Early Signs of SI Joint Dysfunction

The body’s two sacroiliac joints (SI) are where the lowest part of the spine (sacrum) and the highest point of the pelvis (ilium) meet. These joints transfer weight between the upper and lower body and provide stability.

Although strong, these joints can suffer injury and degeneration, leading to back and leg pain. Sacroiliitis is the term for SI joint dysfunction, which causes pain and instability in the spine.

Dr. Steven J. Svabek provides conservative and surgical back pain treatments at his office in Coral Springs, Florida. He's an experienced orthopedic surgeon who offers the cutting-edge iFuse Implant System® by SI Bone® to eliminate SI joint pain.

Understanding SI joint dysfunction

The SI joints are where the upper pelvis and lower spine meet, providing structure, stability, and shock absorption for the body.

They’re durable and strong, but arthritis and other conditions wear them down, causing inflammation and low back pain. The pain may spread into the buttocks, hips, or legs and worsen over time.

People with leg length discrepancies, scoliosis, and other issues that put pressure on one side of the pelvis are at a higher risk for SI joint dysfunction. Without treatment, the pain may become severe enough to limit normal activities.

Early signs of SI joint dysfunction

SI joint dysfunction usually happens over time or due to an acute injury. Arthritis is the most likely culprit, breaking down the joints over time. Pregnant women also can experience SI joint pain from hormonal changes.

Your pain may be due to SI joint problems if you have any or all of the following early signs:

Low back pain

The SI joints sit where the lower spine and pelvis meet. Pain in this area that radiates into your buttocks, thighs, or hips may result from inflamed SI joints.

The pain may worsen after rotating or turning your hips first thing in the morning. Other activities that stress the joints may also worsen pain. Many people describe SI joint pain as dull, aching, and sometimes stabbing.

Decreased range of motion

Inflammation in the SI joints makes moving your hips and lower back hard. Low back stiffness is a telltale early sign of an SI joint issue. Difficulty moving also makes climbing stairs and walking challenging.

Low back instability

SI joints stabilize the lower spine and hips. Inflammation and damage in the joints cause them to move, leading to low back instability. You may feel like your back is going to give out.

Pain that worsens with sitting or standing

Sitting or standing for long periods often exacerbates SI joint pain. It's usually a sign of SI joint dysfunction when back pain worsens after sitting at a desk for hours or walking around the office all day.

Morning stiffness

Morning stiffness is another telltale sign of SI joint dysfunction. Inflammation within the joints worsens overnight, causing you to wake up feeling stiff. Movement usually loosens the tight joints as you get up and go about your day.

What treatments are available?

Treatment for SI joint dysfunction depends on the severity of your pain and how it affects your daily life. In most cases, Dr. Svabek starts with conservative measures like physical therapy, joint injections, and lifestyle modifications.

However, if those treatments don't work and you have severe pain that impacts your job and home life, he recommends an SI joint fusion using the cutting-edge iFuse implant system.

It's a minimally invasive procedure involving two triangular titanium implants to stabilize the SI joints permanently. These implants allow the joints to maximize weight transfer from the back to the hips while stabilizing the lower back.

The benefits of an SI joint fusion with the iFuse system are numerous. It's a minimally invasive procedure that offers unparalleled results for years, improving overall spinal function and mobility and alleviating pain.

To learn more, call the office of Steven J Svabek, DO, PA, today to schedule a back pain consultation, or request an appointment online.