Sacroiliac injuries can be caused by trauma, abnormality in the sacroiliac joint and sacrum, or pregnancy. Symptoms include back pain, sciatica, and numbness in the feet. Treatment options include physical therapy, medication, steroid injections, and surgery.
A sacroiliac injury is an injury to the sacroiliac joint in the lower back. The SI joint works in conjunction with the sacrum, spine, and pelvis. There are several types of sacroiliac injuries that can be very painful. Doctors can easily diagnose and treat this condition after finding out what caused the initial injury.
The most common type of SI injury results from trauma to the buttocks and lower back, such as from a fall or direct blow. Athletes often sustain sacroiliac injuries from impact or repetitive motion while playing contact sports such as soccer and wrestling. Trauma and stress fractures from a hard blow in an automobile accident would also cause an injury to the lower sacroiliac area.
Pregnant women can also develop sacroiliac injuries during childbirth. This happens because during pregnancy the body’s hormones work overtime and relax the soft tissues and joints. When the tissue weakens, the joints in the lower back move more than normal causing back pain. Over time, friction from loose back and pelvic joints can cause injury to the SI joint.
Sacroiliac injury can also occur if a person has an abnormality in the sacroiliac joint and sacrum. Sometimes the bones and joints that hold the sacrum in place don’t fit properly and create extra pressure on the SI joint. Other defects such as having degenerative spinal arthritis or having one leg longer or shorter than the other can also cause SI joint dysfunction. The person may also have pelvic pain when the bones in the legs are not the same length.
When a person has a SI injury, there are a few symptoms they might be experiencing. Common signs include sciatica or back pain in the lower back and buttocks, usually on one side. Some people may also have groin pain that radiates to the upper thighs. Other symptoms include numbness and tingling in the feet or calves and burning in the lower back. To determine how extensive the injury is, a person should see an orthopedic spine specialist.
The orthopedic surgeon would most likely do a physical exam and x-rays to determine the extent of the SI injury. If repetitive motion from sports or work activities has caused the injury, the patient may need physical restraints until the injury heals. Most doctors treat SI spinal injuries conservatively with physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and hot/warm compresses. Another method of treatment is steroid injections, and as a last resort, doctors may recommend surgery.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
