What Causes Sacroiliac Joint Pain?
SI joint pain can result from:
- Trauma, falls, or motor vehicle accidents
- Osteoarthritis – Joint wear and tear over time
- Pregnancy & Childbirth – Hormonal changes loosen ligaments, while altered walking patterns add strain
- Hip or Spine Surgery (Lumbar Fusion) – Changes in spinal alignment can increase SI joint stress
- Autoimmune Disorders – Conditions like ankylosing spondylitis or rheumatoid arthritis
- Uneven Leg Lengths – Creates an imbalance in pelvic movement, leading to chronic pain
Your sacroiliac joints (we call them the "SI" joints) are the places where your hips meet your spine. These joints don't have a lot of flexibility, but they do move slightly as you move your body. And if SI joints become damaged or diseased, it can be painful.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Sacroiliac Joint Pain
Common symptoms of SI joint dysfunction include:
- Low back pain
- Pain radiating into the buttocks or groin
- Numbness, weakness, or pain extending into the thighs or legs
- Pain aggravated by standing, walking, or certain movements
Diagnosis: Identifying SI Joint Pain
At OPS Surgery Center, we use gold-standard diagnostic tests to confirm sacroiliac joint dysfunction, including:
- Medical history and physical examination
- Specialized SI Joint Physical Tests – A group of physical maneuvers used to diagnose SI joint dysfunction
- Imaging Tests – MRI, CT scan, or X-ray to assess joint damage or inflammation
- Diagnostic SI Joint Injections – If pain improves after an anesthetic injection, the SI joint is confirmed as the source of pain
Treatment
Non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, chiropractic, stretching, anti-inflammatory medications or bracing may be recommended. In more severe cases, sacroiliac joint injections, radiofrequency ablations, or minimally invasive joint fusion may be indicated.
Find Relief from Sacroiliac Joint Pain at OPS Surgery Center
SI joint pain can affect mobility and overall quality of life, but with the right diagnosis and treatment, long-term relief is possible. At OPS Surgery Center, our expert team specializes in personalized, evidence-based treatments to help you move pain-free again.
