Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is caused by problems at the joints leading to pain and sometimes instability. The Sacroiliac joint is the joint where the spine (the sacrum) attaches to the pelvis (the ileum).
There is only a very tiny amount of movement in the sacroiliac joint - the joint is normally very stable. The amount and the importance of this movement is hotly debated. However, I have seen enough people with this problem to know that if this small amount of movement is lost or becomes too great then problems can occur leading to sacroiliac joint pain.
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction can affect anyone at all ages but is mostly caused by the following:.
- Sometimes sacroiliac pain is caused by the same mechanical stresses and strains that cause simple lower back pain.
- Sometimes it is caused by a fall onto the bottom
- Rarely it is caused by inflammation of the joints i.e. sacroilitis or ankylosing spondylitis.
- Very commonly it affects women who are pregnant or have recently had a baby. This is due to several things:
- The sacroiliac joints endure additional physical stresses and strains during pregnancy. The pelvis has to widen a lot to allow the baby into the world. The movement takes place at these joints.
- The ligaments supporting the sacroiliac joint become deliberately softened by the body's hormones in order to allow the joints to move apart. This can lead to excessive movement at the joint.
Sacroiliac joint problems are rarely serious.
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What tests are useful?
X-rays and scans may show if there are changes in the joint such as
inflammation. However, like lower back pain tests, more often then not they are normal or just show the usual age changes. These changes are also called sacroiliac joint arthropathy.
X-Rays are unsuitable for pregnant women.
However, to diagnose sacroiliac joint pain you don't really need anything that complicated to be honest. There are certain physical tests that a clinician can use to work out if the problem is coming from the lower back or the sacroiliac joint.
Unfortunately, you can't do these to yourself - so you need to go and see someone who can and who will be able to diagnose the problem for you.
What treatment is there for it?
Stabilising exercises are commonly suggested if the joints are too mobile.
Joint manipulation may be helpful if the joints are stiff.
A physical therapy assessment will identify the type of sacroiliac problem and make the right suggestions for managing it.
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction in Pregnancy
Lower Back Pain Toolkit Home Page
03-Jul-2008
