/assets/images/provider/photos/2859374.jpeg)
Given the mobility of more obvious joints such as the hips, knees, and shoulders, you might be surprised to learn you have two joints connecting the sacrum, the second-to-last bone at the bottom of the spine, and the ilium, the upper wings of the pelvic bone.
Called the sacroiliac (SI) joints, you can’t deliberately flex these joints, and they have a small range of motion, a maximum of about 4 millimeters. Abnormal movement, inflammation, or irritation of the SI joints can cause lower back pain that may be mistaken for other, more common musculoskeletal problems.
Neurosurgeon Dr. Aqib Zehri in Portland, Oregon, specializes in diseases of the SI joint, and you can count on him for an accurate and thorough evaluation of the source of your back pain.
There are, however, four signs that might suggest that the SI joints are the source of your pain. Let’s take a look at these in detail.
1. Belt line or buttock pain
Lower back or buttock pain that favors one side could suggest sciatica to many. It’s also characteristic of SI joint dysfunction. However, the pain may be lower than typical sciatica symptoms.
SI problems only occasionally radiate symptoms into the groin, hip, or thigh. Sciatica often features numbness, pain, and tingling anywhere along the sciatic nerve’s path, from the vertebrae above and in the sacrum through the entire length of the nerve, which splits into two branches behind the knee.
Because of its similarity to sciatic nerve compression, the location and symptom patterns of SI dysfunction can only suggest a problem. They can’t confirm a diagnosis on their own.
2. Pain develops after exertion or injury
SI pain can begin after a traumatic injury or a change in the way you move your hips or lower back. Common injuries that can cause SI irritation include:
- Auto accidents
- Falling or tripping
- Lifting heavy loads
- Twisting or high-impact sports injuries
- Biomechanical or postural changes
- Osteoarthritis or other arthritic condition
Though a sudden event can trigger SI pain, it can also develop slowly due to repetitive strain.
3. Pain associated with certain movements
SI pain may be triggered by certain activities or movements, such as:
- Getting in or out of a car
- Rolling over in bed
- Standing from a seated position
- Climbing stairs
- Walking
- Standing for extended periods of time
Movements that load the pelvis unevenly can irritate the SI joints.
4. Traditional back pain treatments don’t work
When you rest, stretch, take pain medications, or use other typical back pain treatments without sufficient relief, it could indicate SI pain rather than other lower back problems.
Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment, and Dr. Zehri may use physical maneuvers or SI joint injections to pinpoint a diagnosis.
There’s no reason to live with persistent lower back pain, so if you experience the signs discussed here, contact Dr. Aqib Zehri for a personal consultation. Call 503-935-8500 or schedule an appointment online today.