The Sacroiliac (SI) Joints connect the base of the spine (the “sacrum”) to the ilium of the pelvis or hip bone. When there is abnormal motion or inflammation of these joints, severe pain can result. The condition is known as “Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction.” There are several different names for this condition, including SI Joint Syndrome, SI Joint Dysfunction and SI Joint Inflammation.
Let’s take a closer look at this condition, and some of the most important questions patients have about the condition.
Top 5 Questions about SI Joint Dysfunction:
- What are the signs of SI joint dysfunction? One of the most common signs of SI Joint Dysfunction is severe pain and inflammation within the buttocks or lower back region. For most patients, the pain will gradually become worse when they run or stand for long periods of time. In severe cases, it hurts just to lie down due to direct pressure on the joint.
- What causes SI joint dysfunction? SI Joint dysfunction can be brought on by various conditions, including traumatic injury to the joint, infection, or pregnancy. Sometimes this condition is acquired after spinal fusion.
- How is this condition diagnosed? Diagnosing this condition will include a physical examination, which will enable the doctor to evaluate the patient’s medical history. The doctor will first ask questions, to determine if there are any underlying medical conditions which could be contributing to the patient’s pain, and differentiating pain coming from the SI Joints, lumbar spine, and hips. Doctors will also perform exams, such as x-rays and CT scans, which will help give them a detailed look at the patient’s joints and bones. A sacroiliac joint steroid injection will also help in diagnosing this condition.
- How will this condition be treated? For some patients, a sacroiliac joint steroid injection can be used to treat this condition. This procedure will involve the careful injection of steroids, along with a local anesthetic and saline solution, into the joint to reduce pain. However, when nonsurgical methods do not alleviate the patient’s condition, SI Joint Fusion Surgery may be a solution.
- What does SI Joint Fusion Surgery involve? SI Joint Fusion surgery is a minimally-invasive procedure, which should be considered when other, more conservative methods have failed. The procedure is performed through a small incision, taking about an hour to complete. Due to the procedure being performed through a small incision, patients should experience a quicker healing time and less irritation. Post-surgery, patients should have plenty of rest, limit weight bearing on the treated side and take pain medication as prescribed.
Sacroiliac Joint Treatment in the Greater Princeton Area
If you have questions on sacroiliac joint treatment, contact us to schedule an appointment. Our offices are located in Hamilton, NJ, serving the greater Princeton area. We can be reached at (609) 890-3400. We look forward to serving you!
