What Causes Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction?

Dysfunction or inflammation of the sacroiliac joint, or SI joint, can often lead to pelvic or lower back pain. Since so many conditions and injuries can also lead to pain in the pelvis or lower back, it can be a bit difficult to pinpoint when the SI joint could be the cause.

Our Sugar Land, and Victoria, TX, experts are able to spot SI joint dysfunction and inflammation immediately, making sure that you get the proper pain management and care.

WHAT CAUSES SACROILIAC JOINT DYSFUNCTION?

There are several reasons for the dysfunction of the SI joint. These reasons include:

• Inflammation of the joint: this leads to pelvic pain and stiffness. Inflammation may be the result of an infection or a chronic inflammatory condition such as arthritis.
• Hypermobility of the joint: if the joint is too mobile this can lead to instability, weakness, and pain. Those with a hypermobile SI joint may be more likely to experience pain in the groin, lower back, and hip area.
• Hypomobility of the joint: limited mobility of the joint can lead to pain and muscle tension. Those with a hypomobile SI joint are more likely to experience pain on one side that may originate in the lower back or buttocks and run down the leg.
• Injury to the joint: A car accident or a bad fall that impacts the pelvis could also affect the health and function of the sacroiliac joint.

SI joint dysfunction is more commonly seen in women, particularly women who are pregnant or have recently had a baby.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF SI JOINT PAIN?

Some of the warning signs and symptoms of sacroiliac joint dysfunction include:

• Radiating pain in the hips, buttocks, and groin
• Lower back pain that may occur on one side or both sides of the body
• Stabbing pain around the thighs and buttocks that may mimic sciatica pain
• Pain that gets worse with movement such as running
• Instability in the lower back or pelvis
• Limited mobility and stiffness in the lower back, hips, and groin that makes certain movements more difficult

HOW IS SI JOINT PAIN TREATED?

If you suspect that you might be dealing with sacroiliac joint pain here in Victoria, Sugar Land, or the Greater Houston area, it's important that you turn to our pain management team and find out what's going on and how to best treat the problem. While rest, icing, or heat therapy can ease symptoms, we know that you want more long-term solutions that can improve symptoms and also prevent them in the future. Other ways to improve and alleviate SI joint pain include:

• Pain relievers (e.g., NSAIDs)
• Manipulative therapy
• Bracing the pelvis for added support
• Anti-inflammatory joint injections (e.g., corticosteroid injections)

Dealing with lower back or pelvic pain that you think may be caused by SI joint dysfunction? If you would like an evaluation with one of our specialized pain management physicians in the Victoria or Greater Houston area, simply call (361) 575-2882, or (281) 240-4300.