Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Pain Treatment in Plano, TX
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Sacroiliac Joint Pain Relief Plano, TX
Sacroiliac joint pain is a debilitating, painful condition that many people struggle with on a daily basis. At the Advanced Spine Center, we specialize in treating SI joint dysfunction. Our Plano orthopedic spine surgery clinic is dedicated to helping patients find relief from the discomfort and limitations caused by sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Our team of experienced spine specialists offers many SI joint pain treatment options tailored to address the unique needs of each individual.
Whether you’re seeking non-surgical interventions or considering surgical options, trust our expert team to guide you toward the most effective treatment plan for your sacroiliac joint condition. To schedule an appointment with us, please call our office at 972-499-5457 today.
What Is the Sacroiliac Joint?
Your sacroiliac joints (we call them the “SI” joints) are the places where your hips meet your spine. These joints don’t have a lot of flexibility, but they do move slightly as you move your body. And if SI joints become damaged or diseased, it can be painful.
SI Joint Pain vs Sciatica
Sacroiliac joint syndrome and sciatica are two distinct conditions, each with its own causes, symptoms, and treatments.
Sacroiliac pain, also known as SI joint dysfunction or sacroiliitis, refers to discomfort or inflammation in the sacroiliac joints. They are located in the lower back, where the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of the spine) connects to the pelvis. Common causes of sacroiliac joint pain include injury, arthritis, pregnancy-related changes, or degenerative conditions. Symptoms often include pain in the lower back, buttocks, hips, or thighs, stiffness, and difficulty with certain movements or activities.
Sciatica is a condition characterized by pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, which extends from the lower back down the back of each leg. Sciatica typically occurs due to compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, often caused by a herniated disc, bone spur, or spinal stenosis. Symptoms of sciatica may include sharp or shooting pain in the lower back, buttocks, or legs, tingling or numbness, and weakness in the affected leg.
SI Joint Pain Symptoms
SI joint pain starts in your lower back and buttock. It can radiate to your hip, groin, and thigh. Your leg may feel weak. It may feel numb or tingly. You may notice SI joint pain when you are sitting or lying down. You may also notice leg pain when you are walking or climbing stairs, or when you try to stand up after sitting. Usually, SI joint pain is felt only on one side. But if both joints are affected, you may feel pain on both sides.
Where Is SI Joint Pain Felt?
SI joint pain usually manifests as chronic low back pain or pain in the buttocks or hips. The pain may be localized to one side or may radiate across the lower back or down the back of the thigh. It can also extend into the groin area or even the upper back in some cases.
What Does Sacroiliac Joint Pain Feel Like?
SI joint syndrome can manifest differently depending on the individual experiencing it. It often worsens with activities like standing, walking, climbing stairs, or sitting for long periods. Additionally, SI joint pain may be accompanied by stiffness, tenderness, and difficulty with certain movements or positions.
Common descriptions of SI joint dysfunction include the following.
- Dull ache: Many individuals with sacroiliac joint pain report experiencing a persistent, dull ache in the lower back or buttocks region. This ache may feel deep within the pelvis and may worsen with certain movements or activities.
- Sharp or stabbing pain: Some people may experience sharp or stabbing pain in the sacroiliac joint area. This type of pain can be sudden and intense, often occurring with specific movements or when pressure is applied to the joint.
- Radiating pain: Sacroiliac joint pain can also cause pain radiating from the lower back down the back of the thigh, mimicking sciatica symptoms. This radiating pain may be accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg.
SI Joint Pain Causes
SI joints hurt when tiny nerves in the joints become irritated. It can happen if your joint is damaged in a traumatic injury. It can also happen if you have arthritis, which causes the joints to break down over time as you age. You can also feel pain in the SI joints if the supporting ligaments become irritated. That occurs if you walk with a limp or have another issue that places more stress on one hip than the other.
Other common causes of sacroiliac joint dysfunction include the following.
- Pregnancy-related changes
- Inflammatory conditions
- Abnormalities in the joint structure
- Overuse or repetitive movements
- Infections
How Is Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction Diagnosed?
SI joint inflammation and dysfunction can be diagnosed after taking a comprehensive medical history, performing a physical examination, and conducting diagnostic tests. The diagnostic process generally involves the following steps.
- Medical History: We will begin by asking you about your symptoms, including the location, duration, and severity of your pain, as well as any factors that worsen or alleviate your symptoms.
- Physical Examination: We will conduct a physical examination to assess your range of motion, muscle strength, and joint stability.
- Diagnostic Injections: Diagnostic injections, such as sacroiliac joint injections or provocation tests, may be necessary to confirm the source of your pain.
- Imaging Studies: While imaging studies such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans cannot definitively diagnose sacroiliac joint dysfunction, they may be ordered to rule out other potential causes of your symptoms.
SI Joint Xray
X-rays and other imaging studies usually cannot provide enough information to definitively diagnose SI joint pain. However, they are often instrumental in helping us rule out other potential causes of your pain, such as a sacroiliac joint injury or fracture, herniated discs, or arthritis. Additionally, they provide important information about the structure and alignment of the joint, which can further help with diagnosis.
What Is the Treatment for Sacroiliac Joint Pain?
Treatment depends on the cause of your pain. You may benefit from physical therapy, or from injections of medicine into your joint. You may benefit from a procedure called “radiofrequency ablation.” It uses electricity to destroy the painful nerve endings in your joint. If these aren’t helpful, you may need surgery to stabilize your joint. Your healthcare provider can create a plan that’s right for you. In the following sections, we explore the various treatment options we may consider for your pain.
Conservative Treatments for SI Joint Pain
Conservative treatments for sacroiliac joint pain aim to reduce pain, improve function, and restore mobility without the need for surgery. Most cases of sacroiliac joint dysfunction can be treated with conservative, minimally invasive options. These options include SI joint injections, radiofrequency ablation, electric spinal stimulation, and physical therapy.
SI Joint Injections
Sacroiliac joint injections involve injecting a combination of a local anesthetic and a corticosteroid medication directly into the sacroiliac joint. This minimally invasive procedure can provide both diagnostic information and therapeutic relief. If the injection alleviates the pain temporarily, it suggests that the sacroiliac joint is the source of the pain. Therapeutically, the corticosteroid can help reduce inflammation and provide longer-lasting pain relief.
Why Is My Pain Worse After SI Joint Injection?
Some individuals experience increased sacroiliac joint pain after SI joint injections. There are a few reasons for this, which we explain below.
- SI joint inflammation: The injection itself may cause temporary irritation or inflammation in the surrounding tissues, including the sacroiliac joint. This inflammation can lead to increased pain in the days following the injection before the medication has a chance to take effect and provide pain relief.
- Temporary discomfort: It’s common to experience some discomfort or soreness at the injection site immediately following the procedure. This discomfort typically resolves within a few days.
- Reactions to medication: While uncommon, some individuals may have an adverse reaction to the medications used in the injection, such as the local anesthetic or corticosteroid. This reaction can cause increased pain or discomfort in the hours or days following the injection.
- Delayed onset of pain relief: In some cases, the full effects of the corticosteroid medication may not be felt immediately after the injection. It can take several days to a week for the medication to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief.
- Underlying conditions: If the pain worsens significantly or persists for an extended period after the injection, it’s possible that there may be an underlying condition contributing to your symptoms.
Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation, also known as rhizotomy or RFA, is a minimally invasive procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to disrupt the nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals from the sacroiliac joint to the brain. During the procedure, a specialized needle is inserted near the affected nerves under fluoroscopic guidance, and radiofrequency energy is then applied to create a lesion that interrupts the pain signals. RFA can relieve pain in the long-term from sacroiliac joint pain for many patients.
Spinal Cord Stimulation
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a therapeutic technique that involves the placement of a small device, similar to a pacemaker, under the skin near the spinal cord. This device delivers electrical impulses to the nerves in the spinal cord, interfering with the transmission of pain signals to the brain and providing relief from chronic pain, including sacroiliac joint pain. SCS is typically considered for individuals who have not found relief from other conservative treatments. It is a popular choice in pain physician circles.
Physical Therapy for SI Joint Pain
Physical therapy plays a crucial role in the conservative management of sacroiliac joint pain. A physical therapist can develop a customized treatment plan that includes exercises to strengthen the muscles surrounding the sacroiliac joint, improve flexibility, and correct any muscle imbalances or postural abnormalities that may be contributing to the pain. Manual therapy techniques such as joint mobilization, soft tissue massage, and stretching may also be employed to alleviate pain and improve joint function.
Sacroiliac Joint Pain Exercises
Exercises for sacroiliac joint pain are aimed at improving strength, flexibility, and stability in the muscles surrounding the sacroiliac joint, as well as promoting proper alignment and posture. Many patients benefit from the following exercises.
- Pelvic Tilts: Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Gently tilt your pelvis backward, flattening your lower back against the floor. Hold for a few seconds, then release and return to the starting position. Repeat 10-15 times.
- Bridge Pose: Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart. Engage your abdominal muscles and lift your hips off the floor, creating a straight line from your shoulders to your knees. Hold for a few seconds, then lower your hips back down to the floor. Repeat 10-15 times.
- Child’s Pose: Start on your hands and knees in a tabletop position. Sit back on your heels, reaching your arms forward and lowering your chest towards the floor. Hold for 20-30 seconds, breathing deeply into your lower back and hips.
- Piriformis Stretch: Sit on the floor with one leg extended straight and the other leg crossed over, placing the foot of the crossed leg on the outside of the knee of the extended leg. Gently twist your torso towards the crossed leg, using your opposite elbow to press against the outside of the knee for a deeper stretch. Hold for 20-30 seconds, then switch sides.
- Clamshell Exercise: Lie on your side with your knees bent and hips stacked. Keeping your feet together, lift your top knee towards the ceiling while keeping your pelvis stable. Lower your knee back down to the starting position. Repeat 10-15 times on each side.
Is Walking Good for Sacroiliac Joint Pain?
Yes, walking can be beneficial for sacroiliac joint pain. It is a low-impact exercise that helps improve joint mobility, strengthens surrounding muscles, and promotes proper posture, which can reduce strain on the sacroiliac joint.
Additionally, walking as part of a regular exercise routine contributes to weight management, alleviating stress on the joint and potentially reducing pain. However, it’s essential to listen to your body and avoid activities that worsen your symptoms. If walking exacerbates your sacroiliac joint pain, take a break and speak with your doctor.
Is Cycling Good for SI Joint Pain?
Yes, cycling can be a beneficial form of exercise for individuals with sacroiliac (SI) joint pain. It is a low-impact activity that provides cardiovascular benefits while minimizing stress on the SI joint. Cycling helps improve joint mobility and strengthens the muscles surrounding the SI joint, which can enhance stability and reduce pain.
Additionally, cycling allows for controlled movement and can be easily adjusted to accommodate individual comfort levels. However, it’s essential to ensure proper bike fit and posture to avoid exacerbating symptoms. As with any exercise, it’s recommended to listen to your body and consult with a healthcare professional if you experience increased discomfort or pain while cycling.
Sacroiliac Joint Pain Exercises to Avoid
While exercise can be beneficial for sacroiliac joint pain, there are some exercises that may exacerbate symptoms or strain the SI joint. It’s important to avoid activities that involve excessive twisting, bending, or impact on the lower back and pelvis. Exercises to avoid for sacroiliac joint pain include the following.
- High-impact activities, such as running or jumping
- Deep squats
- Heavy weightlifting
- Single-leg movements
- Hyperextension exercises
- High-intensity interval training (HIIT)
SI Joint Stretches
Stretching can help alleviate tension and improve flexibility in the muscles surrounding the sacroiliac (SI) joint, potentially reducing pain and discomfort. You can try the following stretches.
- Pigeon Pose: Start in a tabletop position on hands and knees. Bring one knee forward towards the same-side wrist, extending the other leg straight back behind you. Lower your hips towards the floor, feeling a deep stretch in the outer hip and buttocks. Hold the stretch for 20-30 seconds, then switch legs and repeat on the other side.
- Supine Knee-to-Chest Stretch: Lie on your back with both knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Bring one knee towards your chest, clasping your hands around your shin or behind your thigh. Hold the stretch for 20-30 seconds, feeling a gentle stretch in the lower back and buttocks. Switch legs and repeat on the other side.
- Seated 4-Figure Stretch: Sit on the edge of a chair or bench with both feet flat on the floor. Cross one ankle over the opposite knee, forming a figure-4 shape with your legs. Gently press down on the crossed knee, keeping your back straight and chest lifted. Hold the stretch for 20-30 seconds, then switch legs and repeat on the other side.
- Seated Forward Fold: Sit on the floor with your legs extended straight in front of you. Hinge forward at the hips, reaching your hands towards your feet or shins. Keep your back straight and avoid rounding your spine. Hold the stretch for 20-30 seconds, feeling a gentle stretch in the hamstrings and lower back.
How to Sit with SI Joint Pain
For someone experiencing sacroiliac joint pain, adopting proper sitting posture can help alleviate discomfort and reduce strain on the SI joint. Some tips for sitting with sacroiliac joint dysfunction include the following.
- Use a supportive chair
- Sit with proper posture
- Use cushions or pillows
- Take frequent breaks from sitting
- Adjust your sitting position
- Engage your core muscles
- Listen to your body
Sleeping Position Sacroiliac Joint Pain Relief
The best sleeping position for sacroiliac joint pain relief is often on your back with proper support for your lower back and hips. Below, we list more specific tips for optimizing your sleeping position when you suffer from SI joint pain.
- Use a supportive mattress
- Use pillows for support
- Sleep with even hips
- Avoid sleeping on your stomach
- Experiment with different positions
Surgery for SI Joint Pain
Most individuals with sacroiliac joint pain find relief through conservative treatments. However, in very severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Surgery is typically reserved for individuals who have not found relief from conservative treatments and have severe, debilitating symptoms. If your doctor determines that surgery is the best option, they will likely recommend sacroiliac joint fixation and fusion.
SI Joint Fusion
Sacroiliac joint fusion is a surgical procedure that can help treat sacroiliac joint pain by stabilizing and immobilizing the joint. During the procedure, the surfaces of the sacrum and ilium are fused together using implants or bone grafts, eliminating movement in the joint and reducing pain. SI joint fusion is typically recommended for individuals with severe, debilitating sacroiliac joint pain that has not responded to conservative treatments such as medication, physical therapy, or injections.
SI joint fusion can provide significant pain relief and improve function for many patients, but we still recommend speaking with a qualified orthopedic spine surgeon.
SI Joint Fusion Permanent Restrictions
After undergoing sacroiliac joint fusion surgery, there may be some permanent restrictions or limitations to consider. The specific restrictions can vary depending on factors such as the individual’s overall health, the surgical technique used, and the surgeon’s recommendations. Generally, patients should keep the following considerations in mind.
- Avoid heavy lifting.
- Limit high-impact activities.
- Be careful with twisting movements.
- Maintain proper posture.
- Follow rehabilitation guidelines.
- Attend all follow-up appointments.
Call the Advanced Spine Center for SI Joint Pain Relief in Plano, TX
At the Advanced Spine Center in Plano, TX, we understand that SI joint pain can have a debilitating impact on your daily life. Our experienced team of orthopedic spine surgeons and specialists is dedicated to helping you find relief from your pain. From conservative treatments like SI joint injections to SI joint fusion, we offer a range of treatment options that we will tailor to meet your individual needs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a life free from pain and discomfort.
