SI Joint Pain: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Lower back pain does not always come from the spine itself.

For some patients, the source of pain is the sacroiliac joint, commonly called the SI joint. Because SI joint symptoms can resemble other causes of back, hip, or leg pain, identifying the correct source is an important part of developing an effective treatment plan.

What Is the SI Joint?

The sacroiliac joints are located where the lower part of the spine meets the pelvis.

There is one SI joint on each side of the body. These joints help transfer forces between the upper body and the legs while providing stability to the pelvis.

When an SI joint becomes irritated or painful, symptoms are commonly felt around the lower back, buttock, or hip.

What Does SI Joint Pain Feel Like?

SI joint pain can feel different from person to person.

Some patients experience pain primarily on one side of the lower back or buttock. Others may feel discomfort extending into the hip, groin, or upper leg.

Certain movements may make symptoms worse, including standing for long periods, sitting for extended periods, climbing stairs, transitioning from sitting to standing, or placing more weight on one side of the body.

Because these symptoms can overlap with other conditions, pain location alone is not always enough to diagnose an SI joint problem.

What Causes SI Joint Pain?

SI joint pain can develop for several reasons.

Changes in the way the pelvis moves, arthritis, injury, repetitive stress, pregnancy related changes, or differences in the way weight is distributed across the pelvis may contribute to symptoms.

Sometimes the exact cause is not obvious.

The most important step is determining whether the SI joint is actually responsible for the patient's pain.

How Is SI Joint Pain Diagnosed?

Diagnosis usually begins with a detailed history and physical examination.

Your physician may perform specific movements or maneuvers designed to place stress on the SI joint and determine whether they reproduce your typical pain.

Imaging may also be reviewed to look for other potential causes of symptoms.

In some cases, an image guided diagnostic injection may be used. A small amount of anesthetic is placed directly into the SI joint. If the patient's usual pain significantly improves while the anesthetic is active, this can provide useful information about whether the joint is the source of the symptoms.

How Is SI Joint Pain Treated?

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the pain.

Conservative care may include physical therapy, activity modification, and medications when appropriate.

For patients whose symptoms persist, an image guided SI joint injection may be considered. These injections can have both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Other treatment options may be considered depending on the patient's diagnosis and response to previous care.

Why Image Guidance Matters

The SI joint is located deep within the pelvis.

Fluoroscopy can help the physician visualize the anatomy and guide the needle into the intended location during an injection.

Precise placement is particularly important when an injection is being used to help determine whether a specific structure is responsible for a patient's symptoms.

SI Joint Care at Ospina Medical

Lower back pain can originate from many different structures, which is why treatment should begin with a diagnosis rather than simply treating the location where pain is felt.

At Ospina Medical, we evaluate your symptoms, physical examination, imaging, and previous treatments to determine whether the SI joint or another structure may be contributing to your pain.

If persistent lower back, buttock, or hip pain is interfering with your daily activities, schedule a consultation with Ospina Medical to discuss the possible source of your symptoms and available treatment options.