12/18/2025
Sacroiliac joint pain starts where your spine meets your pelvis—do you know why this spot matters so much? 💡
The sacroiliac (SI) joint is a small but mighty connection linking the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of your spine) to the ilium (part of your pelvis). When something disrupts this area—even a little—the results can be life-changing.
Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction refers to pain or discomfort arising from abnormalities or imbalances in the sacroiliac joint, which connects the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of the spine) to the ilium (part of the pelvis). Many patients are surprised at how often SI joint dysfunction goes overlooked, especially when their chronic pain, stiffness, or mobility issues do not match what shows up on a scan.
Why can SI joint pain feel so defeating? This tiny joint is deeply involved in almost everything you do:
- Helps your body absorb shock from walking, running, or lifting
- Transfers weight and movement between your upper body and legs
- Supplies stability for sitting, standing, and even rolling over in bed
Potential contributors to SI joint pain include trauma, pregnancy-related ligament laxity, degenerative and inflammatory conditions, leg length discrepancy, overuse or repetitive stress, muscle imbalance, sacroiliitis, structural abnormalities, and stress fractures.
Common symptoms include lower back pain (often one-sided), buttock pain that may radiate down one leg, pain in the hip, groin or thigh, pain when twisting, bending, or lifting, pain while sitting, and occasionally swelling or warmth if there is inflammation.
Diagnosing SI joint pain can be complex and typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests.
Care plans progress step-by-step. Many start with targeted physio and lifestyle changes. Treatments may advance to injections, radiofrequency denervation, or surgery—but only if needed.
Every story is unique. At Napa Valley Orthopaedic Medical Group, the team listens, supports, and tailors care to your life and goals.
Have you ever wondered if your symptoms might be linked to the SI joint? What questions do you have about this often-hidden source of chronic pain?
👉 Ready for relief? Reach out today to book a visit!
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