SI (SACROILIAC) JOINT PAIN EXERCISES, CAUSES, SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT

SI (SACROILIAC) JOINT PAIN

• The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) primarily responsible for transferring the weight of the upper body to the lower extremities and also helps to transfer the forces in the opposite direction while walking, standing, or sitting

• It also acts as shock absorbers (particularly at the point of heel contact), by helping to cushion the increased stress that is forced upon the lower back.

• The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) has been indicated as the primary source of lower back pain in 16–30% of cases. 

• Pain due to the SI joint problems is generally localized in the gluteal region. 

• Sometimes referred pain may be felt in the lower limb, lumbar region, groin, or abdomen. 

• The risk of lower lumbar disc disease/degeneration increases with pathological changes of the SIJs.

• There are many tests to diagnose SI joint pain clinically and are considered positive when they reproduce a typical pain 

CAUSES OF SI JOINT PAIN 

• Traumatic injury due to sudden impact, such as an accident or a fall, that leads to damage to your sacroiliac joints.

• Sacroiliitis: Inflammation of one or both the SI joint due to trauma or arthritic changes.

• Sacroiliac strain: Due to damage to the ligaments supporting the sacroiliac joint, usually caused by a heavy fall or a blow to the bottom of the back.

• SI joint dysfunction due to condition like Ankylosing spondylitis, gout, osteoarthritis, spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis,

• SI joint pain can also occur during pregnancy 

• Incorrect Posture and walking

SYMPTOMS OF SI JOINT PAIN :

• A sharp, stabbing pain in the lower back, buttocks, hips, and pelvis

• Pain in the groin

• Pain on any one of the SI joints

• Increase in pain when standing up from a sitting position

• Rarely stiffness or a burning sensation in the pelvis and numbness or weakness

• Radiating pain down into the thighs and upper legs

• Feeling of buckling of legs and losing strength to support your body

Following activities increases pain:

• Prolonged standing

• Bearing more weight on one leg than the other

• Stair climbing

• Running

• Taking large footsteps

TREATMENT FOR SI JOINT PAIN

• Conservative Treatment for SI JOINT PAIN

• NSAIDs and Muscle relaxants 

• Sacroiliac Joint Steroid Injection/ Radiofrequency Neurotomy

• Brace to Support your back

• Physiotherapy

• Surgical treatment is rarely used and is the last resort of treatment

PHYSIOTHERAPY FOR SI JOINT PAIN

• Hot therapy or Cold therapy to reduce pain and inflammation

• IFT if there is a radiating pain

• Exercises to improve mobility and restore strength.

• Postural correction

EXERCISES FOR SI JOINT PAIN

LEVEL 1 EXERCISES FOR SI JOINT PAIN

HIP-HITCHER EXERCISE

BRIDGE EXERCISE

ISOMETRIC ADDUCTOR SQUEEZE EXERCISE

ADDUCTOR LIFT EXERCISE 

ISOMETRIC HIP FLEXION EXERCISE

SINGLE-LEG ELONGATION EXERCISE

SINGLE KNEE TO CHEST EXERCISE

KNEES-TO-CHEST STRETCH EXERCISE

STRAIGHT LEG RAISE(SLR) EXERCISE (upto pain free range)

PRONE LEG RAISE EXERCISE (upto pain free range)

SIDE-LYING LEG RAISE EXERCISE (upto pain free range)

PRONE BACK EXTENSION EXERCISE

LEVEL 2 (after the pain subsides) EXERCISES FOR SI JOINT PAIN

SQUAT EXERCISE

SINGLE-ARM AND LEG RAISE

STRAIGHT LEG RAISE(SLR) EXERCISE (full range if pain subsides)

PRONE LEG RAISE EXERCISE

SIDE-LYING LEG RAISE EXERCISE

SACRAL CIRCLE EXERCISE

KNEELING SUPERMAN EXERCISE

MCKENZIE EXTENSION EXERCISE

For further strengthening you can do BACK EXERCISES ON SWISS BALL but only after all your symptoms resolves.If no improvement is seen after 10-14 days consult your  near by professional therapist

HOW TO SLEEP AND GET OUT OF BED WITH SI JOINT PAIN

• GETTING IN AND OUT OF BED

• TURNING IN BED

• MODIFIED SLEEPING HABITS