Pain is the main symptom of SI joint dysfunction.
While rare, SI joint dysfunction can also affect both sides of the lower body.
SI joint dysfunction is a treatable and manageable condition.
Photo Composite by Amelia Manley for Verywell Health; Getty Images
It is treated with both nonsurgical and surgical therapies.
This article will cover SI joint dysfunction causes, symptoms, treatment options, and more.
What Causes SI Joint Dysfunction?
The ilium is one of the three bones of the hip bones at the uppermost point of the pelvis.
You have two SI joints connecting the pelvis to the lower part of the spine.
They support the body’s weight and function as shock absorbers to reduce spinal pressure.
Inflammation of one or both SI joints, calledsacroiliitis, is sometimes to blame for SI joint pain.
It typically affects people with AS and other types of inflammatory arthritis.
Symptoms: How Does SI Joint Dysfunction Feel?
SI joint pain can affect one or both sides of the lower body.
Unilateral SI joint pain is four times more likely than bilateral.
The most common symptoms of SI joint dysfunction are:
What Triggers SI Joint Flares?
SI joint pain is triggered by activities that involve the lower back, hips, pelvis, and legs.
This can include walking, climbing steps, and sitting and standing for long periods.
For most people, home remedies can help ease symptoms.
Exercises should also focus on assessing and addressing weaknesses of the SI joints and nearby muscles and muscle groups.
Chiropractic Care
Achiropractorcan diagnose and treat SI joint dysfunction.
They use spinal manipulation techniques to help relieve pain and improve mobility and function.
Spinal manipulation has risks, including fracture, disk herniation, and blood vessel dissection.
Chiropractors are not physicians.
They act as shock absorbers for the lower back and hips.
Pain is the main symptom and typically affects one side of the body.
Sometimes, the pain is sharp and stabbing.
It might start in the hips and pelvis and radiate into the back and legs.
While rare, SI joint dysfunction can also affect both sides of the lower body.
SI joint dysfunction is a manageable and treatable condition.
Surgery is rarely needed.
You will also want to avoid activities that worsen pain.
Your healthcare provider can prescribe medications to treat pain and its underlying cause, such as inflammatory arthritis.
Physical therapy and chiropractic care can help relieve pain and reduce misalignment of the SI joint.
Contact your healthcare provider if you are experiencing low-back, hip, or pelvic pain.
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