Sacroiliitis is a painful condition which used to describe an inflammation of either one or both of the sacroiliac joints. Sacroiliac joints found in the lower back. These are found where the lower spine and pelvis connect. Sacroiliitis is one of the conditions that can cause pain in the buttocks, lower back, and down one or both legs.
The bones of the Sacroiliac Joints are irregular. All the bones are connected by muscles and extra-strong ligaments. When the bones become out of alignment, it can be very painful. Sacroiliac joint pain ranges from mild pain to chronic pain, depending upon the cause of injury.
- Acute SI – Sacroiliac joint pain occurs suddenly, and it heals within several days to weeks.
- Chronic SI – Sacroiliac joint pain persists for more than three months. It may be felt all the time; standing or stair climbing can worsen the pain.
Sacroiliitis can be difficult to diagnose because it resembles other conditions like herniated disks, strained muscles, and sciatica. Treatments such as physical therapy and medications can manage the Sacroiliac joint pain.
SACROILIITIS SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of SI pain start in the lower back and buttock. It may also affect the lower hip, legs, groin, and feet.
The sacroiliac joint pain can be aggravated because of the following activities:
- Standing for long periods
- Sitting for a long time
- Standing more weight on one leg than the other
- Stair climbing
- Taking large strides when walking
- Running
- Turning over in bed
The symptoms of sacroiliitis joint pain include:
- Lower back pain
- Pain in the buttocks, hips, and pelvis
- Pain in the groin
- Fever
- Stiffness in the hips
- Burning sensation in the pelvis
- Numbness
- Weakness
- Pain into the thighs and upper legs
CAUSES FOR SACROILIAC JOINT
When the ligaments become loose or tight, the SI joint can become very painful. There are several causes of inflammation in the sacroiliac joints.
Causes for sacroiliac joint dysfunction include:
- Osteoarthritis – Wear-and-tear arthritis can occur in sacroiliac joints. Osteoarthritis is associated with aging and can affect the SI joint, spine, and other joints throughout the body.
- Ankylosing spondylitis – Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects the spine and hips. In addition, severe cases of AS can cause new bone growth that fuses the joints in the spine. It is a chronic disease.
- Gout – Gout, or gouty arthritis, is characterized by joint pain, which can be severe. Mostly gout always affects the large toe first and can affect the SI joint.
- Traumatic Injury – A sudden traumatic injury such as a motor vehicle accident or a fall, may damage the sacroiliac joints.
- Pregnancy – A hormone released during pregnancy, makes the SI joints more elastic. The added weight and altered gait during pregnancy can cause additional stress on the joints and cause sacroiliitis.
- Infection – The sacroiliac joint can become infected, and become inflamed. This is a rare infection of the sacroiliac joint caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus.
DIAGNOSIS
The joints are located deep in your body, making it difficult for your doctor to examine the condition. A medical exam will help determine the source of your pain. Your physician will consider all the information you provided about your medical history of injury, the location of your pain, and other problems.
Your doctor may take the following steps to diagnose Sacroiliac Joint problems:
- Imaging tests –
X-rays – An X-ray can reveal signs of damage to the sacroiliac joint.
CT scans – CT scans help in the diagnosis and to check for other spine and hip-related problems.
MRI scans – MRI tests used to produce very detailed cross-sectional images of both bone and soft tissues.
- Physical exam – Physical exams such as movement and stretch tests can help your doctor pinpoint the source of your pain.
- Blood work – Blood work looks for signs of inflammation.
- Injections – Injecting a numbing drug, such as anesthetic, and corticosteroid, into the SI joint. If it relieves pain after a short period of time, this is confirmed that you have Sacroiliitis joint problem.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS FOR SACROILIITIS JOINT
Treatment depends on your signs and symptoms, as well as the cause of your Sacroiliac Joint Pain.
PHYSICAL THERAPY
- Physical therapy, chiropractic manipulation, and stretching exercises help manage pain.
- Regular exercise like yoga and massage can help stabilize and strengthen the SI joints and maintain joint flexibility.
- Use cold packs for the pain.
- When the pain is more, apply heat with a heating pad or heat wrap, or a soak in a warm bath.
- You can also wear a sacroiliac belt to help support the SI joint.
MEDICATIONS
Depending on the cause of your pain, your doctor might recommend you the following medications:
- Muscle relaxants – Medications such as cyclobenzaprine (Amrix, Fexmid) might help reduce the muscle spasms often associated with sacroiliitis.
- TNF inhibitors – Tumor necrosis factors (TNF) inhibitors, such as etanercept (Enbrel), adalimumab (Humira), and infliximab (Remicade) helps relieve sacroiliitis that’s associated with ankylosing spondylitis.
SURGERY
Your doctor might suggest below surgical methods:
- Joint injections – Corticosteroids can be injected into the joint to reduce the pain. The steroids can weaken your joint’s bones and tendons.
- Radiofrequency – Radiofrequency energy can damage or kill the nerve tissue causing your pain.
- Electrical stimulation – Implanting an electrical stimulator into the sacrum might reduce sacroiliac joint pain.
- Joint fusion – surgery is rarely used to treat sacroiliitis. Fusing the two bones together with metal hardware can relieve sacroiliitis pain.
PREVENTION
Prevention is Key to Your Precious Life!
Sacroiliitis Joint pain is not preventable. You may be able to slow or reduce symptoms by avoiding activities that cause the pain SI joint.
- Regular exercise with stretching and strengthening
- Use proper lifting techniques
- Keep Good posture during sitting, standing, and performing daily activities.
- Maintain healthy body weight
- Good healthy diet
- Stress management
- Proper relaxation techniques
- Stop smoking
If you or anyone you know is suffering from Sacroiliitis Joint Pain, our expert providers at Zenith Injury Relief & Wellness Clinic will take care of your health and help you recover.
Call 972-210-0033 to schedule your appointment, and begin living your life pain-free.