Sacroiliac Joint Syndrome & Chiropractic Treatment

What Causes Sacroiliac Joint Pain?

Sacroiliac joint pain can develop after a sudden injury or gradually through repeated loading and movement. The joint itself, surrounding ligaments and muscles may all contribute to symptoms.

Factors that may be associated with SI joint pain include:

• A fall or other direct injury
• Repeated lifting, bending or twisting
• Changes in activity or training load
• Pregnancy-related changes in the pelvis and surrounding ligaments
• Reduced strength or control around the trunk, hips and pelvis
• Altered movement involving the hips, knees or feet

What Does Sacroiliac Joint Pain Feel Like?

Symptoms often occur on one side and may include:

• Localised pain close to the dimples at the back of the pelvis
• Buttock pain
• Pain around the hip or groin
• Pain into the upper thigh
• Discomfort when standing on one leg
• Pain when getting up from sitting or turning in bed
• Pain aggravated by prolonged standing, walking, bending or lifting

SI joint pain does not usually cause numbness, pins and needles or significant weakness. Symptoms travelling further down the leg with neurological changes may suggest another cause, such as sciatica or disc-related nerve irritation.

How Is Sacroiliac Joint Syndrome Diagnosed?

There is no single examination test that can reliably confirm that the sacroiliac joint is the source of pain. Diagnosis is usually based on the pattern of symptoms, medical history and a combination of physical examination findings.

Your assessment may include examination of the lower back, pelvis and hips, movement testing, muscle function and neurological examination where appropriate.

Imaging is not routinely required for uncomplicated SI joint pain. X-rays or other imaging may be considered if your history or examination suggests another condition or if the result is likely to change your management.

How Can Sacroiliac Joint Pain Be Treated?

Treatment depends on the findings from your assessment, how long the symptoms have been present and how much they affect your normal activities.

Where appropriate, treatment may include:

• Mobilisation or manipulation of the lower back or pelvis
• Soft-tissue techniques
• Advice about movement and activity
• Exercises for the trunk, hips and pelvis
• Progressive rehabilitation to improve strength and movement control

Manual treatment is generally most useful as part of a broader programme that includes exercise, advice and a gradual return to normal activity.

Should I Keep Moving?

For most uncomplicated episodes of lower back and pelvic pain, remaining active is preferable to prolonged rest. The type and amount of activity should be adapted to your symptoms and gradually increased as movement becomes more comfortable.

Your chiropractor can help you identify which movements are useful, which temporarily aggravate the area and how to progress activity safely.

Can Sacroiliac Joint Pain Come Back?

Episodes of SI joint pain can recur, particularly if there are ongoing factors such as reduced strength, poor tolerance to certain activities or sudden increases in physical load.

Rehabilitation therefore aims not only to reduce current symptoms but also to improve strength, movement control and confidence with everyday activity.

When Should I Seek Urgent Medical Advice?

Seek urgent medical assessment if lower back or pelvic pain is accompanied by new bladder or bowel problems, numbness around the saddle or genital area, significant or rapidly worsening leg weakness, severe symptoms affecting both legs, major trauma, or feeling seriously unwell with fever or shivering.

Sacroiliac Joint Pain and Back Pain Treatment

Sacroiliac joint syndrome is one of several possible causes of lower back and buttock pain. You can read more about the different causes, assessment and treatment options on our Back Pain Treatment & Chiropractic Care page.

If you would like an assessment, chiropractic care is available at our
Milton Keynes Chiropractic Clinic,
Northampton Chiropractic Clinic and
Aylesbury Chiropractic Clinic.

What Happens at My First Appointment?

We will discuss your symptoms and medical history, examine the lower back, pelvis and hips and explain what we think may be contributing to your pain.

We will then discuss the treatment and rehabilitation options that may be appropriate for you. If we believe further investigation or referral is needed, we will explain this before proceeding.