If you struggle with lower back pain, then you may look for more common culprits like poor posture, weak muscles, or even a recent injury. One of the lesser-known causes of lower back pain and pain in other areas of the body can actually be caused by what is known as your sacroiliac joint. Pain in your back when you move from standing to sitting may be a sign of stiff, sore muscles, or it could be a sign of your sacroiliac joint getting aggravated. When you visit your chiropractor for back pain treatment, they will look at the root cause of your pain and what structures in the body are not functioning properly to cause this type of discomfort. Here’s what you need to know about sacroiliac pain and what treatment options are available for you.
What Is the Sacroiliac Joint?
Your body has two sacroiliac joints, one on either side of your lower back near your spine. The sacroiliac joints are responsible for bearing the weight of your upper body when you are standing up, walking, or when you go from standing to sitting. That’s why you may be more likely to notice an issue with the sacroiliac joint when you move from one position to the other. These joints are located near your pelvis, so any type of bending at the waist can engage the area. The sacroiliac joints also help absorb shock from pressure and movements of the upper body on the spine and lower half of the body.
Types of Pain with the Sacroiliac Joint
People can experience sacroiliac pain differently depending on what triggers it. Some people experience a dull, throbbing pain, while others may experience a sharp, stabbing pain. The pain can be local to the lower back but may also radiate into the hips, buttocks, and legs. You may only notice pain caused by the aggravation of the sacroiliac joint on one side of the body, and it may only flare up with certain movements or postures. It is common for sacroiliac pain to be more bothersome in the morning after you have been sleeping and then lessen throughout the day.
What Causes Sacroiliac Pain?
Inflammation in the joint is the most common reason for sacroiliac pain. This inflammation could be caused by a sudden injury to the area, like while playing your favorite sport or from a slip and fall accident. Regular, repetitive movements like running and jogging can also aggravate the sacroiliac joint because of the pressure of your feet hitting the pavement and jolting your legs and back. The ligaments that support the sacroiliac joint can also become damaged and affect the healthy functioning of the joint. Arthritis can also affect this joint, and as the cartilage in the joint slowly wears away, it can cause more pain and discomfort. If you are pregnant, you may also develop sacroiliac pain because your body is adjusting to growth and changes in the way your joints move.
Treatment Options for Sacroiliac Pain
If your sacroiliac pain is caused by a sport or regular activity like running or jogging, your doctor may recommend you take time away until the inflammation goes down. Resting the area gives your body a chance to address the immediate inflammation and reduce pressure on the joint. Visit a chiropractor for an all-natural and non-surgical approach to managing pain. Your chiropractor can use gentle and effective chiropractic adjustments to help relieve your pain and improve healthy functioning in your body. Your doctor may also recommend stretches, exercises, or even working with a physical therapist. Stretching and exercises can help strengthen the muscles that support your back and legs, which gives your body more stability. Exercises can also help retrain your body and correct any bad habits that may have been exacerbating your pain. Most instances of sacroiliac pain can be addressed with minimal to non-invasive treatment options like chiropractic care and physical therapy.
If you are dealing with sacroiliac pain, visit AICA Orthopedics in Snellville and meet with our team of multi-specialty doctors. You can get comprehensive care from diagnosis through recovery and work with a chiropractor, physical therapist, and get any necessary X-rays or scans you need all in one convenient location!