Sacroiliac Joint Disease
What is Sacroiliac Joint Disease?
Sacroiliac Joint Disease is a painful condition involving the sacroiliac joints, which are located in the lower back where the sacrum connects to the pelvis. These joints help provide stability and support movement between the upper and lower body. When they become inflamed or damaged, they can cause significant lower back pain. Since there is one sacroiliac joint on each side of the body, either or both joints may be affected.
Causes of Sacroiliac Joint Disease
Like all weight-bearing joints that contain cartilage, the sacroiliac joints are susceptible to arthritis and the inflammation associated with it. When this inflammation occurs, it can cause considerable pain in the sacroiliac joint region.
The most common cause of arthritis is the breakdown of cartilage between the joints, and this is also typically the case with sacroiliac joint disease. Pregnancy and childbirth may contribute to the condition because they place added stress on the pelvis and can cause it to widen. Other common causes include trauma or sudden impact to the pelvis or spine, along with degenerative arthritis affecting the spine.
Symptoms of Sacroiliac Joint Disease
Patients suffering from the inflammatory effects of sacroiliac joint disease typically present with painful joints and complain about excessive pain when performing twisting activities over a prolonged period of time. This pain often radiates from the lower back into the upper thighs, and then into the buttocks at times.
It is not uncommon for mild inflammations to occur from time to time at the sacroiliac joints affecting surrounding areas. Most severe cases occur in older people, but young adults also have problems with this condition.
Restricted hip movement often displayed in the inability to turn over in bed easily, stiffness occurring in the lower back, and difficulty with bending as well as sharp pains upon swinging legs over the side of the bed and painful intercourse are symptoms of this disease.
Treatment of Sacroiliac Joint Disease
For patients experiencing pain caused by inflammation of the sacroiliac joint, initial treatment often includes over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications. Physical therapy and chiropractic care may also help reduce pain and improve mobility.
Other treatment options may include the use of a TENS unit to help relieve discomfort. Acupuncture is also becoming a more widely accepted option and may provide meaningful relief for some patients. In certain cases, doctors may recommend steroid injections into the joint to help manage pain and inflammation.
Additional options are available for patients who do not respond to more conservative treatments. These may include injections used to reduce inflammation and pain, as well as radiofrequency ablation around the sacroiliac joint. This procedure works by disrupting the small nerve endings responsible for transmitting pain signals, although the relief is usually temporary.
Contact HEALTHPOINTE for further information regarding Sacroiliac Joint Disease. If you or someone you know are suffering from said symptoms, be sure to visit one of our many locations in Southern California. Remember, we are always here to treat you!