What to do when the Sacroiliac ‘Goes Out’?
Sometimes you’ll hear an old timer say, “my sacroiliac went out“.
What is the sacroiliac joint? It is called the SI joint for short and can be found next to the bottom of the spine, below the lumbar region and above the tailbone. It is the joint that connects the sacrum (bottom of the spine) with the pelvis. This joint can mimic the same pain you would feel if you had sciatica or lower lumbar pain.
The SI joint is a strong and sturdy joint that is small in area. It is reinforced by strong ligaments that surround it. It also does not have much motion. It transmits all the movement from the upper body to the pelvis and lower legs. It is also responsible for shock absorbency.
Causes for Sacroiliac Dysfunction
The cause of this joint pain can either be form hypermobility where the joint is being overused. This pain is felt in the lower and hip and can even radiate into the groin area. The joint pain can also be due to little movement, termed hypomobility. This pain is felt on one side of the lower back and radiating down the leg. It feels similar to sciatica pain.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing this pain and tracing back to the SI joint can be difficult. This is due to the fact that a lot of lower back pain can be related to herniated discs or sciatica pain, since they will feel similar. A chiropractor can usually determine the origin of the pain. Besides a few orthopedic tests, a good chiropractor can usually palpate the region and determine if the SI joint is causing your pain.
Treatments
There are several forms of treatment that can be options in your world of SI joint pain.
- Hot or Cold – One of the best natural and easy remedies is heat or cold applied to the joint. We usually recommend using cold therapy for an acute injury. Ice packs can be placed on the joint for 15-20 minutes to reduce inflammation at the joint. Icing down the joint daily for up to two weeks can help the joint heal and recover, along with rest. Once the acute phase of the inflammation stage has finished heat can be used to help the healing process continue.
- Chiropractic Care – A chiropractor is a highly trained doctor that can help with joint pain. We can use several manual manipulation techniques to help with the pain being experienced in this joint. Some techniques used include side-posture manipulation, drop technique, and blocking techniques.
- Supplements – There are also supplements that can be used, instead of pain medications and prescription anti-inflammatory medications. One supplement is made by Pure Encapsulations and it is called Joint Optimizer. It has a blend of glucosamine, vitamin D, turmeric, and L-glutamine that can help with reducing inflammation in the joints.
The sacroiliac joint is a very strong joint that may need some help to stay in position and keep your lower back in great shape. Consider the natural options available to you to keep this joint happy and healthy. Lower back pain is definitely not something you want to endure.
Sacroiliac joint pain can mimic other problems. It’s best to be checked by an experienced chiropractor for proper diagnosis and treatment. Call my office today at 860-583-4346 or complete our online form for an appointment by clicking here.
Dr David M. Spitz is the founder and clinic director of the Chiropractic Health Center of Bristol, located in Bristol, CT. Since 1982, he has treated thousands of patients for various conditions ranging from neck and back pain, to migraine headaches. He specializes in treating patients who have suffered whiplash injuries and/or back injuries in a motor vehicle accident.
Dr Spitz was a volunteer EMT-I and a lieutenant for several years at the Burlington Volunteer Fire Department. He has lectured throughout CT on various topics including, chiropractic, stress management, headaches and preventing back injury in the workplace.
