The sacroiliac (SI) joint lies between the sacrum and the ilium bones of the pelvis. There are two joints, one on each side of the sacrum. The SI joint serves to transfer weight from the upper body to the lower limbs. Strong ligaments and muscles stabilize the sacroiliac joints. The motion of the sacroiliac joint is minimal and limited to 2 mm to 4mm in any direction. Up to 25% of low back pain could arise from the sacroiliac joint.
Sacroiliac (SI) joint pain can originate from several causes including trauma, pregnancy, repetitive stress, sports, and following spinal surgery. The potential causes of sacroiliac joint pain can be either traumatic or atraumatic.
The traumatic causes of the sacroiliac (SI) joint are:
- Pelvic fractures
- Soft tissue injury from fall onto the buttock
- Indirect injury from motor vehicle collision
- Sudden / repeated heavy lifting/strain or torsion
The atraumatic causes of the sacroiliac (SI) joint are:
- Spondyloarthropathy (a form of inflammatory arthritis)
- Enthesopathy (inflammation where tendons/ligaments attach to bones)
- Osteoarthritis
- Infection
- Previous lumbar fusion (doubles to the possibility of SI joint pain)
- Pregnancy
- Leg length discrepancy
- Scoliosis
If you feel that you may be dealing with an SI joint issue, physical therapy may be the answer. Feel free to contact us to see what you can do to start living life with less pain starting today.
0 Comments