Sacroiliac Joint Pain

Sacroiliac joint pain is a real pain in the butt and for good reason! This area, in and around the sacrum is the main nerve center of the body and, in turn is where much of our low back, hip, and radiating leg pain originates.

Where is the Sacroiliac Joint?

The SI or Sacroiliac Joint is one of two joints in the pelvis that connects the sacrum or tailbone to the large pelvic bone, the ilium. These two joints, on either side of the pelvis, connect the spine to the pelvis. Those hollowed out areas where some people have dimples in their buttocks is what I am talking about.

You can really feel this nerve center if you ever had a deep massage where someone sticks an elbow in your gluteus maximus and you’ve almost jumped off the table.

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What causes Sacroiliac Joint Pain?

This joint is not designed for a large range of motion and it tends to stiffen and lock as we age. Any unusual motion then, could aggravate the SI Joint and cause us pain.

The motion in the SI Joint is somewhat of a gliding action as we flex and walk. Sometimes walking, sitting, standing, or lying can cause pain in this joint and refer into the back, buttocks, and radiate down the thigh. This radiating pain is sometimes confused with sciatica.

Although sacroiliac joint pain and dysfunction has similar symptoms and does affect the sciatic nerve a pinched nerve root does not necessarily cause it.

SI joint pain can be caused by several factors:

- Overuse which causes excessive wear and tear on the cartilage in the joint.

- Under-use where the SI Joint becomes tighter and less mobile causing pain when we do need to mobilize it for activity.

- Trauma to the joint from a fall or blow to the area.

- Inflammation of the joint.

- Twisting and/or bending in a certain way that triggers the pain.

- Osteoarthritis of the joint that can lead to stress fractures.

How can I treat Sacroiliac Joint Pain?

SI joint treatment usually consists of manipulation and mobilization techniques through specific stretches and exercises that you or a therapist can perform.

Specific Pilates exercises can be very helpful for someone with pain in the SI Joint.

Try doing exercises that require you to stabilize your pelvis while mobilizing the legs. Some of these Pilates movements are: bridging, leg circles, side kicks, and the single leg stretch.