Sacroiliac (SI) joint pain is a quite complex health condition that affects 15% to 25% of patients with low back pain. Patient’s medical historical, physical examination findings, as well as radiological imaging, can be used to diagnose SI joint dysfunction. In this blog post, we will provide a detailed explanation of the causes, signs and available treatments for sacroiliac sprain.
Overview of Sacroiliac Joints
The sacroiliac joints are where the bottom of the spine connects to the pelvis. There are two of these joints, one on each side, and ligaments are helpful in holding the bones together.
Sacroiliac joint pain can be difficult to identify because other conditions can cause similar symptoms. The pain is usually felt in the lower back and buttocks but can also spread to the thigh and leg. If there is numbness, tingling, or weakness, another diagnosis should be considered.
What are the causes of sacroiliac sprain?
Potential causes of sacroiliac pain include arthritis, injury, pregnancy and postpartum changes, inflammatory conditions, and infection. Other factors like scoliosis, differences in leg length, or previous back surgery might also lead to sacroiliac sprain. Sometimes, the cause of the pain is unknown. Several common causes of SI joint pain include:
- Degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis), where the bones rub together due to damage or wear and tear.
- Inflammatory arthritis conditions, such as ankylosing spondylitis.
- Pregnancy adds extra pressure and hormonal changes loosen the ligaments supporting the SI joints.
- Any condition that affects the normal walking pattern.
What are the symptoms of sacroiliac sprain?
Here are the symptoms of SI joint pain:
- 下背痛: You may experience pain below the beltline in the lower back area.
- Radiating pain: The pain can spread into the back of the thigh and buttock.
- One-sided or both-sided pain: Although the pain is more often felt on one side of the body, it can sometimes affect both sides.
What worsens SI joint pain?
The sacroiliac (SI) joint connects the spine to the pelvis and can bear weight. When dealing with SI (sacroiliac) joint pain, it’s important to avoid activities that can worsen the pain or put additional strain on the joints. Here are some activities you should typically avoid:
- Lifting heavy objects, especially with poor posture, can put excess pressure on the SI joints and cause increased pain or strain.
- Activities that involve excessive hip twisting (e.g., certain sports or forms of exercise like golfing or tennis) can irritate the SI joint.
- Running, jumping, or any activity that involves a lot of force on the joints can worsen SI joint pain.
- Sitting or standing for long periods without changing position can lead to stiffness and pain. It’s important to take breaks, move around, and stretch to gently keep the joints moving.
- Some yoga poses that require deep twisting or bending (like deep forward bends or twisting poses) can strain the SI joints.
- Sitting with your legs crossed for long periods can place uneven pressure on the SI joints and exacerbate pain.
How to get rid of SI joint pain?
There are various treatment options available for SI joint pain. Recent studies indicate that chiropractic manipulation combined with exercises, is an effective approach for both acute and chronic pain. A Hong Kong Chiropractor emphasizes addressing the underlying mechanical, and neuromuscular issues. Simply relying on painkillers and rest may alleviate symptoms temporarily, but might not help the underlying mechanical problem that could reoccur. As a result, even if the pain goes away with rest, it could return due to the unresolved underlying weaknesses.
Conclusion
Sacroiliac joint pain is a complex condition with various potential causes, including arthritis, injury, and pregnancy. To manage the pain effectively, it’s crucial to avoid activities that put strain on the SI joints. Agape Chiropractic Hong Kong can help you relieve SI joint pain with non-invasive methods.
