Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction (SI Joint Pain):
Causes & Natural Treatments
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction (SI Joint Pain) is a common culprit of lower back and/or leg pain. It can sometimes be difficult to differentiate from lumbar disc herniation (Sciatica) which also causes radiating leg pain. It is estimated that the sacroiliac joint is responsible for about 30% of lower back pain cases and women are more likely than men to have SI joint pain. (1)
Causes & Natural Treatments
What is a joint? A joint is where two separate bones connect by soft tissues including strong muscles, ligaments and tendons. The SI joints are where the spine meets the pelvis and is designed to absorb shock between the upper body, legs and pelvis, as well as take on comprehensive heavy loads of force-the type of force you need to walk, run, jump, bend, etc. (2) When there is sacroiliac joint dysfunction (i.e. inflammation from infection or rheumatoid conditions or degeneration) that is causing pain to the joint, this is called sacroiliitis.
There are many different causes and risk factors for SI joint pain that raise the risk of developing sacroiliac dysfunction and pain.
Women who are pregnant or have recently given birth may be more susceptible to SI joint pain due to hormonal changes (production of progesterone) causing ligaments to relax (hypermobility) and pelvic changes associated with the event of childbirth. For some women, instability may continue after childbirth because of these significant pelvic changes.
Any type of prior back surgery or hip/joint replacement can also cause dysfunction to the sacroiliac joint. Trauma such as car accidents or activities that repeatedly stress the joints (contact sports, labor-intensive work environments, weight-training) can also cause the joint to move out of normal alignment and damage the SI joint.
Genetics, joint degeneration caused by osteoarthritis, illnesses like gout or infection, poor posture and long-time use of drugs/medication can all contribute to SI joint pain as well.
The common signs and symptoms include:– Low back pain ranging from mild to severe
– Throbbing during exercise, running, walking, bending, equating, etc.
– Reduced range of motion and stiffness
– Pain in the buttocks, hips, or upper-thighs
– Sleep discomfort
– Instability in the pelvis and/or lower back and overall loss of balance
– Occasional numbness or muscle weakening in lower extremities
Diagnosis and Chiropractic Treatment
A physical exam with your chiropractor to test range of motion, flexibility, strength and posture can help you in diagnosing SI joint point, while ruling out other red-flag symptoms that might suggest other issues.
Chiropractic adjustments can help to treat poor postural problems and educate on body mechanics and muscle strengthening, as well as retrain your posture with posture correction exercises. (4) Chiropractic adjustments may help to decrease inflammation of the SI joint as well as improve the strength and flexibility of the joint. Visiting a physical therapist, incorporating collagen into the diet (bone broth), natural supplements to reduce inflammation (turmeric essential oils, ginger, omega-3 supplements, antioxidant supplements, etc.) are additional treatments that are encouraged along with your regular chiropractic adjustments.
Precautions and Considerations
Lower back/leg pain is not just isolated to SI joint dysfunction. Other disorders or even disc disease could be causing your SI joint pain. It is best to get a proper diagnosis from your doctor before treatment.
It’s important to understand that there is no single approach to managing SI joint pain that will work for everyone. Finding a treatment for specific symptoms and conditions will result from proper diagnosis and treatment that will work best for you.
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Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction (SI Joint Pain): Causes & Natural Treatments
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction (SI Joint Pain) is a common culprit of lower back and/or leg pain. It can sometimes be difficult to differentiate from lumbar disc herniation (Sciatica) which also causes radiating leg pain. It is estimated that the sacroiliac joint is responsible for about 30% of lower back pain cases and women are more likely than men to have SI joint pain.
What is a joint? A joint is where two separate bones connect by soft tissues including strong muscles, ligaments and tendons. The SI joints are where the spine meets the pelvis and is designed to absorb shock between the upper body, legs and pelvis, as well as take on comprehensive heavy loads of force-the type of force you need to walk, run, jump, bend, etc. (2) When there is sacroiliac joint dysfunction (i.e. inflammation from infection or rheumatoid conditions or degeneration) that is causing pain to the joint, this is called sacroiliitis.
There are many different causes and risk factors for SI joint pain that raise the risk of developing sacroiliac dysfunction and pain.
Women who are pregnant or have recently given birth may be more susceptible to SI joint pain due to hormonal changes (production of progesterone) causing ligaments to relax (hypermobility) and pelvic changes associated with the event of childbirth. For some women, instability may continue after childbirth because of these significant pelvic changes.
Any type of prior back surgery or hip/joint replacement can also cause dysfunction to the sacroiliac joint. Trauma such as car accidents or activities that repeatedly stress the joints (contact sports, labor-intensive work environments, weight-training) can also cause the joint to move out of normal alignment and damage the SI joint.
Genetics, joint degeneration caused by osteoarthritis, illnesses like gout or infection, poor posture and long-time use of drugs/medication can all contribute to SI joint pain as well.
The common signs and symptoms include:– Low back pain ranging from mild to severe
– Throbbing during exercise, running, walking, bending, equating, etc.
– Reduced range of motion and stiffness
– Pain in the buttocks, hips, or upper-thighs
– Sleep discomfort
– Instability in the pelvis and/or lower back and overall loss of balance
– Occasional numbness or muscle weakening in lower extremities
Diagnosis and Chiropractic Treatment
A physical exam with your chiropractor to test range of motion, flexibility, strength and posture can help you in diagnosing SI joint point, while ruling out other red-flag symptoms that might suggest other issues.
Chiropractic adjustments can help to treat poor postural problems and educate on body mechanics and muscle strengthening, as well as retrain your posture with posture correction exercises. (4) Chiropractic adjustments may help to decrease inflammation of the SI joint as well as improve the strength and flexibility of the joint. Visiting a physical therapist, incorporating collagen into the diet (bone broth), natural supplements to reduce inflammation (turmeric essential oils, ginger, omega-3 supplements, antioxidant supplements, etc.) are additional treatments that are encouraged along with your regular chiropractic adjustments.
Precautions and Considerations
Lower back/leg pain is not just isolated to SI joint dysfunction. Other disorders or even disc disease could be causing your SI joint pain. It is best to get a proper diagnosis from your doctor before treatment.
It’s important to understand that there is no single approach to managing SI joint pain that will work for everyone. Finding a treatment for specific symptoms and conditions will result from proper diagnosis and treatment that will work best for you.