SI Joint Pain - Common cause of back pain!

Understanding Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction

If you’ve ever experienced pain in your lower back, hips, or buttocks and haven’t been able to pinpoint the cause, your sacroiliac (SI) joint might be the culprit. SI joint dysfunction is a condition that affects many people, yet it’s often overlooked or misdiagnosed. It is a very common cause of back pain for our patients in northwest Indiana and Chicago. 

What Is the Sacroiliac Joint?

Your sacroiliac joints are located where the base of your spine (the sacrum) connects with part of the pelvis (the ilium) on either side. These joints are small but mighty—they help transfer weight from your upper body to your legs and absorb impact when you move. Unlike your hip or shoulder, they don't move very much, but they still play a crucial role in your body's stability.

What Is SI Joint Dysfunction?

SI joint dysfunction happens when there’s either too much or too little movement in the joint. This can lead to inflammation and pain. The discomfort is often felt in the lower back, hips, buttocks, or even the thighs. It may feel like a dull ache or a sharp pain, and it can be aggravated by standing for long periods, climbing stairs, or getting up from a seated position.

Common Causes

SI joint dysfunction can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Pregnancy – Hormonal changes and added weight can loosen ligaments and stress the SI joints.

Injury – A fall, car accident, or sports-related injury can affect joint stability.

Arthritis – Conditions like osteoarthritis or ankylosing spondylitis can inflame the SI joints.

Leg length differences – Even a slight difference can change how weight is distributed, affecting the joints.

Signs and Symptoms

You might have SI joint dysfunction if you experience:

Pain on one side of the lower back or buttock

Pain that worsens when sitting, standing, or walking for long periods

Stiffness or a burning sensation in the pelvis

Difficulty sleeping due to discomfort in the lower back

SI joint pain can mimic other conditions so it is important to get an accurate diagnosis from a healthcare provider.

Treatment Options

 Common treatments include:

Physical therapy and Exercise – Exercises to strengthen the muscles around the joint and improve stability. Focusing on increased strength for the back and hips may eliminate SIJ pain entirely! 

Medications and SI joint injections– Anti-inflammatory drugs or steroid and pain injections can provide temporary relief. We can perform these injections locally in Hobart, Munster, and Merrillville.

SI joint fusion surgery may be necessary to stabilize the joint, which limits movement to reduce pain. This surgery can be done outpatient in northwest Indiana, including Munster, Hobart and Merrillville!

Living with SI Joint Dysfunction

With proper treatment, most people with SI joint dysfunction are able to return to their regular activities and enjoy a good quality of life. If you live in northwest Indiana or Chicago and suffer from back pain, reach out to our office at 219-795-3360 to set up an evaluation. We have office locations in Highland and Merrillville. We treat patients in Munster, Dyer, Highland, Hobart and Merrillville for your convenience!

Maddison Murphy, PA