The sacroiliac joint is in the low back where the spine meets the pelvis. Sacroiliac joint pain is discomfort in this area. This pain is a symptom that may come from a number of conditions or diseases.
Doctors may be unsure if the pain starts in the joint or in its surrounding ligaments. Ligaments are bands of tissue that connect one bone to another bone. It is also difficult to tell if the pain is coming from the sacroiliac joint or the small joints in the lower spine. These smaller joints are called facet joints.
The sacroiliac joint has many nerve endings. The nerves send pain signals to the brain. Pain in this region may be caused by many factors:
Factors that increase your chance for sacroiliac joint pain include:
Symptoms include:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Finding the source of sacroiliac joint pain is often difficult. Tests depend on your medical history and the suspected cause.
Tests may include:
Treatment depends on the cause of the pain. Any underlying condition would receive treatment specific for that disease. For stress fractures, doctors recommend limited weight-bearing. Regardless of the cause, short-term rest is often advised.
Other treatment may include:
Your doctor may recommend or prescribe any of the following:
Physical therapy may include:
Prevent stress to the painful area with the following:
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://www.aaos.org/
Arthritis Foundation
http://www.arthritis.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
The Arthritis Society
http://www.arthritis.ca/
The Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://www.coa-aco.org/
References:
Campbell WC, Canale T. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics . 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Mosby, Inc.; 1998.
Cohen SP. Sacroiliac joint pain: a comprehensive review of anatomy, diagnosis, and treatment. Anesth Analg . 2005 Nov;101(5):1440-1453.
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Dreyfuss P, Dreyer S, Griffin J, et al. Positive sacroiliac screening tests in asymptomatic adults. Spine . 1994;19(10):1138-1143.
Harrison TR, Braunwald E. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine . 14th ed. Columbus, OH: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2000.
Inflammatory arthritis of the hip. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00396 . Updated August 2007. Accessed June 22, 2008.
Nadler SF. Frontera: Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation . 1st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Hanley and Belfus; 2002.
Ruddy S, Harris ED, Sledge CB, Kelley WN. Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Co.; 2001.
Scopp JM, Moorman CT III. The assessment of athletic hip injury. Clinics In Sports Medicine . 2001 Oct;20(4):647-659.
Last reviewed January 2009 by Robert E. Leach, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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