walking. They also absorb impact and serve the critical role of transferring the weight of the upper body to the lower body.
WHAT IS THE SACROILIAC (SI) JOINT?
The sacroiliac (SI) joints are between the sacrum and the illium bones of the pelvis. These joints transfer weight and forces between your upper body and legs.
15-30% of patients with chronic low back pain may have pain arising from the sacroiliac (SI) joint. Yet, most physicians are not trained to consider the SI joint when evaluating lower back pain.
If you are experiencing lower back pain, it may be coming from your SI joint.
SI JOINT DEGENERATION
SI joint degeneration is the result of cartilage breakdown due to wear-and-tear or injury.
Breakdown of the SI joint cartilage can be exacerbated by aging and obesity.
Common causes of SI joint degeneration could be due to previous lumbar spine surgery, stresses due to leg length differences, joint replacement, or scoliosis, osteroarthritis, and other causes.
SI JOINT DISRUPTION
Traumatic events could cause SI joint disruption.
WHAT IS THE SACROILIAC (SI) JOINT?
The sacroiliac (SI) joints are between the sacrum and the illium bones of the pelvis. These joints transfer weight and forces between your upper body and legs.
These events may include
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motor vehicle accidents
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fall on buttocks
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lifting and/or twisting
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pregnancy with low back pain (frequently referred to as Pelvic Girdle Pain)
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and natural child birth that could injure ligaments, muscles, or other soft tissues supporting the SI joint.
SI JOINT DYSFUNCTION SYMPTOM PRESENTATION
Pain from SI joint dysfunction can be in the lower back or spine, buttocks, pelvis, groin, or sometimes in the legs.
Symptoms may be similiar to other spine conditions such as a herniated disc or a compressed nerve root. Chronic SI joint pain symptoms can make it difficult to perform common daily tasks and can affect every aspect of a patient's life.