Does your job require prolonged sitting or heavy labour that involves repetitive lifting and bending? Do you feel pain in your lower back? While many people think it is sciatica, there can be another possible cause – Sacroiliitis.
What is Sacroiliitis? The term sacroiliitis refers to inflammation of one or both SI (sacroiliac) joints. The sacroiliac joint is the area where the sacrum (base of spine) and pelvis connect, which plays an important role in transferring weight from the upper body to lower limbs and acts as a shock absorber.
Common Causes
Often associated with various forms of Arthritis, including ankylosing spondylitis, osteoarthritis
Pregnancy - A change in the biomechanical force in the lower back can increase the stress on this joint
Trauma – For example, falls or motor vehicle accident
In rare cases, certain infections can also lead to sacroiliitis
Signs and Symptoms
Dull, aching pain in the lower back, buttocks or hips is the most common symptom, which can radiate to one or both legs.
Decrease in range of motion/stiffness in the lower back
Symptoms can be aggravated by sitting for prolonged periods, standing on one leg or prolonged standing, or high-impact activities like running or jumping
Diagnosis The sign sand symptoms can mimic lower back pain or sciatica; therefore a proper physical examination by a health care provider is needed to understand, which includes subjective and objective assessments of the affected area and determining the root cause behind this condition.
Physical Therapy Treatment at Health Plus Physiotherapy
In acute phase, the goal is to reduce pain and joint inflammation, for which education (such as joint protection strategies – SI belt) is the key part.
Combination of manual therapy techniques, joint mobilization and therapeutic modalities, heat or cold.
Stimulation, ultrasound therapy can be helpful to ease the pain
After acute symptoms resolve, specific pelvic stabilization exercises, flexibility/stretching exercises can be started to prevent recurrences
The majority of patients with sacroiliitis have a good outcome, though it can take 2-4 weeks depending on the cause.
Contact us today!
At Health Plus Physiotherapy, we create personalized treatment plans tailored to your needs, helping you move better, feel stronger, and live pain-free.
