Have you heard of the SacroIliac (SI) Joint? Are you frustrated that your SI joint pain is not going away? SI joint pain can be dismissed easily as “low back pain” and can lead to more serious symptoms. This article breaks down the components of the SI joint.
What is the SI Joint?
The Sacroiliac (SI) Joint is the connection between your pelvis and lower spine. It is the joint where the sacrum (lowest part of the spine) and Ilium (top part of pelvis) come together. This joint helps transfer forces/stress from the upper body to the lower body. There are SI joints in the right and left side of your lower back.
When there is injury to the area, pain is generally felt on only one side and at the joint line. Injury to the SI joint line is often confused with low back pain or lumbar radiculopathy.
Common Causes of SI Joint Dysfunction:
- Muscle Imbalance – Tightness of the pelvis muscles can lead to asymmetry and misalignment of the SI joint.
- Trauma – Falling or contact to the SI joint can strain the ligaments there and cause inflammation.
- Leg length discrepancies and gait abnormalities.
- Hormonal changes – pregnancy can increase SI laxity causing hyper-mobility and SI instability.
How Can Physical Therapy Help?
- Correct SI joint alignment by improving the mobility and position of the pelvis
- Improve muscle imbalances and improve pelvic stability
- Decrease SI stiffness/tightness around the joint
- Improve SI joint mechanics for proper movement
- Strengthen Pelvis, Core, and Hip muscles
If your SI Joint Dysfunction is disrupting your ability to participate in everyday activities, physical therapy can help! Call Respire Physical Therapy TODAY at 703-671-1871 to schedule an evaluation from a Doctor of Physical Therapy.
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