Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

Written by Dr. Jason Ngan, DC

What is Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction?

Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) dysfunction is a common cause of low back pain. The SIJ are a pair of large joints that connect the sacrum and ilium. The sacrum is the bottom bone of the spine. The ilium is the large bone that forms the upper part of the pelvis (hip).

What Causes SIJ Dysfunction?

Some common causes of SIJ dysfunction are:

  • Minor trauma such as from bending or lifting

  • Arthritis

  • Pregnancy puts additional stress into the low back and SIJ, hormonal changes can cause joint laxity

  • Infection

  • Abnormal walking patterns

  • Prolonged standing or sitting

What are the Signs and Symptoms?

  • Sharp stabbing pain at the low back and buttocks

  • Pain that travels to the back of the thigh

  • Pain worse with movement

How is SIJ Dysfunction Diagnosed?

SIJ dysfunction is diagnosed with a thorough medical history, physical examination, and orthopedic testing. Special imaging such as x-ray and MRI can be used to rule out other pathologies.

What are the Treatment Options?

  • Chiropractic manipulation and mobilization

  • Flexion-distraction

  • Spinal traction

  • Soft tissue therapies

  • Gua-sha

  • Cupping

  • E-stim

  • Ultrasound

  • Ergonomic/postural counseling

  • Rehabilitative exercises

Other treatments that patients may seek (not provided at Ngan Chiropractic) include acupuncture, pain medications, and steroid injections.  

References

  1. Barros G, McGrath L, Gelfenbeyn M. Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction in Patients With Low Back Pain. Fed Pract. 2019 Aug;36(8):370-375. PMID: 31456628; PMCID: PMC6707638.

  2. Dreyfuss, Paul MD*†; Michaelsen, Mark DC‡; Pauza, Kevin MD*; McLarty, Jerry PhD§; Bogduk, Nikolai MD, PhD∥. The Value of Medical History and Physical Examination in Diagnosing Sacroiliac Joint Pain. Spine 21(22):p 2594-2602, November 15, 1996.

  3. Falowski S, Sayed D, Pope J, Patterson D, Fishman M, Gupta M, Mehta P. A Review and Algorithm in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Sacroiliac Joint Pain. J Pain Res. 2020;13:3337-3348. https://doi.org/10.2147/JPR.S279390

  4. Kültür T, Çiftçi A, Okumuş M, Doğan M, Arıkan Durmaz Ş, Neşelioğlu S, Erel Ö. Evaluation of the effect of chiropractic manipulative treatment on oxidative stress in sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Turk J Phys Med Rehabil. 2020 May 18;66(2):176-183. doi: 10.5606/tftrd.2020.3301. PMID: 32760895; PMCID: PMC7401678.

  5. Raj MA, Ampat G, Varacallo M. Sacroiliac Joint Pain. [Updated 2022 Sep 4]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470299/