What Is SI Joint Pain?

Lower back pain does not always come directly from the lumbar spine.

For some patients, the source of pain is the sacroiliac joint, commonly called the SI joint. These joints connect the sacrum at the base of the spine to the pelvis and help transfer forces between the upper and lower body.

When an SI joint becomes irritated or painful, symptoms can sometimes resemble other types of lower back or hip pain.

What Does SI Joint Pain Feel Like?

SI joint pain is commonly felt along one side of the lower back or upper buttock.

Some patients also experience discomfort that travels into the hip, groin, or upper thigh.

Symptoms may worsen with prolonged sitting or standing, climbing stairs, getting in or out of a car, rolling over in bed, or transitioning from sitting to standing.

Pain can occasionally occur on both sides, although one side may be more symptomatic.

What Causes SI Joint Pain?

Several factors can contribute to SI joint irritation.

These may include previous injury, repetitive stress, altered walking mechanics, arthritis, pregnancy related changes, differences in leg length, or conditions affecting the surrounding spine and hips.

Because the SI joint works closely with the lumbar spine, pelvis, and surrounding muscles, symptoms can sometimes overlap with other musculoskeletal conditions.

How Is SI Joint Pain Diagnosed?

Evaluation begins with a detailed history and physical examination.

The physician may use specific movements and examination techniques designed to reproduce symptoms originating from the SI joint.

Imaging can help evaluate surrounding structures, although imaging alone does not always confirm whether the SI joint is responsible for pain.

In certain cases, an image guided diagnostic injection may help determine whether the SI joint is the primary pain generator.

How Is SI Joint Pain Treated?

Treatment depends on the severity and underlying cause of symptoms.

Options may include physical therapy, activity modification, medications, targeted injections, and other interventional procedures when appropriate.

Physical therapy may focus on improving core strength, hip stability, mobility, and movement patterns that influence stress across the pelvis.

At Ospina Medical, treatment is based on identifying whether the SI joint is truly contributing to a patient's symptoms and determining the most appropriate approach for their individual condition.