The sacroiliac joint is a very important joint in your body. It connects the spine with the hip bone. As a result, it assists in supporting your spine and making many other important movements possible.
While the sacroiliac joint rarely causes any problems, there are some situations where it can become problematic. If you’re experiencing pain in this region of your body, it’s possible that the pain is coming from your SI joint.
But what exactly is the SI joint, and what are the common SI joint pain symptoms? If you are experiencing joint pain in this region, find out whether or not this could be the underlying cause.
Lower Back Pain
SI joint pain includes difficulty or inability to move smoothly in certain directions, lower back pain, and difficulty standing for long periods of time. Intense pain is felt in the lower back, hip, and buttocks area. This pain can worsen when you sit for long periods of time, stand, shift positions, or when you are physically active. If the pain continues to worsen, maybe it is time to see a hip arthroscopic surgeon.
In more extreme cases, pain may be felt in the lower abdomen region or down the legs. The pain may become stronger when lifting objects of certain weights or sizes. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice in order to have a proper treatment for SI joint pain.
Stiffness or Limited Mobility
Pain, stiffness, or limited mobility can cause the patient to feel restricted in movement with difficulty, pain, and discomfort when attempting to turn or twist their torso. Other common symptoms associated with SI joint pain include an aching or burning pain that radiates down one or both legs, numbness or tingling, and weakness in the legs or feet.
Pain is usually worse with certain activities such as sitting, bending, lifting, or turning over in bed. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is essential to contact your healthcare provider to determine what is causing your pain and to explore the best treatment options.
Pain During or After Pregnancy
Pain during and after pregnancy can be especially troubling as the extra weight puts additional strain on the pelvic area. Symptoms may include a sharp, shooting pain in the lower back or buttocks, particularly during physical activities. Women may also experience a deep aching sensation in the pelvic region, and pain may become worse when changing positions, particularly during the middle of the night, due to increased pain when lying on the affected side.
The pain may worsen in the third trimester or with twisting or turning the pelvis. Other symptoms can include difficulty standing straight, a sense of instability with walking, or difficulty sitting for extended periods.
SI Joint Pain Symptoms: What to Look Out For
SI joint pain symptoms can often be difficult to recognize. Looking out for lower back tenderness, inflammation around the buttocks, difficulty standing from a seated position, difficulty shifting your weight from one foot to the other, and trouble bending in a specific direction can help distinguish SI joint pain from other lower back pain.
If you think you may be experiencing SI joint pain, speak to your doctor to determine the best course of action to relieve your pain.
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