The pelvis houses the vital sacroiliac joints, which connect the triangular sacrum to the upper part of the pelvis (ilium). These large joints are crucial for supporting the spine and transferring upper body weight to the lower body.
Dysfunction in this joint can result in Sacroiliac Joint Syndrome (SIJS). This blog delves into the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for SIJS.
Understanding Sacroiliac Joint Syndrome and Sacroiliitis
Sacroiliac Joint Syndrome is a painful condition of the sacroiliac joint, which can be triggered either by a small displacement due to wrong movement, irritation after prolonged imbalance of the pelvis, degenerative changes or even inflammation. Discomfort mainly affects the lower back and buttocks and may extend to the legs. Irritation or damage to these joints initiates local inflammation, causing persistent lumbar and buttocks pain.
Sacroiliitis is marked by painful chronic autoimmune inflammation in the sacroiliac joints. Sacroiliitis disrupts joint harmony, impacting hip movement. Addressing underlying causes and managing inflammation is crucial for effective pain relief.
What causes Sacroiliitis?
Chronic autoimmune Inflammation in the joints, triggered by various factors, can contribute to sacroiliitis. .
Primary causes of sacroiliitis include-
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Crohn’s disease.
- Ulcerative colitis.
- Reactive arthritis (Reiter’s syndrome).
- Behçet’s disease
Symptoms of Sacroiliac Joint Syndrome
Sacroiliac Joint Syndrome symptoms vary between individuals, posing challenges in diagnosis.
Patients may feel pain in the lower back, buttocks, and thighs, occasionally radiating to the legs.
The pain is often exacerbated by certain activities, such as-
- Standing up after longer sitting
- Long standing or sitting
- Climbing stairs.
In some cases, patients may also notice stiffness in the lower back or a sensation of instability in the pelvic region.
Sacroiliac joint syndrome can occur or be aggravated during pregnancy as hormonal changes cause the sacroiliac joints to widen and rotate.
How is Sacroiliac joint syndrome/Sacroiliitis diagnosed?
A healthcare provider conducts a physical exam and imaging tests to diagnose sacroiliitis, assessing your back, hips, and legs.
Inform them about the onset of pain, aggravating activities, and other health conditions.
The provider may evaluate your range of motion through specific movements and apply pressure to the sacroiliac joints.
It’s essential to communicate if any position or pressure exacerbates the pain.
Imaging tests for sacroiliac joints include-
- Computed tomography (CT) scan.
- Pelvis X-rays.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- Scintigraphy
- PET scan
- Laboratory tests
What treatments are available?
Nonsurgical treatments
Patients often find relief with non-surgical treatments such as physiotherapy, chiropractic manipulation, Injections and stretching exercises.
Oral anti-inflammatory medications, topical applications, or mechanical bracing may also be recommended for others
Medications
Physiotherapy
Sacroiliac Joint Injections
Radiofrequency ablations
Surgery
If nonsurgical options and joint injections fail to alleviate pain, your doctor may suggest minimally invasive SI joint fusion surgery.
In this procedure, titanium implants and bone graft material are placed through a small incision to stabilize the joint and stimulate bone growth.
Consult Dr. Martin Liner for the treatment of Sacroiliac Joint Pain in Dubai
Dr. Martin Liner tailors treatment plans by interpreting diagnostic tests like CT scans, MRI, Scintigraphy, and PET scans, along with electrophysiological and laboratory findings.
He accelerates patient recovery through individualized plans, including interventional pain treatments, ensuring high patient satisfaction.
With over two decades of expertise, Dr. Liner provides personalized guidance for effective management. Rely on his commitment to your well-being.
