Sacroiliac joint pain is an important cause of chronic low back pain. In fact, a study published in Med Devices (Auckl) showed that 14-22% of patients complaining of low back pain were diagnosed with sacroiliac joint pain. This means that approximately 10 million adults in the United States alone have this disease.
Sacroiliac joint pain can range from a dull ache to a sharp pain. The pain usually starts in the lower back, but can also radiate to the upper back, buttocks, thighs, or calves. Typically, pain is felt on one side of the lower back.
Sacroiliac joint pain is usually worse in the morning and improves during the day. Standing up from a sitting position often triggers pain.
Learn about SI joints
The sacroiliac joints (SI) are located in the lower back, on either side of the spine. It connects the sacrum to the hip bone. This joint bears the weight of the upper part of the body when walking and standing and distributes the weight to the legs. It also absorbs shock between the upper and lower parts of the body during exercise.
The SI joint moves only a little to absorb shock and facilitate flexion. It is surrounded by connective tissue, muscles, and ligaments that provide support, help absorb shock, and limit movement.
Why sacroiliac joint pain occurs
Sacroiliac joint pain is caused by inflammation and can be caused by different causes, such as lower back trauma and strenuous physical activity. According to the doctors at our pain clinic, the following groups are at risk for SI joint pain:
- old age. The sacroiliac joints, like other joints, experience wear and tear with age.
- female. Women’s lumbar spine is more curved and their pelvis is wider. They also have higher elastin than men, making their ligaments more elastic. In addition, their sacroiliac ligaments are stretched during pregnancy, increasing the risk of sacroiliac joint pain.
- Patients who have had lumbar spine surgery or hip replacement.
- smoker. Smoking reduces calcium absorption, leading to poor bone and joint health.
- Patients who have experienced repeated trauma to their sacroiliac joints. Patients whose jobs require a lot of bending and lifting heavy objects can suffer injuries from overuse of their sacroiliac joints, resulting in sacroiliac joint pain.
Treating sacroiliac joint pain
SI joint pain can affect your quality of life if you don’t take steps to manage it properly. Although pain medications can provide temporary relief, you need to address the exact cause to fully cure the condition.
- Avoid activities that involve a lot of bending and lifting. If that doesn’t help, make sure you’re using proper body mechanics while working. Also, avoid activities that frequently impact the sacroiliac joints, such as running and jogging, as this can worsen pain.
- Physical therapy. Physical therapy can help improve the flexibility and strength of the sacroiliac joints. Depending on your physical therapist’s evaluation, you may receive a series of heat and cold therapies, stretches, and massage.
Treating Sacroiliac Joint Pain with Platelet-Rich Plasma Prolotherapy (PRP) in Hollywood
A study published in the Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation showed that PRP therapy was effective in reducing pain and improving sacroiliac joint stability and function in patients who had suffered from sacroiliac joint pain for 1-4 years. PRP is the process of injecting concentrated platelets extracted from your own blood into the affected joint to heal the damage. The process is very simple and you can go home immediately after each session.
Learn more about South Florida Pain Care Specialists
If you are experiencing any pain, please contact our South Florida pain management doctors today. With extensive experience in treating a variety of pain-causing conditions, we can help you return to your normal life and daily activities.
Dr. Luis Escobar Certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology, American Board of Pain Medicine, and American Pain Management Society. He has practiced law in the area for more than fifteen years. He has lectured in the community and popular media on a variety of topics in pain management.
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Are you feeling pain? We can help! Contact us today for a consultation and take the step toward a pain-free life.
The information contained on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute the provision of medical advice and does not substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your health, always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider.
