There’s a common cause of pelvic and back pain hiding in plain sight – sacroiliac joint dysfunction. The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) sits nestled between the pelvis and lower spine, and affects an estimated 25% of lower back pain sufferers.
What is the sacroiliac joint?
The sacroiliac joint, sometimes called the SIJ, is the connected between the lower spine and the pelvis. The name comes from the connection of the sacrum and the top of the pelvis, known as the ilium.
The sacroiliac joint serves an important purpose, providing support for the weight of the upper body when sitting and especially, standing.
Like any other structure of the body, when the sacroiliac joint becomes too loose or too tight, the result can be pain or weakness, along with other complaints.
The Mayo Clinic talks more about sacroiliitis here.
What does sacroiliac joint dysfunction feel like?
Often, the cause of sacroiliac joint pain is an injury to the joint or surrounding area, including the lower back. This is not always the cause, as there are many muscles, tendons, and ligaments that connect the sacroiliac joint to surrounding structures. Dysfunction of any of these connective tissues can cause pain and weakness surrounding the SIJ.
Pain from sacroiliac joint dysfunction can be felt in the lower back, hips and pelvis, buttocks, and even down the legs. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction can also appear as incontinence or sexual dysfunction, instability, or difficulty exercising, maintaining balance, or even running or walking.
Because many conditions can manifest as the symptoms described above, it is important to be evaluated by an experienced practitioner to determine if you are suffering from sacroiliac joint dysfunction and what the most appropriate course of treatment is.
How does physical therapy help sacroiliac joint dysfunction?
Physical therapy can help ease the pain and weakness caused by your SIJ. An evaluation will be necessary to start, pinpointing the cause and nature of your complaints. Your physical therapist will also look at factors like daily habits and exercise routines, your posture and gait, and overall alignment and strength.
After evaluation, treatment may include using gentle manual techniques to return a displaced sacroiliac joint back to its proper place. It may also include restoring proper alignment of the spine and pelvis.
Depending on the cause of sacroiliac joint pain, whether from injury, connective tissue tightness and immobility, or connective tissue weakness, different techniques and exercises will be used to return the tissue to the way it should be.
This may include postural or sleep position changes, workout modifications, and at-home stretches and strength building exercises, as determined by your physical therapist.
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction can often be resolved without the need for any sort of surgical or otherwise invasive interventions.
Treating sacroiliac joint dysfunction in Long Island
At Body Restoration Physical Therapy in Roslyn Heights, Long Island, New York, Dr. Lauradonna D’Antoni uses her experience and skill to treat sacroliliac joint dysfunction and other dysfunctions of the pelvic floor.
Using effective hands on techniques like John F. Barnes Myofascial Release, patients benefit from Dr. D’Antoni’s expertise, specializing in the treatment of pelvic floor complaints.
Are you experiencing pain that may be related to your SIJ? Contact Body Restoration Physical Therapy today to learn more about treatment options.