Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is frequently assumed to be a source of lower back and/or leg discomfort, however it is sometimes difficult to diagnose. The sacroiliac joint, which connects the triangle bone at the bottom of the spine (the sacrum) to the pelvis, can cause discomfort if its natural mobility is disrupted. More precisely, sacroiliac joint discomfort can be caused by excessive or insufficient movement.

• Leg pain produced by sacroiliac joint dysfunction can be difficult to distinguish from radiating leg pain caused by lumbar disc herniation (sciatica) since they can feel quite similar.

• The major reasons of SI joint dysfunction include - Too much or lack of movement.

• Too much movement in the sacroiliac joint (hypermobility or instability) can cause the pelvis to feel unstable and produce discomfort. Excessive mobility causes pain in the lower back and/or hip, which can extend into the groin, whereas lack of movement (hypomobility or fixation) can result in muscular tension, discomfort, and a reduction in mobility.

• Sacroiliac joint inflammation (sacroiliitis) can also cause pelvic discomfort and stiffness. Inflammation may arise as a result of sacroiliac joint dysfunction or as a result of an infection, rheumatoid disease, or other cause.

• There is no one-size-fits-all solution for controlling SI joint discomfort. For successful pain management, a combination of non-surgical therapies is frequently required.

• Treatment includes – resting for 1 to 2 days, applying ice or heat (applying it to lower back reduces inflammation and alleviates pain and discomfort; applying around the joint provides relief from pain), pain relievers like paracetamol and inflammation treating agents such as NSAID’s are recommended in case of mild or moderate pain relief. Muscle relaxants or high-end pain killers can be prescribed in case of episodes of severe and acute pain, Manual manipulation can be effective if sacroiliac joint pain is caused due to too little movement, Support or braces can be used to stabilize the pelvic area and sacroiliac joint injections such as anaesthetics such as lidocaine along with anti-inflammatory medicine like corticosteroids are given to reduce inflammation and pain.

Consult an Orthopedics for further investigations and customised treatment.

Dr. Sayalee Karve