Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Pain

Sacroiliac (SI) joint pain is pain to the lower back and buttocks region.

The SI joint connects the spine to the pelvis providing stability and support as well as absorbing impact when walking or lifting. The pain may be due to damage or injury to the sacrum and pelvis region, arthritis, damage to ligaments holding the joint together, or even with pregnancy. SI joint pain can range from mild to severe. Symptoms includes low back and buttocks pain, potentially radiating to the lower hip, groin, or upper thigh of one or both sides. Additional signs and symptoms include numbness or tingling, leg weakness, pain worsened with sitting, standing, sleeping, walking, stair climbing. Imaging studies, such as X-ray, CT and MRI scans may be ordered to help in the diagnosis and to check for other spine and hip related problems. First line treatment includes physiotherapy, chiropractic treatments, oral or topical anti-inflammatories. Spinal injections may be an option if first line treatments fail.