The sacroiliac joint sits at the bottom of your spine. It is where your tailbone and illium (hip) meet. It is often referred to by patients as “the two bumps or bones that stick out by the beltline.” The joint is very stable as it helps to support your torso and transfer the force between your legs and spine during motion.
Very commonly, In our Boulder chiropractic office we see patients presenting with pain in or around their sacroilliac (SI) joint. It is thought that irritation of the SI joint accounts for 50% or more of lower back pain complaints.
Sacroiliac Syndrome is defined as any pain where the SI joint, the capsule, or ligaments crossing the joint surface are the primary pain generator in lower back pain. This pain can start after a traumatic accident, such as a car accident or weightlifting injury, while it can also be seen as a slower onset that becomes worse.
Sacroiliac pain is characterized by:
Lower back pain around the joint (at the beltline) either both or more typically worse on one side that may radiate into the lower back or buttocks.
Lower back pain that may be worse with: weight bearing, transitioning from sitting to standing, bending forward, or extending backwards.
In our Boulder chiropractic office, a common presentation of SI joint pain is:
A person who has had tightness in their hips (sitting most of the day) before the incident.
Lower back pain after recently spending time bending and lifting or spent extended time bent over (gardening, etc)
Lower back pain that is increased with bending forward or extending backwards.
Sacroiliac pain is more commonly seen in a patient who has a leg length discrepancy (one leg is longer). In these patients, the biomechanical force is put through one side more than the other causing irritation of the SI joint, the ligaments that cross the joint, or the muscles supporting the joint.
During pregnancy, it is common for mom to feel irritation of the SI joint. As Mom moves closer to 40 weeks, the hormones decrease tension in the ligaments to prepare the birth canal. When the ligaments begin to loosen, the joint becomes more unstable leading to irritation.
At Boulder Sports Chiropractic, we commonly treat patients with lower back pain caused by irritation of the sacroiliac joint with a high success rate. Using a combination of chiropractic adjustments, Class 4 laser therapy to decrease pain and inflammation, and dry needling or active release technique to decrease the muscle spasm around the joint.
If you’re suffering from lower back pain, make an appointment today to get lower back pain relief today.