Sacroiliac (SI) joint pain can be caused by certain spine conditions, as well as other injuries or abnormalities of the spine. These types of conditions that cause SI joint dysfunction often result in symptoms including pain in the lower back, hips, and pelvis, as well as pain, tingling, and numbness in one or both legs and the buttocks. Patients who suffer from SI joint pain and dysfunction understand the debilitating back pain associated with this condition.
The chronic back pain and limited mobility associated with SI joint pain can cause a patient to experience a decrease in quality of life because they can no longer perform daily activities or hobbies. If you are experiencing back pain that is causing a decline in your daily life, please seek advice from your doctor or a spine care specialist. Your medical professional can help determine the cause of your back pain and symptoms, as well as the best treatment options based on the severity of your condition. Continue reading to learn about the causes of SI joint dysfunction as well as the potential treatment options available.
Causes of SI Joint Dysfunction
SI joint dysfunction can be caused by several types of degenerative spine conditions, injuries, or abnormalities. The most common cause of this condition is often degenerative spine disease, which simply describes the gradual deterioration of the spine during the natural aging process. With years of weight gain and repetitive motion, the cartilage covering the SI joint may begin to wear down, causing bone-on-bone contact around the SI joint. This could result in the development of bone spurs, misalignment of the spine, and the compression of the nerve root located next to the SI joint.
Other causes of SI joint dysfunction can include:
- Previous lumbar fusion
- Arthritis
- Pregnancy
- Degenerative sacroiliitis
- Uneven hip alignment
- Injury from misstep of fall
- Uneven length of legs
The causes of your SI joint dysfunction can be determined by undergoing an MRI test or CT scan to allow the doctor or spine specialist to get a closer look at the anatomy of your spine. This precise imaging will help the medical expert distinguish any deterioration or abnormalities in your spine that could be compressing a nerve root near the SI joint and causing your chronic pain. Once the cause of your back pain is determined, you and your doctor can work together to find a treatment option that best fits your needs.
Treating SI Joint Dysfunction
For more information about the treatment options available to you to determine if you are a candidate for our safer and effective alternative to traditional open back surgery. To treat SI joint dysfunction, our highly skilled surgeons are able to remove either part or all of the damaged spinal component in order to relieve pressure on the impacted nerve root and get you back to your daily routine. One of our most common procedures is the SI joint fusion operation.
To learn more about the types of minimally invasive procedures we offer to treat SI joint pain, contact us today.
