/assets/images/provider/photos/2840780.jpeg)
Persistent lower back pain? Your sacroiliac (SI) joint might be the problem. Learn five common signs that SI dysfunction is causing your pain and how SI joint fusion stabilizes the joint for long-term relief from your chronic pain.
Are you dealing with persistent lower back pain that doesn't seem to get better no matter what you try? The problem might not be in your back at all. It could be your sacroiliac (SI) joint.
Your SI joint connects your spine to your pelvis, and it can be a source of constant, aching pain that doesn’t respond to many of the most common back pain treatments. Our team at Centers for Pain Control & Vein Care specializes in treating SI joint pain, and understanding the signs that SI joint dysfunction is causing your pain is the first step to lasting relief.
What your SI joint is (and why it can cause chronic back pain)
Your SI joint connects the bottom of your spine to your pelvis on both sides of your body. These joints are the foundation that supports your entire spinal column while transferring weight and force from your upper body down through your legs.
These joints consist of intricate networks of ligaments and bone surfaces working together. Under normal circumstances, your SI joints move very little, just enough to absorb impact when you walk, run, or jump.
But when injury, arthritis, or previous spinal surgeries damage the ligaments or cartilage in the joint, it can get unstable or inflamed. That instability can turn your SI joint into a significant source of chronic pain that affects nearly everything you do.
Conservative care like physical therapy and activity modification can help relieve SI joint pain, but in more severe cases, surgery might be a good option. SI joint fusion is a surgical procedure that permanently stabilizes the joint by encouraging the bones to grow together into a single, solid structure.
Signs SI joint fusion might be right for you
SI joint fusion involves implanting titanium rods across your SI joint to eliminate the excessive movement that’s causing your pain. Over time, new bone forms around these implants to create a stable foundation that no longer triggers the chronic discomfort that's been limiting your life.
Here are five signs that SI joint fusion might be the solution to your lower back pain.
1. Your pain is concentrated in your lower back and buttocks
You notice your pain is primarily located in your lower back, specifically on one or both sides just above your buttocks. The discomfort might extend into your buttock area itself. Most people describe SI joint pain as a deep, aching sensation that's distinctly different from typical muscle pain.
2. Your pain radiates down your leg
You might also experience pain that travels from your lower back or buttock down into your leg, which can be confused with sciatica from a herniated disc. However, SI joint pain typically doesn't extend below the knee and has a different quality than nerve-related leg pain.
If imaging has ruled out disc problems but you still have radiating pain, your SI joint could be the culprit.
3. Standing and walking make your pain worse
You experience significant discomfort when standing for extended periods or walking, especially on uneven surfaces or stairs. The pain intensifies because these activities put stress on your SI joint as it tries to absorb shock and transfer forces between your upper and lower body. You might find yourself shifting your weight frequently or avoiding activities that require prolonged standing.
4. You feel pelvic instability
You have a sensation that your pelvis isn't stable or solid, almost like something is "giving way" or shifting when you move, and it can make you more cautious about your movements. The small movements and rotations that occur in your unstable SI joint create uncertainty with each step and contribute to your chronic pain.
5. Conservative treatments haven't provided lasting relief
First-line treatment for SI joint pain typically includes physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, activity modification, or even SI joint injections. But if you’ve tried these options and your pain persists or returns shortly after treatment ends, it indicates that your SI joint dysfunction may require a more definitive solution like fusion.
If any of these signs sound familiar, it’s time to learn more about SI joint fusion. The treatment addresses the root cause of your pain by permanently stabilizing the problematic joint, offering relief that lasts for years rather than weeks or months. Get started today by calling 219-476-7246 or requesting an appointment online at our offices in Hobart, La Porte, Merrillville, Munster, or Valparaiso, Indiana.