Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) is the joint between the sacrum and the ilium (part of the pelvis). The joint is held together by two large ligaments anteriorly and posteriorly. If the sacroiliac joint becomes irritated, this causes pain and muscle stiffness in the immediate area. Pain is often made worse with walking and bending activities. It is also possible that one side may become too loose (lax), resulting in another type of SIJ dysfunction. This more commonly occurs during pregnancy, due to hormonal changes that cause the ligaments to become lax.

SIJ dysfunction can occur with injury, such as an acute injury when a person falls, or when an athlete overtrains, and due to chronic postural stress, which is too much of one activity. Muscle imbalances and hip problems, such as hypermobility or dysplasia, may also lead to SIJ dysfunction. Sacroiliac pain is also related to some types of arthritis, such as ankylosing spondylitis, an inflammatory process most often affecting the lower back, which may cause the vertebrae and SIJ to fuse.

People with SIJ dysfunction may experience:

• Pain that may be sharp, stabbing, or dull, localised to one side of the pelvis/low back, groin, or tailbone.
• Pain may even radiate down to the knee on rare occasions.
• Pain with movements, such as standing up from a sitting position, turning in bed, or bending/twisting.
• Muscle tightness and tenderness in the hip/buttock region.
• Pain with walking, standing and prolonged sitting.
• Pain that is worse when standing and walking, and eases when sitting or lying down.

Alignment of the spine is dependent on the function of the SI joints. When an SI joint is irritated, normal biomechanical movement patterns are compromised and the lower lumbar vertebrae can become overworked and tighten up, as well as the corresponding muscles.

Chiropractic treatment options:

Chiropractic Adjustments used to restore alignment and function.

Manual therapy includes Massage, Dry Needling & Stretching for tight and sore muscle groups.

Strengthening exercises to improve the stability of the sacroiliac and spinal joints, which helps to reduce ligament strain and pain. These exercises are focused on weak muscles, including the lower abdominal, pelvic floor, and buttocks muscles.

Hot and cold treatments are often prescribed to loosen up tight muscles prior to treatment, or to alleviate pain following exercise.

Education Your Chiropractor will make recommendations to improve activities, such as sitting, or lifting and carrying objects.

Bracing Your Chiropractor may also recommend wearing a sacroiliac belt, designed to provide extra support for the sacroiliac joints. It is used to provide stability during daily activities as your strength returns, and flexibility improves. This modality is especially helpful for pregnant women.

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