top of page

Sacroiliitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the sacroiliac joints, which connect the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of the spine) to the ilium (the large pelvic bone). This inflammation can lead to low back pain and discomfort in the lower back, buttocks, and hips, impacting mobility and quality of life.

Sacroiliac joint pain

Cause.

The exact cause of sacroiliac joint pain is not always clear, as a variety of factors can contribute inflammation and degeneration of the joints.

Possible contributors to sacroiliac joint pain include:

  • Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease can cause the immune system to mistakenly attack the sacroiliac joints, leading to inflammation and pain.

  • Previous Back Surgery:  Lumbar fusion surgery can place added stress on the sacroiliac joints lead to degenerative changes and pain

  • Osteoarthritis:  Degenerative changes of the sacroiliac joints

  • Gait abnormalities: can cause an imbalance of stress on the joints leading to pain, usually on one side.

  • Trauma or Injury: Previous trauma or injury to the sacroiliac joints, such as a fall or car accident, can damage the joint structures and trigger inflammation.

  • Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect the ligaments around the sacroiliac joints, leading to increased mobility and potential inflammation.

Symptoms.

Symptoms of sacroiliac joint pain can vary depending on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Common symptoms of sacroiliac joint pain include:

  • Pain in the Lower Back or Buttocks: The most common symptom of SIJ pain is discomfort or pain in the lower back, typically on one side, which may radiate to the buttocks or thigh.

  • Pain with Movement: Pain often worsens with certain movements, such as standing up from a seated position, walking, climbing stairs, or transitioning from sitting to standing.

  • Pain with Weight Bearing: Activities that involve weight bearing on the affected side, such as lifting, bending, or twisting, can exacerbate SIJ pain.

  • Stiffness and Limited Range of Motion: Individuals with SIJ pain may experience stiffness in the lower back or hip region

  • Pain with Sitting or Sleeping:  Prolonged sitting or lying on the affected side may aggravate SIJ pain, leading to discomfort during activities that involve these positions.

  • Tenderness to Touch: The area around the sacroiliac joint may be tender, and pressing on the joint may reproduce pain.

  • Radiating Pain: In some cases, SIJ pain may radiate down the leg, mimicking symptoms of sciatica. 

  • Pain During Pregnancy: SIJ pain is relatively common during pregnancy due to hormonal changes causing increased joint laxity.

Treatment

Treatment for sacroiliitis aims to alleviate symptoms, reduce inflammation, and improve function. Depending on the severity of the condition, treatment options may include:

  • Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and pain relievers may be prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation associated with sacroiliitis.

  • Physical Therapy: Physical therapy exercises can help strengthen the muscles surrounding the sacroiliac joints, improve flexibility, and reduce pain.

  • Steroid Injections: Corticosteroid injections delivered directly into the sacroiliac joints can help reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief.

  • Biologic Medications: In cases of sacroiliitis related to autoimmune disorders, biologic medications that target specific components of the immune system may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and slow disease progression.

  • Radiofrequency Ablation: This minimally invasive procedure involves using heat to temporarily disrupt the nerves that transmit pain signals from the sacroiliac joints, providing long-lasting pain relief.

  • Surgical Fusion of the joint:  when more conservative measures fail, surgical fusion of the joint may be considered

bottom of page