Sacro-iliac joint (SI) connects the lower part of the spine to the pelvis. There are two SI joints, one on each side.
Sacro-iliac joint pain or sacroiliitis is a rather difficult condition to diagnose, considering, there are other conditions causing a similar kind of back pain.
This pain can be aggravated with prolonged sitting or standing, running or climbing stairs.
Potential causes of SI joint pain include:
- Arthritis.
- Injury.
- Pregnancy and post-delivery.
- Systemic inflammatory conditions such as crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
- Infection.
- Spinal scoliosis.
Diagnosis is obtained through clinical examination and through a diagnostic injection into the SI joint. Sometimes, in cases of infections, cancer or fractures, CT scan or MRI may be helpful.
Treatment depends on the symptoms and the underlying cause of the pain.
Conservative treatment – medication along with strengthening exercises suggested by your specialist is often recommended.
When conservative treatments fail to provide relief, an SI joint injection with corticosterois or radiofrequency neurotomy may be advised.
It’s generally rare to need surgery for sacroiliitis and your doctor may recommend surgery only if the above mentioned treatments haven’t improved your condition.
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