Sacroiliac joint syndrome

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Sacroiliac (SI) joint syndrome is often overlooked. We can give you the care you need.

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Orthopedics | About spine surgery | Diagnosis | Treatment | Recovery and rehabilitation

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The sacroiliac (SI) joints connect the lower spine to the pelvis. Pain in these joints is called SI joint syndrome. This pain can have various causes.

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Causes

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The sacrum bone is located at the base of the spine. Sometimes it doesn't grow properly and/or the bones in this area can become joined together. This can lead to pain and other problems in the SI joints.

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Female hormones are released during pregnancy to help the tissues in the pelvis stretch during childbirth. This stretching can lead to changes or problems in the SI joints. This can sometimes lead to SI joint problems later in life for women.

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Causes of SI joint problems include:
- Injury from a fall or car accident
- Torn ligaments or connective tissues between the joints
- Normal wear and tear, which can lead to the swelling and pain of arthritis
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Symptoms and treatment

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Sometimes SI joint syndrome is confused with lower back pain. Often, there is a pattern of back and pelvic pain that feel similar and can be hard to tell apart.

The most common symptoms are:
- Low back pain
- Buttock pain
- Thigh pain
- Problems with sitting in one place for too long due to pain
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We always try to find the least invasive treatment plan or the one that requires either no surgery or the simplest surgery possible. Most people don't need surgery.

If your quality of life continues to be affected after nonsurgical treatment, surgery may be the best choice. Our spine surgeon, Sean Keem, MD, is an expert in handling even the most challenging cases.

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