What is sacroiliac disease?

Sacroiliac disease is a general term that describes pain felt around the sacroiliac joints, which connect the lower spine to the pelvis. It is a challenging condition to diagnose, because the symptoms are often similar to those of other conditions, such as back pain, hip pain, and sciatica.

One key symptom of sacroiliac disease is that the pain worsens when you put weight on the affected joint, such as when you walk, stand, or climb stairs. The pain may also be accompanied by stiffness, tenderness to the touch, and a feeling of instability.

Although the exact cause of sacroiliac disease is not always clear, some possible causes include:

- Joint inflammation: This can occur as a result of injury, infection, or wear-and-tear (degenerative arthritis).

- Misalignment of the sacroiliac joints: This can occur as a result of a fall or other injury.

- Degeneration of the sacroiliac joints: This is a natural process that occurs with age, and can lead to pain and inflammation.

- Pregnancy: The hormonal changes of pregnancy can cause the sacroiliac joints to relax and become misaligned, leading to pain.

- Certain medical conditions: Some conditions, such as ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease, can also cause sacroiliac disease.

Treatment for sacroiliac disease typically involves a combination of:

- Medication to relieve pain and inflammation

- Physical therapy to improve mobility and function

- Bracing to support the sacroiliac joints

- In some cases, surgery may be necessary

If you are experiencing sacroiliac pain, it is important to see a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.