Are you living with sacroiliac joint dysfunction? This condition, also known as SI dysfunction, is felt as localized pain in the sacroiliac joint region, which is situated at the junction between the base of the spine and buttock. A diagnosis for sacroiliac joint dysfunction means that the joints connecting the sacrum to the pelvis are mal-aligned. This condition can radiate pain into the lower back, buttocks, and/or legs. Inflammation of the joints in the sacroiliac region is referred to as sacroiliitis. If you think you may be experiencing the symptoms of sacroiliac joint dysfunction, do not hesitate to contact Physio For Life today. We will help improve your SIJ mobility so you can get moving comfortably again.
What exactly is sacroiliac joint dysfunction?
It is important to first understand the anatomy of the sacroiliac joint region before you can comprehend exactly what sacroiliac joint dysfunction is. At the bottom of your spine, there is a small triangular bone known as the sacrum. It is located below the lumbar region of the spine and above the tailbone, and it consists of five fused vertebral segments. The sacrum is connected to the pelvic bone on both the left and right sides at the sacroiliac joints.
So, what exactly do the sacroiliac joints do?
Essentially, they act as shock absorbers, distributing forces from the legs to the spine and vice versa. Because this is their main function, they are only meant to move small amounts. However, sometimes the sacroiliac joints move too much or too little and get skewed – that is when SI dysfunction occurs.
This is usually due to mal-alignment such as pelvic rotations (twists) or side tilts, upslips (one side of pelvis pushed up), downslips (one side of pelvis pulled down), and excessive SIJ compression caused by falls, accidents, sports injuries, and wrong postures.
When someone has hypermobility (too much mobility) in the joints, ligaments are lax and loose, which can cause issues with movement and protection of the bones. Hypermobility in the sacroiliac joints can occur for several reasons, including injury to the ligaments or pregnancy.
When someone has hypomobility (too little mobility) in the joints, they begin to overcompensate. This causes problems in nearby joints, resulting in abnormal movements and pain. Hypomobility in the sacroiliac joints can also occur for several reasons, including degenerative joint diseases (such as arthritis) or ankylosing spondylitis.
Pain from SI Dysfunction typically manifests locally in that region (with possible spread to the back and legs) and is worse during movement transitions such as standing up from sitting, bending, turning, getting in and out of bed/ the car and rolling in bed. Tight leg muscles such as the hamstrings can also exacerbate this problem.
Looking for relief? Contact us today!
Due to the nature of the condition and areas of pain, it is possible for sacroiliac joint dysfunction to be misdiagnosed as a herniated disc. Fortunately, at Physio For Life, our physiotherapists are movement experts who are highly experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of SI Dysfunction. If you think you may be suffering from symptoms in your sacroiliac joints, contact Physio For Life to find a cure.
At our clinic, you will receive hands-on care from the best physiotherapists in Vancouver. They will determine if the original cause of the problem started in the sacro-iliac joint region or elsewhere. Our physiotherapist will begin your initial session by conducting a thorough physical exam (alignment and movement), in order to provide the correct diagnosis for your pain. Treatment will aim to restore normal mobility and motion to the sacro-iliac joints by balancing out forces around the lower back, pelvis, and hips.
An individualized treatment plan will be designed specifically for you, including muscle energy techniques, active and passive treatments to help manage and relieve your pain. The goal of treatment is to release the primary restrictions contributing to the pain and activate core muscles that will restore equilibrium to the area.
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction can pose significant limits to your daily life. Do not let yourself live with pain and abnormal joint function – contact Physio For Life today to find relief. We can get you back to normal as quickly as possible!
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