In 15-30% of cases of chronic low back pain (low back pain that has been going on for at least 3 months, but often much longer) the pain may not be due to an issue in the spine itself—it may be caused by an issue with the sacroiliac joint also known as the SI joint.
“Low back pain” is a term that is broadly used to describe pain that could have various causes including structures in the lower back, the buttocks or the pelvic regions. And even though there are substantially different causes of back pain, they all seem to feel about the same – it really hurts!
Is your “low back pain” truly coming from your lower back?
Low back pain is a common issue that affects most people during their lifetime. There are many structures in the lower back and pelvic area that can cause pain. Most people with low back pain believe that the lumbar spine is the cause of their pain but that is not always the case. Occasionally, hip problems cause pain that can be confused with lumbar spine conditions. Another common cause of low back pain symptoms can be the SI joint. SI joint dysfunction can be a significant contributor to pain in the lower back, pelvic region, buttocks, or legs.
Where is the sacroiliac (SI) joint?
The SI joint is located in the posterior pelvis, linking the iliac bones (pelvis) to the sacrum (lowest part of the spine above the tailbone).
What is the function of the sacroiliac joint?
The function of the SI joint is to transfer weight and forces due to movement from your legs, through the pelvis to your upper body and vice versa—acting as an anatomical shock absorber to protect the spine during activity. The primary role of the SI joint is to provide stability for the pelvis and to bear the load of the upper body.
What causes SI joint pain?
Trauma and degeneration are two leading causes of SI joint dysfunction. SI joint trauma can occur during motor vehicle accidents, falls on the buttocks, lifting and/or twisting, pregnancy and childbirth. SI joint degeneration can occur as a result of previous lumbar spine surgery, stresses to the SI Joint due to leg length differences, osteoarthritis, and prior infection of the SI joint.
How is SI joint dysfunction diagnosed?
A SI joint exam includes:
Consideration of a patient’s health history and symptoms,
Asking the patient to point to where it hurts (Fortin Finger Test),
Physical examination, including provocative tests (stressing the joint in an attempt to recreate the pain),
Diagnostic injections (injecting anesthetic into the joint to see if the pain goes away).
What are some of the most common symptoms of SI joint dysfunction?
Lower back pain (below L5)
Associated leg symptoms like pain, numbness, tingling, or even weakness
Pelvis/buttock pain
Hip/groin pain
Feeling of leg instability (buckling, giving way)
Disturbed sleep patterns due to pain
Disturbed sitting patterns (unable to sit for long periods, sitting on one side)
Pain when going from sitting to standing
PATIENTS WITH SI JOINT DYSFUNCTION COMMONLY EXPERIENCE PAIN
DURING THESE ACTIVITIES:
Sitting
Sit-to-stand
Stepping up (like stairs)
How is the iFuse Implant System® used to treat SI joint dysfunction?
The iFuse Procedure is a minimally invasive surgery that stabilizes and fuses the SI joint. Typically, three small triangular titanium implants are placed across the joint. The triangular shape and strength of the implant resists movement and rotation of the joint. iFuse is the only device for treatment of SI joint dysfunction that is backed by significant published clinical evidence, including two randomized controlled trials.
How can you learn more about SI joint dysfunction, symptoms, treatment, and the iFuse Implant System?
If you’re interested in learning more about SI joint pain and potential treatment options, including minimally invasive surgery, you can contact us here.