Sacroiliac Joint (SIJ) Pain | American Hip Institute & Orthopedic Specialists Chicago, IL

What is the Sacroiliac Joint?

The sacroiliac joints are the large joints connecting the spine to the pelvis – the sacrum to the ilium. Sacroiliac joint pain and dysfuction often results from progressive degeneration or inflammation in these joints. It is frequently overlooked but can be a common source of low back and posterior hip pain.

Risk Factors for Sacroiliac Joint Pain

History of Hip Impingement
Previous lumbar spine fusion surgery – especially when more than 3 levels have been fused
Pregnancy
Prior pelvic trauma and injuries
Inflammatory and autoimmune conditions
Repetitive trauma

Symptoms of Sacroiliac Joint Pain

Tenderness over the SI joint
Lower low back pain
Pain that can radiate to and below the knee
Persistent pain over the SI joint after lumbar fusion or hip surgery

Diagnosis of Sacroiliac Joint Pain

SIJ Dysfunction and pain can frequently be confused with both hip and spine problems. Persistent SI joint pain after one of these surgeries should warrant a detailed evaluation of your SI joint. Your doctor will carefully review your symptoms and medical history and perform a detailed and thorough physical examination which may suggest SI joint pain. Injections into the SI joint under ultrasound or via CT guidance can help confirm the diagnosis.

Conservative Treatments

Anti-Inflammatory Medication: Your doctor may recommend non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation in the tissues.

Rest and Activity Modification: Reducing or modifying physical activity can provide pain relief.

Ice or Heat: Applying ice or heat can help manage pain.

Physical Therapy: After a rest period, exercises are recommended to increase stability, improve balance, and correct muscular imbalances that may be developed with EDS.

Orthobiologic Injections: Orthobiologic injections can be used to stimulate healing and stability in the SI joint.

Pelvic Belt: For some patients, a supportive belt may help stabilize the SI joints.

Radiofrequency Ablation: Can help decrease pain from the surrounding nerves

Surgical Treatment

If conservative treatment methods are ineffective, and if the patient and physician feel necessary, surgical treatment can be recommended to stabilize the SI joint.