13/06/2025
Sacroiliitis or inflammation of the sacroiliac joints, is a condition that can cause pain in the lower back, buttocks, and sometimes the legs. The sacroiliac joints are located at the bottom of the spine where it connects to the pelvis.
NHS TIMS explains that these joints are crucial for transferring load between the legs and spine and are generally stable, making them not a common cause of back pain. However, they can become painful due to various factors like pregnancy, trauma, structural abnormalities, or conditions like osteoarthritis or inflammatory back pain.
Here's a more detailed look at sacroiliitis:
Causes:
Trauma: Injuries like falls can lead to sacroiliitis.
Structural Abnormalities:
Conditions like scoliosis can put stress on the SI joints
Inflammatory Conditions:
Conditions like ankylosing spondylitis, a type of inflammatory back pain, can cause SI joint inflammation.
Osteoarthritis: Wear and tear on the SI joints can lead to pain and inflammation.
Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and increased load during pregnancy can affect the SI joints.
Other: Infections, gout, or tumors can also cause sacroiliitis.
Symptoms:
Pain in the lower back, buttocks, and sometimes the legs.
Pain can be dull and aching, or sharp and stabbing.
Pain may worsen after sitting or standing for long periods or with certain movements like turning or twisting.
Pain can also be felt in the groin or feet.
Diagnosis:
Physical Examination: A doctor will assess your pain, movement, and range of motion.
Imaging: X-rays or MRIs may be used to visualize the SI joints and assess for inflammation or damage.
Sacroiliac Joint Injection: A local anesthetic and steroid injection into the SI joint can be used to help diagnose the cause of pain and provide temporary relief.
Treatment:
Medication: Pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain.
Physiotherapy: Exercises and stretching can help improve mobility and strengthen the muscles around the SI joints.
Injections: Sacroiliac joint injections can provide temporary pain relief.
Other Treatments: In some cases, surgery may be considered.
Lifestyle Modifications: Avoiding activities that worsen pain and maintaining good posture can help.
Long-term management:
Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight can put extra stress on the SI joints.
Be careful with lifting: Heavy lifting can worsen pain.
Avoid high-impact activities: Running and jumping can also aggravate pain.
Sleep well: Getting enough sleep can help with overall health and may improve pain.
Be mindful of posture: Good posture can help reduce stress on the SI joints.
Important Note: If you are experiencing pain in the lower back or buttocks, it's important to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment
