Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction Treatment

The sacroiliac joints connect the sacrum to the iliac bones. This joint is often called an SI joint. The spine is connected to the pelvis by the SI joint. The pelvis includes the iliac bones. The back is fused in this area by ligaments and allows very little if any moment. This joint takes on the entire weight of the individual when standing. If an individual is overweight, the SI joint is often stressed and may cause pain. Weight is not the only cause of SI joint pain. Inflammation, arthritis or hormones can also cause SI joint pain.

Hormone Related Pain

• The ligaments in the SI joint are programmed to relax during pregnancy and during menstrual cycles. If there is SI joint dysfunction, the ligaments may be inflamed by the consistent relaxation and may not tighten back up after the pregnancy or menstrual cycle. This results in pain in the area as well as pain radiating from the SI joint to the lower back, hips and thighs. An examination by a physician will assist the diagnosis process. As part of the diagnostic process x-rays, CT scan and MRI will be utilized to rule out other conditions which can cause pain in the same locations.

Diagnostic Treatments

• One diagnostic tool is also a pain relieving method for SI joint dysfunction. An injection into the SI joint causes the area to become numb and therefore determines if it is in fact the SI joint causing the pain. The injection is a combination of lidocaine or novacaine with cortisone steroid.

  Injections can be given to the individual for 36 consecutive months for the pain and inflammation. The injections can be costly as the procedure requires the use of x-ray to determine the location of the SI joint. Another option is oral anti-inflammatory medications which doesn't require monthly visits and can include prescription strength ibuprofen. These medications can be taken long term as long as there are no other medical conditions that prevent an individual from taking them.

  In addition to oral medications and injections, physical therapy is often prescribed. One cause of SI joint dysfunction is motion in the joint; either too much or not enough motion in the joint. The physical therapist will instruct an individual on the type of stretching or stabilizing exercises that will support the SI joint and reduce the pain.

  Because hormone levels can result in the SI joint to relax, some patients are given an SI belt to use. This belt wraps around the pelvic area to stabilize the SI joint that will reduce the amount of pain normally experienced.

Surgery

• When the treatments do not work to reduce or eliminate the pain, surgery may be the only option left. One surgery option is to shave or trim the nerve ending that may be frayed by the rubbing on the SI joint or inflammation due to hormones. This shaving will reduce the occurrence of irritation on the nerve.

  If the nerve is not the cause of the pain, surgery to stabilize the joint may be needed. The surgery is a fusion of the SI joint by removing the cartilage that is found covering the SI joints. The bones are then held together with screws and plates until the bones grow over the plates and screws. This type of surgery is often considered the last resort.