Sacroiliac Joint Disease

The sacroiliac joint, or SI joint, connects the spine and pelvis where the sacrum and iliac bone meet. The SI joint helps to distribute weight and balance between the upper body and the legs. When this joint is injured by strain or it is malformed, it can cause pain and mobility issues affecting the buttocks, lower back and upper thigh. This can be referred to as sacroiliac joint disease, SI joint syndrome or SI joint dysfunction. Our team at Medici Orthopaedics & Spine can help diagnose and treat SI joint disorders at our clinics near Atlanta.

There are two main causes of sacroiliac joint dysfunction: injury or joint malformation. Injuries can cause arthritis in the SI joint or damage to the ligaments in the joint. The SI joint becomes unstable, resulting in more damage to the bones and cartilage. Pregnancy is a common cause of injury to the SI joint, but any type of trauma to the pelvis can cause dysfunction. Malformation of the SI joint can occur when the sacrum bone has abnormalities.

Diagnosing and Treating Sacroiliac Joint Syndrome

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is usually accompanied by pain in the lower back, buttocks and upper thigh. It is often made worse by sitting. These symptoms are similar to sciatica or lower spine issues, and SI joint disease can be easily misdiagnosed. An accurate diagnosis can be performed using imaging and tests to pinpoint the source of pain and dysfunction.

Treatment for sacroiliac joint syndrome can include conservative options to help reduce inflammation and improve joint stability. SI joint injections may be used to help reduce inflammation and pain. Physical therapy can strengthen the supporting muscles to provide more stability for the joint and improve posture to relieve symptoms. Other treatments may include medication management or spinal cord stimulation, depending on the symptoms of the patient.

If you have ongoing pain in the pelvic region, come see our specialists at Medici Orthopaedics & Spine. We can help diagnose your condition and offer a treatment plan to give you relief.