Sacroiliac Joint
The sacroiliac joint is a firm thin joint that is at the junction of the spine and the pelvis. Sacroiliac joint pain is most often joint inflammation as a result of repetitive activity or overuse. Other causes of SI joint pain include arthritis of the SI joint, infection of the SI joint, or ligament sprains of the ligaments that surround the SI joint. Also any injury to the lower back, foot, hip, knee or ankle can all result in a abnormal pattern of walking that places undue stress on the sacroiliac and causes joint problems. There are many disorders that affect the joints of the body that can also cause inflammation in the SI joints. These include gout, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Females tend to be more prone to sacroiliac joint pain than males. This may be due to the anatomical differences in the bone structure of the body. The following are some treatments available for sacroiliac joints.
- Medications – Pain medications such as acetaminophen anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen are used to reduce the swelling.
- Chiropractic manipulations – This can be highly effective when the SI joint is fixated or stuck. This is accomplished by a number of methods including (but not limited to): side-posture manipulation, drop technique, blocking techniques, and instrument guided methods.
- Acupuncture – It has been around for a long time but it is becoming more mainstream as high-level research showing that works well for arthritis conditions such as SI joint pain.
- Physical Therapy – A physical therapist can help strengthen the muscles around the SI joint and low back and help increase flexibility around the joint. They may also try modalities including ultrasound and electrical stimulation to control pain and inflammation.
- Tens Unit – A tens unit can also provide excellent relief. This is a device that puts foam pads over the skin and can provide a little electrical current that replaces pain with a tingling sensation.
- Homeopathy – It is worldwide popular as safe natural and effective pain management remedy. There are a number of medicines for both acute and chronic pain and are used depending on the type of painful condition. It is very suitable for long term management.
- Radiofrequency Ablation – It can destroy the tiny little nerve endings that are bringing pain to the joint and this can provide pain relief.
- Supports or Braces – Braces are very helpful at times when the joint is inflamed or painful. When the SI joint is hypermobile or too loose, a brace can be wrapped around the waist and pulled snuggly to stabilize the area.
- Sacroiliac Joint Injections – An anesthetic such as lidocaine or bipuvicaine, or novacaine is typically injected along with an anti-inflammatory medication such as a corticosteroid to help reduce inflammation around the joint, which in turn will help alleviate the pain.
