Sacroiliac (SI) joint pain can make even the simplest daily movements like sitting, walking, or climbing stairs, into a painful challenge. Often mistaken for low back or hip problems, sacroiliac joint dysfunction is a distinct and treatable source of discomfort that deserves accurate diagnosis and targeted care.
At The Physicians Spine & Rehabilitation Specialists, we help patients throughout the greater Atlanta area manage SI joint pain using non-surgical, minimally invasive joint procedures and conservative therapies tailored to your body’s needs. If you’re ready to move more freely and feel better, schedule an appointment with our expert team today.
Let’s take a closer look at how to recognize, understand, and treat this often-overlooked cause of chronic low back pain.
What is Sacroiliac Joint Pain?
The sacroiliac joint is the connection point between the sacrum (the triangle-shaped bone at the base of your spine) and the iliac bones, which make up part of your hips. Although small, this joint plays a significant role in supporting your upper body and absorbing the forces of movement.
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction occurs when this joint becomes irritated, inflamed, or moves abnormally. This can result in pain in the lower back, buttocks, and even radiating into the legs. SI joint pain can sometimes mimic other conditions like lumbar spine issues, hip pathology, or nerve-related conditions, often leading to delayed or misdiagnosed cases.
A comprehensive physical examination, alongside a detailed medical history, is key to identifying sacroiliac joint dysfunction and determining the best course of treatment.
Common Symptoms of Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
Sacroiliac joint symptoms can vary widely depending on the cause and severity of the condition, but common signs include:
- Lower back pain that often focuses on one side.
- Pain radiating to the buttocks, hips, groin, or posterior thigh, sometimes resembling sciatica.
- Stabbing pain near the posterior superior iliac spine or iliac crest, especially when applying pressure directly over the SI joint.
- Pain that worsens after prolonged sitting, standing, or sleeping in an uncomfortable position.
- Morning stiffness in the hips and lower back.
- Sensations of instability, such as a feeling that the hips or lower back may 'give out.'
- Difficulty performing activities like climbing stairs, bending, or running.
These symptoms may also overlap with other conditions, such as psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, or inflammatory bowel diseases. A differential diagnosis is essential to confirm the underlying cause of the pain.
Causes of Sacroiliac Joint Pain
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction, or sacroiliac joint syndrome, can arise from a variety of causes, including acute injuries and chronic conditions. Some common causes are:
- Trauma or Injury: A fall, motor vehicle accident, or repetitive stress can lead to inflammation or abnormal motion in the SI joint.
- Arthritis: Degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis can cause joint inflammation and stiffness.
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can loosen ligaments, leading to instability in the SI joint and painful motion.
- Post-Surgical Alterations: Surgery can transfer stress to the sacroiliac joints, resulting in increased pain.
- Muscle Weakness or Imbalance: Weak core or gluteal muscles can place excess stress on the SI joint, leading to dysfunction over time.
Additionally, certain lifestyle factors, such as prolonged sitting or heavy lifting, can trigger or exacerbate sacroiliac pain.
Conservative Treatment for Sacroiliac Joint Pain
Conservative treatment consists of a combination of non-surgical strategies aimed at reducing inflammation and restoring joint stability. These may include:
- Physical therapy and exercise therapy, especially focused on strengthening the core and pelvic muscles
- Manipulative therapy techniques, including two manipulative therapy techniques that target joint alignment and motion
- Use of anti-inflammatory medications
- Activity modification and posture correction
These methods are often sufficient for mild to moderate cases of acute SI joint pain or chronic low back pain with SI involvement.
Minimally Invasive SI Joint Interventions
When conservative approaches do not provide adequate relief, minimally invasive joint procedures can offer a significant improvement in function and quality of life.
At The Physicians Spine & Rehabilitation Specialists, our board-certified pain physicians perform targeted sacroiliac joint interventions that are designed to:
- Disrupt pain signals
- Stabilize the painful sacroiliac joint
- Provide long-term pain relief and faster recovery times
Options may include radiofrequency ablation, which uses heat to desensitize nerves transmitting SI joint pain. These interventions are typically performed on an outpatient basis and are supported by evidence from multiple clinical trials, including those published in the Int J Spine Surg.
We do not perform traditional joint fusions—instead, our focus is on preserving joint mobility while effectively treating chronic pain related to sacroiliac dysfunction.
Why Choose The Physicians Spine & Rehabilitation Specialists?
For adult patients living with sacroiliac joint pain, having access to a team of experienced pain physicians who specialize in non-surgical treatments can make a world of difference. At The Physicians Spine & Rehabilitation Specialists, we focus on diagnosing, treating, and rehabilitating your sacroiliac joint pain with personalized, patient-centered care.
Here’s why patients choose us for treatment:
- State-of-the-art minimally invasive approaches tailored to your needs.
- Skilled providers with expertise in identifying and managing SI joint pathologies.
- Collaboration with physical therapists to ensure sustained improvement.
- A focus on pain relief that prioritizes your quality of life.
Whether you’ve been living with chronic pain or experiencing acute discomfort in your SI joint, our team is here to help you find lasting relief.
When to Seek Help for Sacroiliac Pain
If you're experiencing severe pain, persistent back pain, or symptoms that radiate from your low back into your leg, it’s time to consult with a specialist. SI joint pathologies can be complex and often overlap with other causes of low back pain, so accurate diagnosis and timely intervention are essential.
Our team at The Physicians Spine & Rehabilitation Specialists takes a personalized approach to treatment, combining medical expertise with a deep commitment to patient care. Whether your symptoms stem from a recent sacroiliac joint injury or a long-standing issue, we’re here to help you regain your mobility and relieve pain.
Find Relief from Sacroiliac Joint Pain with The Physicians
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction doesn’t have to control your life. At The Physicians Spine & Rehabilitation Specialists, our experts are here to help you manage your pain, restore your mobility, and regain your quality of life, without surgery.
Schedule your appointment today with our team in the greater Atlanta area to explore personalized care for sacroiliac joint pain and other chronic joint conditions.
