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Pain in the sacroiliac joint: Everything you need to know 🦴

Pain in the sacroiliac joint, although it may seem abstract, can have a significant impact on our daily lives.

Imagine yourself getting up in the morning, but every movement is accompanied by a sharp pain in the lower back. ⏰

You go to work, but the hours spent sitting at your desk become a challenge, forcing you to squirm to alleviate the pain.

Perhaps even a simple walk or exercise session becomes a difficult task to accomplish. ⛹️

In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about sacroiliac joint pain.

From symptoms to risk factors to prevention and treatment methods, you will find essential information here to help you understand this painful condition. 👇

What is the sacroiliac joint?

The sacroiliac joint is an articulation located at the base of the spine, where the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of the spine) connects to the iliac bones (the large, flat bones of the hips).

This joint is crucial for the stability of the spine and pelvis, as well as for the transmission of force between the upper and lower body. ☝️

Imagine the sacroiliac joint as a sturdy hinge that connects the trunk to the hips.

When you walk, run, or perform twisting movements, this joint plays a crucial role in absorbing shock and allowing some mobility of the pelvis. 🏃

However, when subjected to excessive stress, muscle imbalances, or other issues, it can become painful and limit mobility.

Sacroiliac joint pain is common and can be caused by various factors.

What are the types of pain that can be caused by the sacroiliac joint?

The sacroiliac joint can cause various types of pain depending on how it is affected.

Common types of pain associated with the sacroiliac joint include:

💥 Localized pain: Pain is often localized in the lower back region, near the buttocks, and may radiate to the hip, groin, or thigh. It can be felt on one side or both sides.

💥 Dull or throbbing pain: Sacroiliac joint pain is generally described as dull, throbbing, or deep. It can be continuous or intermittent.

💥 Acute pain: In some cases, the sacroiliac joint can suddenly become inflamed, causing acute and intense pain. This pain may be triggered by a specific movement or trauma.

💥 Referred pain: Sacroiliac joint pain can radiate to other parts of the body, leading to hip, thigh, or even knee pain. This can sometimes be confused with other conditions, such as sciatica.

💥 Tenderness: Tenderness when palpating the pelvic region, including the sacroiliac joint itself, is often a characteristic sign of sacroiliac syndrome.

💥 Pain during specific activities: Sacroiliac joint pain can be exacerbated by certain movements, such as bending forward, standing up after sitting for a while, or twisting the body.

articulations sacro iliaques

Risk factors associated with sacroiliac joint pain

In the following section, we will delve into detail about the various risk factors associated with sacroiliac joint pain. Understanding these factors can help identify potential causes of this pain and take preventive measures to maintain the health of this crucial joint. 👇

🤰 Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a risk factor for sacroiliac joint pain due to hormonal changes that cause relaxation of pelvic ligaments. This can make the sacroiliac joint more unstable, leading to discomfort and pain in the pelvic region and lower back.

🤕 Accident/Trauma

An accident or trauma, such as a fall or a direct impact on the pelvic region, can damage the sacroiliac joint, increasing the risk of pain. Traumatic injuries can result in joint instability, localized pain, and mobility problems, often requiring medical intervention.

🚶 Incorrect Posture

Incorrect posture, whether sitting or standing, can exert excessive pressure on the sacroiliac joint. This can lead to muscle imbalances, pelvic instability, and pain. Prolonged poor posture can contribute to the development of sacroiliac joint issues and may require postural adjustments to prevent pain.

⚽ Intense Physical

Activities Intense physical activities, especially those involving twisting or excessive load on the pelvic region, increase the risk of sacroiliac joint pain. Repetitive or excessive stress can cause injuries, muscle imbalances, and pain in this area, requiring special attention to prevent problems.

📏 Mechanical Dysfunction

Mechanical dysfunction, such as muscle imbalances, leg length asymmetry, or posture issues, can overload the sacroiliac joint. These mechanical abnormalities can lead to pelvic instability, pain, and mobility problems, necessitating rehabilitation to alleviate symptoms.

🫳 Arthritis

Arthritis, such as ankylosing spondylitis, can affect the sacroiliac joint, causing pain, inflammation, and stiffness. Affected sacroiliac joints can result in reduced mobility and a diminished quality of life. Medical treatment aims to control inflammation and relieve symptoms.

👵🏻 Aging

The natural aging process of the body can increase the risk of sacroiliac joint pain. With age, the sacroiliac joint may undergo wear and tear, leading to deterioration and loss of stability. Older individuals are therefore more likely to develop issues with this joint and may require specific care to alleviate pain.

👜 Occupational Activities

Certain professions that require prolonged standing or sitting, or involve repetitive movements, can increase the risk of sacroiliac joint pain. Occupational stress on the pelvic region can lead to muscle tension and chronic pain, necessitating special attention and potentially ergonomic adjustments.

👪 Heredity

Heredity can play a role in susceptibility to sacroiliac joint problems. If family members have a history of sacroiliac joint pain or pelvic issues, there may be a genetic predisposition to develop these conditions. However, other environmental factors can also contribute to these problems.

📉 Obesity

Obesity, characterized by excess body weight, can exert additional pressure on the sacroiliac joint. This extra load can lead to premature wear and tear, pelvic instability, and pain. Obese individuals are more likely to develop sacroiliac joint problems, requiring weight management and appropriate care to relieve symptoms.

Our top tips for preventing sacroiliac joint pain

In the following section, we will share our top tips for preventing sacroiliac joint pain. These tips include simple strategies to promote the health of this crucial joint, reduce risk factors, and improve your quality of life by maintaining optimal pelvic mobility. 👇

💪 Muscle Strengthening

Muscle strengthening is essential to promote the stability of the sacroiliac joint. By strengthening the muscles of the back, abdomen, and pelvis, you can reduce pressure on the joint and improve its function. Targeted exercises can help prevent or alleviate sacroiliac joint pain and promote overall musculoskeletal health.

🤸 Stretching

Stretching is essential for preventing and relieving sacroiliac joint pain. It helps maintain the flexibility of the muscles and ligaments surrounding this joint. Regular stretching can improve mobility, reduce tension, and promote overall well-being, thereby minimizing the risk of sacroiliac pain.

🚶 Maintaining Good

Posture Maintaining good posture is fundamental for the health of the sacroiliac joint. Incorrect posture can increase pressure on this joint and lead to pain. By teaching patients the principles of proper posture, we can minimize stress on the joint and prevent pain-related issues.

🏃‍♀️ Warm-Up Before Exercise

Warming up before exercise is crucial for the health of the sacroiliac joint. This prepares the muscles and ligaments for physical exertion, reduces the risk of injuries, and improves blood circulation. Proper warm-up before exercise helps maintain the mobility of the sacroiliac joint and prevents pain.

🙅‍♀️ Avoid Sudden Movements

Avoiding sudden movements is essential to prevent sacroiliac joint pain. Abrupt movements or excessive trunk twisting can exert undue pressure on this joint, increasing the risk of injuries and pain. Adopting smooth and controlled movements can protect the stability of the sacroiliac joint.

🤰 Caution During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, special caution is necessary to prevent sacroiliac joint pain. Hormonal changes and the relaxation of pelvic ligaments can make this joint more unstable. Proper guidance, appropriate exercises, and chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate pain and maintain mobility during this period.

⚖️ Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for the health of the sacroiliac joint. Excess weight exerts additional pressure on this joint, which can lead to pain and mobility issues. Maintaining an appropriate body weight is a crucial way to prevent sacroiliac joint pain and promote musculoskeletal well-being.

👟 Proper Footwear

Choosing proper footwear is essential for maintaining the health of the sacroiliac joint. Well-fitted shoes with good support and cushioning help maintain proper posture and reduce pressure on this joint. This contributes to preventing pain and promoting pelvic stability.

👖 Use of Supportive Devices

The use of supportive devices, such as pelvic support belts, can be beneficial for relieving sacroiliac joint pain. These devices provide additional support to the pelvic region, stabilize the joint, and reduce pressure, which can help prevent pain and improve mobility.

🧑‍⚕️ Consult a Chiropractor

Consulting a chiropractor can be beneficial for preventing or treating sacroiliac joint pain.

As chiropractors at Chiropratique du Portage clinic, we are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat sacroiliac joint issues.

Through specific adjustment techniques, exercise guidance, ergonomic recommendations, and personalized care, we can help alleviate pain, restore mobility, and improve the function of this crucial joint.

A chiropractic evaluation can also help identify specific risk factors and develop a preventive treatment plan to maintain the health of the sacroiliac joint.

Contact our team at Chiro du Portage Clinic now for personalized care tailored to your situation! 📱

Your well-being is our priority.

Our chiropractors:

🧑‍⚕️ Dr. Émilie Gaudreau, DC

🧑‍⚕️ Dr. Patrick Gaudreau, DC

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