Is Your Lower Back Pain Actually Coming from Your SI Joint?

Low back pain can be difficult to diagnose. While the condition was projected to affect more than 600 million people globally, there are so many issues that can lead to this symptom that you may not be able to get an easy answer. But have you considered that your issues with your lower back might actually be a result of sacroiliac joint (SI) pain? 

Texas Health Care’s Bone and Joint Clinic offers care that doesn’t just manage pain but gets to the root cause. That’s why we want to help you diagnose the problem and create a treatment regimen that supports long-term wellness. Perhaps it’s time to consider that the usual suspects may actually be less likely culprits for your pain than the SI joint.  

The SI joint: What it is and what it does

The SI joint is where the sacrum and the iliac bones connect. The sacrum, or the bottom of your spine, is situated between the two iliac bones that make up either side of your pelvis. This area isn’t meant to move the way your other joints are; instead, it’s much more of a supportive joint that moves and absorbs energy flowing between your torso and your legs. 

There are actually two SI joints, one connecting each side of your pelvis to the sacrum. While the joints are stabilized with the help of your muscles and ligaments, 25% of lower back problems are connected to the SI joints. A good way to recognize if the pain is SI-related is to ask yourself if you feel more pain on one side or if the pain lessens when you lie down.  

Why your SI joint might be the cause of your lower back pain

You can actually injure your SI joint, but in most cases where this part of the body is causing lower back pain, long-term overuse is more likely to be the culprit. Many people experience this problem when the cartilage between the bones slowly wears away from overexertion over years or even decades. 

Everyone has an SI joint, although these are slightly less stiff in women’s bodies than in men’s. This is to allow for the movement required in childbirth. As such, pregnancy and giving birth can put extra stress on the SI joint. If you’ve been pregnant and given birth, you may want to consider that your lower back pain could be the result of an overworked SI joint. 

Arthritis is another likely cause for SI-related back pain. Muscle tightness can be the origin as well. All of these conditions are extremely common, but often, people don’t realize that pregnancy or arthritis could be the issue behind their pain. If it feels similar to sciatica, but isn’t caused by a pinched nerve, you may want to consider that your SI joint has been affected. 

Managing SI joint pain with our help

If you’re starting to suspect your SI joint is the cause of your pain, it’s always better to get a diagnosis. This way, you can work with your provider to create a treatment regimen that suits your personal situation. Some of the best treatments can include rest, icing the area, using a heating pad, and massage. Physical therapy can be useful as well. 

In some cases, anti-inflammatory injections might be given to manage short-term pain and allow you to more easily engage in exercises that strengthen the joints. Surgery usually isn’t the answer in this case, and patients often see wonderful results with conservative treatments. 

Can SI joint pain be cured? 

You can help relieve the pain in your SI joint and begin moving more comfortably again. This can involve a combination of rest, exercise, and other treatments, but we’re happy to help you create the best program for your long-term recovery. 

Make an appointment at one of our three clinics in Texas via our online portal or by calling us. We’re here to help you feel like yourself again.