Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction: What It Is and How It Is Treated

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr NVS Vinay , Orthopedics

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1. Causes 2. Find a Doctor 3. Diagnosis 4. Treatment 5. FAQs

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction occurs when one or both sacroiliac (SI) joints become painful or do not move normally. These joints connect the lower spine to the pelvis and help transfer the weight of the upper body to the legs.

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction can cause pain in the lower back, buttocks, hips, or legs. The pain may worsen with activities such as walking, climbing stairs, standing for long periods, or changing positions.

What Are the Different Types of Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction?

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction may occur because of abnormal movement, inflammation, injury, or changes affecting the joint. The condition is commonly described based on whether the joint moves too much, too little, or becomes inflamed.

Mechanical SI joint dysfunction: Abnormal movement or stress on the joint can cause pain and irritation.
Hypermobility: The SI joint moves more than normal, which may cause instability and pain.
Hypomobility: Reduced movement or stiffness in the joint can contribute to discomfort and restricted mobility.
Inflammatory SI joint dysfunction: Inflammation of the sacroiliac joint, known as sacroiliitis, can cause persistent lower back and buttock pain and may be associated with inflammatory conditions.

What Are the Symptoms and Warning Signs of Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction?

The symptoms of sacroiliac joint dysfunction can vary from person to person. Pain is usually felt on one side of the lower back or buttocks and may sometimes extend into the hip, groin, or leg.

Pain in the lower back or buttocks
Pain that may spread to the hip, groin, thigh, or leg
Pain that worsens after prolonged sitting or standing
Discomfort when walking or climbing stairs
Pain when getting up from a chair or changing position
Stiffness or reduced movement in the lower back or pelvis
Pain when turning over in bed
Tenderness around the sacroiliac joint

Seek medical attention if back or pelvic pain is persistent, severe, or interferes with normal activities. Sudden weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness around the groin or inner thighs requires urgent medical evaluation.

What Are the Common Causes of Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction?

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction can result from changes in movement, injury, repetitive stress, or inflammation. In some people, more than one factor may contribute to the condition.

Injury: A fall, accident, or direct blow to the pelvis can injure the SI joint.
Repetitive stress: Repeated activities involving lifting, twisting, or prolonged standing can place additional stress on the joint.
Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and increased stress on the pelvis during pregnancy can affect SI joint stability and cause pain.
Arthritis: Degenerative or inflammatory arthritis can affect the sacroiliac joint.
Abnormal movement: Differences in movement or alignment of the pelvis, hips, or lower back may increase stress on the SI joint.
Previous surgery: Spinal fusion or other procedures involving the lower spine can sometimes alter forces through the pelvis and SI joint.

When Should You See a Doctor for Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction?

See an orthopedist if lower back, buttock, or pelvic pain persists, keeps returning, or makes everyday activities difficult. A healthcare professional can determine whether the pain is coming from the SI joint or another condition affecting the spine, hip, or surrounding tissues.

Pain continues despite rest and basic self-care
Pain interferes with walking, sleeping, or daily activities
You have recurring pain around the lower back, pelvis, or buttocks
Pain develops after a fall or other injury
You have inflammatory joint disease and develop new back or pelvic pain

Seek emergency medical care if back pain is accompanied by new loss of bladder or bowel control, severe weakness in the legs, or numbness around the groin or inner thighs.

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How Is Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction Diagnosed?

Diagnosing sacroiliac joint dysfunction can be challenging because its symptoms may resemble those of lower back, hip, or nerve conditions. Doctors usually combine a medical history, physical examination, and selected imaging or diagnostic procedures.

Medical History and Physical Examination

The doctor asks about the location and pattern of pain and examines the lower back, pelvis, hips, and legs. Specific SI joint provocation tests may be used to determine whether movement of the joint reproduces the patient's pain.

Imaging Tests

X-rays, CT scans, or MRI may be recommended when the doctor needs to look for arthritis, inflammation, injury, or other causes of pain. Imaging may also help rule out conditions affecting the spine or hip.

Diagnostic SI Joint Injection

In selected cases, a local anesthetic may be injected into the sacroiliac joint. Significant temporary pain relief after the injection can support the diagnosis of SI joint pain.

What Are the Treatment Options for Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction?

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of symptoms. Most people begin with nonsurgical treatment aimed at reducing pain, improving movement, and restoring strength and function.

Medications

Doctors may recommend pain-relieving or anti-inflammatory medicines when appropriate. Medication should be used according to medical advice, particularly in people with other health conditions.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles supporting the pelvis and lower back, improve flexibility, and correct movement patterns that place excessive stress on the SI joint.

Activity Modification

Temporarily reducing activities that worsen pain while gradually returning to normal movement can help the joint recover. Prolonged bed rest is generally not recommended.

Injections

An SI joint injection containing a local anesthetic and, in some cases, a corticosteroid may provide temporary pain relief and reduce inflammation.

Radiofrequency Ablation

For selected people with persistent SI joint pain, radiofrequency ablation may be considered to interrupt pain signals from nerves supplying the joint.

Surgery

Surgery is usually considered only when severe, persistent SI joint pain does not improve with appropriate nonsurgical treatment. In selected cases, minimally invasive SI joint fusion may be recommended to stabilize the joint.

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What Are the Risk Factors for Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction?

Certain conditions and activities may increase the likelihood of developing SI joint pain or dysfunction.

Pregnancy
Previous injury to the lower back or pelvis
Repetitive lifting or twisting activities
Jobs that require prolonged standing or heavy physical work
Leg-length differences or altered walking patterns
Previous lower back surgery
Arthritis or inflammatory joint conditions
Reduced core or pelvic muscle strength

What Is the Recovery Process After Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction Treatment?

Recovery depends on the cause and severity of the condition and the treatment used. Many people improve with physical therapy, activity modification, and appropriate pain management.

Follow the exercise and rehabilitation plan provided by your healthcare professional
Gradually return to normal activities as pain and movement improve
Maintain good posture and safe lifting techniques
Continue exercises that strengthen the core, hips, and pelvic muscles
Attend follow-up appointments when recommended

How Can You Help Prevent Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction?

Not every case of SI joint dysfunction can be prevented, but maintaining strength, flexibility, and healthy movement patterns may reduce stress on the lower back and pelvis.

Maintain regular physical activity
Strengthen the core, hip, and pelvic muscles
Use proper lifting techniques
Avoid repetitive movements that consistently trigger pain
Maintain a healthy body weight
Use appropriate support and guidance during pregnancy if SI joint pain develops
Address injuries early to prevent persistent joint problems

What Are the Possible Complications of Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction?

Persistent SI joint dysfunction can affect movement and daily activities, particularly when pain is not appropriately managed.

Chronic lower back or buttock pain
Reduced mobility and physical activity
Difficulty walking, standing, or sitting for long periods
Sleep disturbance caused by pain
Reduced ability to perform work or daily activities
Reduced quality of life

Our Experience Treating Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

At Medicover Hospitals, our specialists provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment for sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Our team assesses the source of pain and develops an individualized treatment plan based on the patient's symptoms, physical findings, and overall health.

Treatment may include medication, physiotherapy, targeted injections, and other interventions when appropriate. Our goal is to reduce pain, improve mobility, and help patients return to their daily activities with greater comfort and confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the symptoms of sacroiliac joint dysfunction?

Symptoms may include lower back pain, buttock pain, hip pain, stiffness, and pain that worsens with standing, walking, or climbing stairs.

2. What causes sacroiliac joint dysfunction?

It may result from injury, arthritis, pregnancy, leg-length differences, or abnormal movement of the sacroiliac joint.

3. How is sacroiliac joint dysfunction diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves a physical examination, movement tests, medical history, and sometimes X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to rule out other causes of pain.

4. How is sacroiliac joint dysfunction treated?

Treatment may include physical therapy, pain-relieving medicines, activity modification, injections, and, rarely, surgery.

5. Can sacroiliac joint dysfunction be cured?

Many people improve with appropriate treatment and rehabilitation. Treatment aims to reduce pain and restore normal movement.

6. Is sacroiliac joint dysfunction serious?

It is usually not life-threatening, but persistent pain can affect mobility and daily activities. Persistent or severe symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.