Breaking Down the Pain: Understanding SI Joint Dysfunction

November 23, 2022 / Back, Back Pain, Chiropractic, Physiotherapy
Breaking Down the Pain: Understanding SI Joint Dysfunction
Definition/Layman’s terms for the conditionSacroiliac joint dysfunction is a term used to describe the pain derived from the joint. It can be caused in issues with movement and alignment. It usually presents as low back pain.
Cause/MOISI joint dysfunction can be present during pregnancy when there are many changes to the body (physically, hormonally, etc). It can also be present after trauma to the area by landing on your back or landing with a straight leg causing forces to travel up the leg.
Common symptomsPain is usually localized over the buttock area where the SIJ is located. It may be a sharp or shooting pain that can refer down the back of the leg, but usually not past the knee. Most people will complain of pain when sitting down, climbing stairs
How is it diagnosed clinically? DiagnosticallyClinical diagnosis is based on a combination of subjective history and clinical cluster of objective tests. 

Subjective history may include pregnancy, direct trauma to the area, landing on a straight leg, pain localized to the buttock area or referring down the leg but not past the knee.

Objective tests include a series of maneuvers that may provoke the pain or may show the clinician changes in motor control around the SIJ.
Treatment options?Treatment options usually are conservative in nature and thus physiotherapy is a mainstay in addressing SIJ dysfunction. 

Pain medications, corticosteroids, taping and braces may also be implemented to help with daily functioning.
How physiotherapy can help?Physiotherapy can help by reducing pain and inflammation, strengthening your core and mobilizing your SIJ.
Typical physiotherapy treatment approach-manual therapy, modalities, exercise, etcPhysiotherapy treatment may consist of manual therapy, exercises, education, and modalities. Manual therapy may consist of low back mobilisations, SIJ mobilisations and manipulations to help with pain relief.Exercises may consist of core strengthening and lower extremity strengthening, all in an effort to help provide stability to the area and increase pain free mobility.
Contact us to book an appointment for a physiotherapy assessment.
Other treatment optionsOther treatment options include braces, taping, corticosteroids.
PrognosisSIJ dysfunction has a good prognosis and pregnancy-related SIJ dysfunction will usually resolves within 12 months post-partum.
Consequences of not getting it treated/long term effectsOngoing pain, trouble with sitting, walking/running, trouble with daily activities that involve your lower extremities.
Braces that can helpPelvic belt, SI joint belt. We offer the Sacroloc.

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