Is Your Sacroiliac Joint Causing Your Lower Back Pain?
One of the reasons back pain is such a common medical complaint (most people will experience it at least once in their lives) is because it has so many different potential causes. Most people are familiar with the common ones, like a strained back muscle or herniated disc. But sometimes, back pain isn’t really back pain–at least not how we generally conceive it. While you might experience pain or discomfort in your lower back, the actual source of the pain might be a little lower, in your sacroiliac joint.
At Rebound Physical Therapy, our team of physical therapists understands that the best way to resolve back pain is to determine where that pain is coming from. Thanks to our comprehensive assessments, we can help you determine if your lower back pain is actually a symptom of problems with your sacroiliac joint –and then provide you with a targeted treatment to help resolve it.
The Sacroiliac Joint: What It Is and What Can Go Wrong
The sacroiliac (SI) joint connects your spine to your pelvis. You have two of them, one on each side. They’re connected to the sacrum, a small triangular bone at the base of your spine. The SI joints allow you to transfer weight between your upper and lower body. However, the joints themselves don’t move all that much, and they’re located fairly deep in your pelvic structure, surrounded by strong ligaments and muscles.
There are two reasons why your sacroiliac joint might cause your pain:
- Sacroiliac joint dysfunction occurs due to biomechanical issues in your SI joint. It’s particularly common during pregnancy, as the sacroiliac joint is “loosened up” in preparation for childbirth (hypermobility). However, an overly restricted sacroiliac joint can also cause issues (hypomobility).
- Sacroiliitis refers to an SI joint inflammation due to osteoarthritis, hormonal changes during pregnancy, or injury.
Both conditions can cause similar symptoms. The biggest difference between the two is the presence of inflammation, as there are no inflammatory processes with SI joint dysfunction.
Issues with Your SI Joint? How to Tell
It can be difficult to determine if you’re struggling with SI joint issues or lower back pain, as they can cause similar symptoms. If you’re struggling with any pain or discomfort in your back or buttocks, your best bet is to schedule an appointment with our physical therapists. We can help you get to the bottom of things.
That said, here are some of the common signs of SI joint issues:
- You’ll notice pain when sitting, lying down, or climbing stairs. In fact, you may have trouble sitting for long periods due to the pain.
- You experience pain directly over your buttocks.
- The pain seems to stem from deep inside your body.
Treating SI Joint Pain: What To Expect
We’ll begin with a comprehensive physical exam to help us determine the exact source of your pain, including confirming if the SI joint is involved at all. Once we understand your unique situation, our experts will develop your customized treatment program. Here’s what you might expect:
- Pain Management: We’ll find a solution that suits your needs. Spinal mobilizations and other manual therapy techniques can help if your pain stems from immobility. Hot and cold therapy can help manage pain and inflammation.
- Mobility Exercises: If applicable, we can guide you through targeted exercises to improve the flexibility and mobility in your SI joint.
- Strengthening Exercises: One of the best ways to address SI pain is to strengthen your core and gluteus muscles, both of which support and stabilize the SI joint. Our therapists will develop an exercise program appropriate to your needs and ensure you perform all exercises correctly.
- Prevention Tips: Finally, we’ll work with you to help you adopt a physically active lifestyle, which can help reduce and prevent SI dysfunction.
What’s Causing Your Back Pain?
You don’t have to put up with persistent pain, whether it’s in your back, buttocks, or radiating down your leg! The physical therapists at Rebound Physical Therapy will dig down deep to determine the underlying source of your pain, no matter what it is. Ready to get started? Call us to schedule an appointment today!
Recipe of the Month: One-Pan Tuscan Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 small yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 c drained oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 oz Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 to 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 5 oz baby spinach
- 1 1/4 c heavy cream
Directions:
- Dice 1 small yellow onion and mince 3 garlic cloves. Slice 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes and grate 1 oz Parmesan (or use 1/3 cup pre-grated).
- Cut 2 chicken breasts in half horizontally, pat dry, and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Sear half the chicken for 3-5 min per side, then transfer to a plate. Repeat with remaining chicken.
- Reduce heat to medium, add another tbsp olive oil, and cook the onion until softened, 2-3 min. Add garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and 2 tsp Italian seasoning. Cook for 30 sec-1 min.
- Add 5 oz spinach, cooking until wilted, 1-2 min. Stir in Parmesan, 1 1/4 cup heavy cream, and 1/2 tsp salt.
- Simmer, scraping up browned bits. Return chicken to the pan and cook until it reaches 165ºF, 4-7 min.
Our Patients Get Great Results
“I’ve been a patient with Rebound Physical Therapy for over a year now and have thoroughly enjoyed my experience through the process of healing and recovery. Every meeting I’ve had has been fun and friendly, even when the work was hard! Steve is incredibly thorough and thoughtful, and I appreciate everything he has done to help me. If I’m ever needing physical therapy again, I will be coming back! Thank you so much!” — L.K.
Direct Access
Did You Know That You Don’t Need A Referral For PT? Find Out More About Direct Access!
Think you need a referral from a physician to see a physical therapist? Well, think again! Every state allows for evaluation and treatment from a physical therapist without a doctor’s referral with Direct Access legislation.
Pregnancy and Back Pain: A Quick Dive
Did you know that one of the most common complaints during pregnancy is back pain, right alongside morning sickness and mood swings? Experts estimate that up to 70% of women will experience lower back pain during pregnancy!
Why is back pain so common? It has to do with the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. In preparation for childbirth, your body creates two hormones–progesterone and relaxin–that loosen the ligaments and joints in your pelvic area (including your sacroiliac joint). This hypermobility destabilizes your joints, causing aches and a higher risk of injury.
The other reason for increased back pain has to do with changes in your center of gravity. As your baby grows, your abdominals weaken and your lower spine pulls forward, which can strain your lower back muscles.
How We Can Help
If pregnancy is causing you pain in your lower back, call us to schedule an appointment. We can develop a drug-free pain management plan to see you through the end of your pregnancy. Depending on the underlying source of your pain, some of the techniques we might try include the following:
- Postural and biomechanical corrections
- Exercises, such as therapeutic Yoga
- Relaxation techniques
- Modification strategies like supported side-sleeping or using a lumbar roll while sitting
No matter the reason for your back pain, we’re here to help you find relief!
