02/05/2026
Sacroiliac joint pain can often be overlooked, yet understanding its dysfunction is vital for lasting spine and body stability.
For so many patients, chronic pain in the lower back, hips, or buttocks becomes a barrier to the life they love. It’s easy to assume this persistent discomfort comes from the spine alone, but the underlying cause may be sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction.
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). This joint is essential for stability and load transfer between the spine and the lower body.
When this joint is not functioning smoothly, even the simplest activities, like standing, walking, or climbing stairs, can become daunting. Diagnosing SI joint pain can be complex and typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. Many people experience frustration when imaging results appear “normal,” yet pain lingers. That’s why expert evaluation matters.
Common causes of SI joint pain include:
- Trauma or injury
- Pregnancy and related changes
- Degenerative or inflammatory conditions
- Leg length differences
- Overuse/repetitive stress
- Muscle imbalances
- Sacroiliitis or structural abnormalities
- Stress fractures in the pelvis or sacrum
Signs of SI joint dysfunction might include lower back pain (often one-sided), buttock pain that can radiate down one leg, hip or groin aching, pain with standing from sitting, or discomfort when sitting on hard surfaces.
At Napa Valley Orthopaedic Medical Group, Dr. Jackie Weisbein and her team provide thoughtful, holistic care, helping patients rediscover what’s possible. Personalized solutions may include SI joint injections, or, depending upon severity and type, innovative treatment options such as SI-Bone iFuse INTRA and iFuse TORQ.
Have you experienced stubborn low back or hip pain that hasn’t responded to typical treatments? What daily activities do you wish you could enjoy pain-free? Share your story or questions below.
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