Health A-Z

Sacroiliac joint pain refers to discomfort or pain in the sacroiliac joints, which are located in the lower back where the spine connects to the pelvis. Here's a breakdown of each aspect.

• Pain in the lower back, buttocks, hips, or groin area
• Pain that worsens with movement, particularly with activities like standing up from a sitting position, walking, or climbing stairs
• Stiffness or difficulty in performing certain movements, such as bending or twisting
• Pain that may radiate down the leg, mimicking symptoms of sciatica
• Discomfort when transitioning from sitting to standing or vice versa
• Pain aggravated by activities that put pressure on the sacroiliac joint, such as running or jumping.

1. • Conservative treatments: These may include:
     • Rest and avoiding activities that worsen the pain
     • Applying ice or heat packs to the affected area
     • Over-the-counter pain medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation
     • Physical therapy to improve strength, flexibility, and stability of the muscles surrounding the sacroiliac joint
   • Injections: In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be administered directly into the sacroiliac joint to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
   • Supportive devices: Wearing a sacroiliac joint belt or brace may provide support and stability to the joint, reducing pain during activities.
   • Sacroiliac joint fusion surgery: This option is considered in severe cases when conservative treatments fail to provide relief. The procedure involves fusing the sacroiliac joint to stabilize it and reduce pain.

• Physical examination: A healthcare professional may perform a physical examination to assess pain, tenderness, and range of motion in the lower back, hips, and pelvis.
• Diagnostic injections: A diagnostic injection, such as a sacroiliac joint injection, involves injecting a local anesthetic into the sacroiliac joint to temporarily numb the area and determine if it is the source of pain.
• Imaging tests: X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT) scans may be used to visualize the sacroiliac joint and surrounding structures and identify any abnormalities or signs of inflammation.