Sacroiliac Joint Syndrome Treatment in Northern Virginia
What is Sacroiliac Joint Syndrome?
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is a term used to describe the pain of the sacroiliac joints and surrounding joint capsule. These are a pair of joints which connect the spinal column to the bony pelvis and lower extremities. The sacroiliac joints have little movement but are involved in force transfer between the spine and pelvis. They also serve to absorb shock. These joints help transfer the load from the spine to the lower body during weight bearing activities such as ambulation and bending movements.
The sacroiliac joints are located on each side of the spine between the two pelvic bones, which attach to the sacrum. They only have a few degrees of motion and are relatively stiff.
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What are the Causes of Sacroiliac Joint Syndrome?
Sacroiliac joint syndrome it may be caused by:
- Abnormal motion of the joint
- Slight mispositioning
- Trauma from sports or accident
- Pregnancy related conditions as the pelvis relaxes surrounding ligaments
- Issues with the sacrum bone, determined by X-ray
What are the Symptoms of Sacroiliac Joint Syndrome?
This disorder is difficult to diagnose and is often overlooked by physicians and physiotherapists.
It is most commonly seen in adults of both genders and across all races. Women are slightly more at risk and present more often because the joints are more mobile than men. Those who are obese may also be at increased risk for sacroiliac joint syndrome. The prevalence of sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction is approximately 25% in adult patients with chronic low back pain.
Most will seek help for lower back pain and have difficulty with the following:
- Lack of ability to walk independently
- Pain in the back, localized over the buttock
- Sharp, shooting pain
- Difficulty sitting in one place for too long or lying on side
- Pain when bending forward
- Pain with prolonged ambulation
It is difficult to diagnose so be sure to have a thorough examination for proper diagnosis. A local anesthetic block for the SI joint can also help confirm the SI joint as the source of pain.
What are the Treatment Options for Sacroiliac Joint Syndrome?
If sacroiliac joint syndrome is determined, there are several options to relieve the pain.
Treatment consists of:
- Over-the-counter medications
- Patient education
- Lifestyle changes
- Core strengthening
- Pelvic girdle stabilization
- Focused stretching
- Physical and manipulative therapy
- Intra-articular Corticosteroid injection of anesthetic injections
- Radiofrequency ablation to impair the function of the small sensory nerve fibers that provide sensation to the joint
- Rarely fusion of the sacroiliac joints can be performed
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Don’t let Sacroiliac Joint Syndrome define your life. Choose Anderson Orthopaedic Clinic and experience the difference in your journey to recovery. Your relief is our mission! Call (703) 892-6500 or request an appointment online today!
