Sacroiliac joint pain is most commonly felt in the low back and buttock but can also cause referred pain in the thigh and leg. Prolonged sitting or standing, standing on one leg, climbing the stairs, standing up, and running can aggravate this type of pain.
Potential causes of sacroiliac joint pain include:
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Arthritis
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Traumatic injury
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Pregnancy and post-partum
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Systemic inflammatory conditions
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Infection
Spinal scoliosis, leg length discrepancy, and previous lumbar spine fusion can increase the likelihood of developing sacroiliac joint pain. Sometimes, there is no clear cause for sacroiliac joint pain.
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It can be difficult to diagnose sacroiliac joint pain because other conditions can cause similar symptoms.
The diagnosis of sacroiliac joint pain starts with a careful physical examination and review of the patient’s medical history, which helps to distinguish sacroiliac joint pain from other potential conditions. Patients will typically need X-ray imaging and some providers may recommend more advanced imaging, including a CT scan or MRI. If the scans don’t help identify the condition, a diagnostic (anesthetic) injection into the sacroiliac joint can provide valuable diagnostic information.
Once the patient has been diagnosed, the provider will develop a personalized treatment plan.
At Westcare Clinics, patients diagnosed with sacroiliac joint pain may benefit from pain management techniques, joint and soft tissue injections, and occupational medicine. The right treatment option will depend on the patient’s pain level and overall physical condition.
Treatment for sacroiliac joint pain may incorporate pain management techniques, such as cold and heat therapy, gentle exercise, biofeedback, physical therapy, mind-body techniques, music therapy, therapeutic massage, and occupational therapy to help manage their symptoms. Each patient will receive personalized recommendations from their doctor for managing pain.
Westcare Clinics also offers joint and soft tissue injections to help minimize pain associated with the condition. These injections may include sacroiliac joint injections. The type of soft tissue injection best for the patient will depend on the unique characteristics of their condition.
Westcare Clinics is proud to offer occupational medicine for patients who need help adjusting to the demands of the workplace. Our team of healthcare practitioners is also available to train employers seeking to adapt the workplace and worker responsibilities according to the physical limitations of an employee suffering from sacroiliac joint pain.
Patients experiencing severe symptoms may need further treatment to manage pain and treat their condition. Advanced treatment options may include chiropractic adjustment, surgery, physical therapy, acupuncture, and other forms of rehabilitation. The Westcare Clinics team is happy to answer any questions patients may have about obtaining advanced treatment for sacroiliac joint pain.
