Do you have pain in your lower back or buttocks? Is that SI joint pain? (SI Joint Dysfunction)

Do you sometimes get a strange, nagging pain that starts in your lower back and travels down your buttocks? Does this pain seem to get worse when you get up from a chair, climb stairs, or stand up after sitting for a while? If so, this condition could very well apply to you. While many people think of this as a normal backache, it could actually be caused by a problem with a joint you've never heard of. Today, let's talk about this SI joint pain .

What exactly are these SI joints?

We all know about the knee joint and the hip joint. But not many people know about the SI joint. We don't even realize we have one until it hurts.

Simply put, the SI joints (Sacroiliac joints) are two small but very strong joints where the lower part of our spine (the part we call the sacrum) and our hip bones (the pelvis) connect. They don't move much like the knees. They move very little. Their main function is to keep our hip area stable, distribute the weight of our upper body evenly between our legs, and absorb the shock when we walk and run. It's like a 'shock absorber' in a car.

We call SI Joint Dysfunction the painful condition that occurs when this joint is damaged or its movement becomes irregular.

What could be causing this situation?

The main reason for this is an accident, but there could be several other reasons.

• Accidents: This joint can be damaged by something like a car accident or a fall.
• Sports accidents : Especially due to collisions in sports like rugby.
• Repetitive stress: If you have been jogging for years, the pressure on the joint from such prolonged activity can be overwhelming.
• Back surgery: Especially after lower back fusion surgery.
• Aging : It is normal for joints to wear out with age.
• Pregnancy: This is something that affects many women. During pregnancy, especially near the time of delivery, hormones in the body cause the joints and ligaments in the hip area to loosen. Also, weight gain, changes in walking posture, and the birthing process itself can put pressure on this joint.
• Other causes: One leg being shorter than the other, walking abnormalities, and conditions like scoliosis.

Do you also have these symptoms?

The main and most annoying symptom of this condition is pain. But it's not the only one. Let's take a look at what these symptoms are.

Let's also learn about sacroiliitis.

Sometimes, this SI joint can become inflamed. We call this Sacroiliitis. If you have this condition, you may feel stiff and stiff when you first wake up in the morning. Usually, the stiffness subsides within a few minutes after you stand up. However, the stiffness caused by Sacroiliitis can last for more than an hour. If left untreated, the pain can limit movement, disrupt sleep, and even cause depression.

How do you find this, Doctor?

Since there are many causes of back and leg pain, it can be challenging to pinpoint whether it is an SI joint problem, as the symptoms are very similar to those of other back problems, such as a herniated disc.

Your doctor will first do a physical exam, moving your legs and back in different positions to find out where the pain is coming from. Sometimes, they will ask you to pinpoint the exact location of the pain. This can be done using the "one-finger test." This means that you are asked to point to the area where it hurts the most with one finger.

Additionally, to confirm the diagnosis, an injection containing a painkiller and a steroid (SI joint injection) can be given directly into the joint. If the pain temporarily disappears after the injection, it can be confirmed that the problem is in the SI joint.

What are the treatments for this?

This condition is often managed with non-surgical treatments. The goal is to restore normal joint movement and reduce pain.

• Rest, ice, and heat: Rest is important when the pain is severe. Applying an ice pack can reduce swelling and pain. Applying a hot water bottle can help relax the muscles.
• Painkillers: Your doctor may recommend paracetamol, as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen.
• Physical Therapy: This is very important. A physical therapist will teach you specific exercises to strengthen the muscles around the SI joint and improve the movement of the joint.
• Manual Manipulation: Sometimes, if a joint feels "stuck," manual manipulation by a qualified professional (chiropractor, osteopathic doctor) can provide relief.
• Braces: If the joint is too loose, you can wear a brace, such as an SI belt, to provide support.
• Injections: As mentioned earlier, long-term relief can be achieved by administering painkillers and a steroid injection into the joint.

How to live with SI joint pain?

It can be a challenge to carry out daily activities with this pain, but if you take care of a few small things, you can find great relief.

Simple exercises you can do (Stretches)

It is essential to consult your doctor or physical therapist before doing these exercises.

• Knee-to-chest stretch:

1. Lie faceup on the floor or bed. Bend both knees and place your feet on the floor.

2. Hold one knee with both hands and pull it towards your chest. Pull it as far as you can and hold for about 15-30 seconds. Your back should be flat on the floor at this point.

3. Bring the leg back to its original position.

4. Do the same for the other leg. Do 2-4 times per leg.

How do you sit properly when you have pain?

Sitting incorrectly can make this pain worse.

• When sitting in a chair, keep your back straight and your shoulders relaxed.
• Keep your knees slightly apart.
• Most importantly: Sit with equal weight on both your buttocks. Don't sit with your weight on one side.
• If there is no lower back support, use a small pillow or lumbar roll.
• Avoid sitting cross-legged.

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