Signs & Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease of the SI Joints

Degenerative disc disease is an age-related spinal condition that can significantly impair a person's mobility. The SI joints work together with the spine to allow coordinated movements between the upper and lower body. Individual body types and lifestyles determine what kind of wear and tear has affected this area of the body.

Degenerative Disc Disease

• Degenerative disc disease is a condition in which the discs that sit between the bones of the spine are damaged as a result of age or injury. The SI joint- also known as the sacroiliac joint- is the area of the back where the vertebrae column connects with the hips. There are two SI joints located on either side of the pelvis. Unlike most other joints in the body, these joints don't flex or bend, but rather move in unison with the back and pelvis. When these joints begin to deteriorate, lower back pain can result.

Lower Back Pain

• Degenerative disc disease is not an actual disease, but a condition in which pain is associated with certain movements. The pain associated with this condition can vary in severity, and type. Some individuals may experience little to no symptoms, while others may suffer from intermittent pain, or movement-related pain. The primary purpose for the SI joint is to transfer the load, or momentum of the upper body to the lower body. As this condition is commonly associated with the aging process, it is a frequent cause of lower back pain.

Movement

• Signs of degenerative disc disease in the SI joints may appear as pain in either the hips, or back region since these joints form a junction between the spine and the pelvis. Movement associated with the buttocks, the legs or the back may result in pain when bending, reaching or twisting. Individuals who remain in a stationary position for long periods of time, or those who are highly active, may develop symptoms of SI joint pain.

Inflammation

• As with other joints in the body, problems with the SI joints begin as inflammation within the structures that make up the bones. Inflammation may cause the area to feel tight, or tingly. Muscle spasms or a chronic aching are also possible. Typically, the movements (or lack of movement) that brought about the condition are the very same activities that trigger pain in the area. Individuals who've suffered an injury to the spine may develop problems in the SI joint as the body attempts to compensate for the injured area.

Leg Pain

• As the SI joints transfer weight from the upper body to the lower body, degenerative conditions may prompt pain in the areas of the groin, or thighs. For some people, an incorrect gait or posture may be contributing to pain in these areas. Individuals who tend to lean forward as they walk may be placing excessive strain on the pelvis and thighs. This type of repetitive movement can misalign the SI joint and place an undue strain on surrounding structures.