What is Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction?
The sacroiliac joints are two cushioning, shock-absorbing structures located below the lumbar (lower back) region of the spine and above the coccyx (commonly referred to as the tailbone). Each joint is located on either side of a patient’s spine and helps carry the weight of the upper body. These small, strong joints connect the sacrum with the pelvis and are typically surrounded by several ligaments.
Commonly referred to as “S.I. joint pain,” sacroiliac joint dysfunction is considered to be a primary cause of lower back and leg discomfort. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction usually begins when one or both of the joints become inflamed or irritated for any number of reasons, and may continue to worsen. With professional medical treatment, however, many patients with sacroiliac joint dysfunction achieve full recovery.
Causes
Usually, sacroiliac joint dysfunction develops as the result of natural degenerative, age-related changes in the spine and joints. However, a variety of additional factors can also cause or intensify sacroiliac joint dysfunction and pain, including:
Sudden injuries or traumas, such as might occur during a high-impact sport, car accident or fallFrequent, incorrect movements that affect the joints, including improper jogging, uneven strides, driving long distances or improperly lifting heavy objectsArthritis, especially osteoarthritis, which involves the deterioration of the cartilage that keeps bones in the sacroiliac joints from grinding against one anotherPregnancy, due to hormones released that can cause joints to loosenGoutBacterial infectionFamily history, genetics or congenital birth abnormalities, like one leg being longer or shorter than the otherObesity or extra weightMalnutritionLack of exercise and extended periods of restPrevious spine-related complications or injuries
To prevent sacroiliac joint dysfunction, it is important to proactively address concerns and take necessary steps to ensure that your spine stays healthy throughout your lifetime. During a consultation at Minimally Invasive SpineCARE®, one of our skilled spine specialists can assess your risk of contracting sacroiliac joint dysfunction and other painful issues. We can also provide preventative methods of care that are tailored to your unique lifestyle and goals, so that you have the tools you need for long-term spine wellness.
Symptoms
Because the sacroiliac joints have a specific location within the body, symptoms are typically highly localized. Some of the hallmark indicators of sacroiliac joint dysfunction include:
Dull or sharp pain in the lower back and hips that sometimes extends to the groin and/or thighsDiscomfort that worsens when standing or walking and improves when lying downStiffness throughout the affected areaA limited range of motionBurning sensations in the pelvic regionInflammation
If you are having trouble pinpointing the precise region of your body that is causing you to feel uncomfortable, our team of spine experts can conduct an advanced pain-mapping procedure to identify the exact origination of your pain. Generally, the more information that we can garner about your spine condition, then the more we can ensure the most optimal treatment for your needs.
Patients who suffer from fever or incontinence of the bladder or bowels should call 911 immediately, as these symptoms may constitute a medical emergency.
Our Minimally Invasive Treatment Approach
Deficiencies in the sacroiliac joints may keep you from fully participating in everyday activities. However, there are many safe and effective treatments for S.I. joint pain, which oftentimes allow patients to make a full recovery from even the most severe cases of sacroiliac joint dysfunction. The experienced physicians and surgeons at Minimally Invasive SpineCARE® regularly help patients find sustainable solutions to this condition and many others. By scheduling a consultation today, you can take control of your health and regain your quality of life.
During your initial visit, we will carefully review your medical history in detail and conduct a thorough examination of your symptoms and physical state. Because sacroiliac joint dysfunction can easily be mistaken for other conditions, Minimally Invasive SpineCARE® may request a C.T. scan, MRI, X-ray or other imaging to rule out inaccurate diagnoses. An anesthetic injection block applied to the S.I. joint may also be considered, as this procedure is considered the gold standard as far as diagnostic tests for sacroiliac joint dysfunction. After obtaining a comprehensive diagnosis, our team can design a treatment plan to meet your individual needs and specifications.
Because of the immense amounts of research and evidence behind them, conservative treatments are typically recommended before surgery becomes an option. Some of the most beneficial non-surgical methods of care for sacroiliac joint dysfunction include:
Pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory medications, which may be delivered topically, orally or through advanced methods such as localized injections, ultrasound technology or electrical stimulation therapyPhysical therapy and guided exercisesHeat and ice therapies, which optimize the body’s circulatory and healing processesTherapeutic massageChiropractic manipulationsAssistive devices like a sacroiliac belt (this tool, in particular, is commonly used for pregnant patients as their pain will likely resolve after giving birth)Psychological support
If non-invasive treatments do not appear to be giving our patients the relief they seek, then our medical specialists and experienced physicians will discuss minimally invasive surgical options. In many sacroiliac joint dysfunction cases, our Board-certified spine surgeons will perform an interbody fusion. This state-of-the-art procedure removes cartilage from the sacroiliac joints and fuses the bones together, which often results in nearly immediate pain relief.
As the premier spinal clinic in the Dallas – Fort Worth area, our patients experience many benefits as the result of our minimally invasive techniques. Following are just a few of the reasons why minimally invasive surgeries surpass traditional open surgeries in regards to patient advantages:
Tiny incisionsA reduced risk of blood loss or scarringMinimal trauma to surrounding muscles and tissueQuicker recovery times that allow patients to rapidly return to work, school and other responsibilitiesFaster pain relief
Through patient-centric care and personalized attention, we are committed to ensuring that you have a positive recovery process. If you would like to learn more about sacroiliac joint dysfunction, available treatments or Minimally Invasive SpineCARE®, please do not hesitate to contact us directly by calling 972-255-5588 or by filling out the form on this page. We look forward to helping you feel better, faster!