Sacroiliac joint pain (also called as SI joint pain and can cause Lower back pain or hip pain)

SI joint pain is sharp, stabbing pain that starts in you SI joint (see picture) and goes up to low back and down to thighs. Occasionally it may feel numb and tingly or as if you are legs are about give up.

About 15-30% of chronic low back people will be suffering from SI joint pain or dysfunction.

Si Joint

SI joints are located where the sacrum and ilium meet. Sacrum is triangular shaped bone at the end of spine and ilium is one of the bones which make up hip joint.

SI joint supports the weight of your body, distributing it across the pelvis. It acts as shock absorber and take away pressure from your spine.

Causes of SI joint pain

Inflammation is number one on the list, it can be caused by dysfunction which can be due to Osteoarthritis, gout, Ankylosing spondylitis, gout, injury, pregnancy, or Walking patterns etc.

Symptoms of SI joint pain:

Each person has different presentation, but common symptoms include:

• Pain in the lower back/SI joint area
• Pain in the buttocks, hips and pelvis
• Pain in groin
• Increase pain when standing up from a sitting position
• Stiffness or a burning sensation in the pelvis
• Numbness
• Weakness
• Radiating pain
• Buckle up sensation in legs or back

How to treat SI Joint pain:

Physical therapy, low -impact exercises which helps to stabilize and strengthen the SI joint and ease pain.

Some easy tips to manage pain at home:

Ice or cold packs to alleviate the pain and to reduce inflammation

Hot pack can be used when pain level is less

SI joint belt can help to support SI joint to help to ease your pain

Medication (talk to your doctor)

Our physiotherapist at Kitchener Physiotherapy and Wellness will assess and guide you through your recovery process so that you can return to your health lifestyle.

We invite you to contact us at 226-215-3114 for more information about working with our physiotherapist at Kitchener Physiotherapy and Wellness to help you to manage your pain