Sacroiliac Joint Care: One of Our More Unique Specialties
Sacroiliac joint care can have a severe and drastic impact on a person’s quality of life. Pain relief is accomplished when a patients conditions is properly treated. UVNN has an exceptional neurosurgeon that specializes in SI joint fusions. When non-surgical measures such as physical therapy, joint mobilization, massage, and steroid injections have failed to provide relief, surgical intervention may be beneficial.
The Sacroiliac joint (SI joint) is the area where the spine meets the pelvis. The SI joint is connected by soft tissues like tendons, ligaments, and muscles. It compresses weight and allows us to walk, run, jump, and bend over. Sacroiliitis occurs when the SI joint is damaged or inflamed and causes pain. There are many different causes of SI joint disorders including injury, trauma, pregnancy, and lumbar pathology or surgery.
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction: Causes
Sacroiliac joint pain and dysfunction can be related to a traumatic injury or develop over time. Certain genetic diseases can increase the risk of developing sacroiliac joint disease. Other contributing factors may include: nerve irritation, fluid buildup, joint misalignment, scoliosis, pregnancy or recent childbirth, lingering issues from lower back surgery, and repeated activities that put stress on the joint like sports or labor intensive occupations.
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction: Symptoms
Symptoms of sacroiliac joint dysfunction commonly include:
- Instability. When activities like standing, walking, or even sitting will create the sensation that the pelvis or legs will buckle.
- Lower back pain. Occurring on one or both sides and described as aching, throbbing, or sharp, and range from mild to severe discomfort.
- Sciatic pain. A sharp, hot or stabbing feeling in the back of the thighs or buttocks. Pain may be accompanied by numbness and tingling.
- Pain that spreads. Discomfort may be located in the groin, hips, buttocks, or upper thigh, and is on one or both sides.
- Stiffness. Described as pain and a decreased range of motion in the back and pelvis, hips and groin. Movements like walking or bending over may cause pain to migrate.
Sacroiliac Joint Treatment
When non-surgical treatments fail, our team of expert physicians provide surgical intervention to alleviate SI joint pain by fusing your SI joint(s) Initial non-surgical treatments for sacroiliac joint pain commonly include:
- Sacroiliac joint injections
- Pain medication
- Periods of rest
- Applying ice or heat
- Massage
- Braces and supports