Sacroiliac Joint – Is My Back Pain Really Caused By My Back?

Suffering with back pain, however big or small the problem, is never a comfortable experience. But there may be another cause behind why you are getting that pain. A pelvic joint known as the sacroiliac joint and your lower back can mimic similar symptoms when it comes to pain.  

 

So how can you help to distinguish between them? 

The Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) is situated either side of base of the spine and connects the lower back to the pelvis. They can be easily identified as these joints sit just under the dimples at the back of the pelvis. This joint plays an important role in helping the pelvis to dissipate force through the rest of the body when walking, running and hopping.  

 

Not impressed? Well, this joint can also twist and expand to help during childbirth! Like other places in the body, sometimes things can start to become dysfunctional or become irritated due to several factors. This is when pain can start to occur. 

Pain emitted from the sacroiliac joint can be described as a dull, unrelenting, ‘headachey’ type discomfort deep in the lower back which can usually be pinpointed to one of the dimples to the side of the spine. This irritation can also cause a dull discomfort deep into the buttock, outside of the hip, groin and down the front of the thigh to the knee.  

 

Positions such as rolling over in bed, getting in and out of the car and sitting for long periods of time can all aggravate this joint. Eek, nasty stuff, right? 

The first port of call is to identify if the SIJ is the generator of your pain. This can be done by thoroughly assessing the movement of the pelvis, lower back and hip complex to identify if there are any areas of restriction or dysfunction which could be causing the symptoms you are feeling.  

 

By combining your injury history with and extensive examination and assessment, the SIJ can be ruled in or out. Soft tissue massage is a great way to help address any tight muscles and joint restrictions which can attribute to your pain.  

 

Strengthening protocols such as rehabilitation exercises can play a crucial role alongside hands on treatment in addressing your symptoms in the short term.  

 

This will also help to keep you out of discomfort for the long run by getting to the root cause of why this joint has become painful. 

If you’re suffering with lower back or pelvic pain and wish to identify the causes for long term relief, have a chat with one of our therapists to see what can be done.