The sacroiliac joint is the intersection between the pelvis and the lower spine. Injury, misalignment, hormonal changes and inflammation can contribute to pain.
Five lower spinal vertebrae form the triangular-shaped sacrum. The ilium is the arch-shaped bone of the upper pelvis. Cartilage holds the sacrum and ilium together at the sacroiliac joint (SI joint).
Most injury to the SI joint comes from impact to the sacrum or pelvis. Falling backward or sideways onto a hard surface is a common source of injury.
SI joint misalignment occurs from a number of factors. Uneven leg length or strength imbalances in opposing muscles can shift the SI joint out of alignment. Repetitive movements from exercise, sport, even driving can stress the joint.
During pregnancy, hormones relax pelvic cartilage and ligaments to facilitate passage of the baby through the birth canal. This laxity plus weight gain can cause pressure on the SI joint. To a lesser degree, women experience this same hormonal change during menstruation.
Inflammation and Diet
Inflammatory diseases such as arthritis create pain in any joint. Ankylosing spondylitis is arthritis particular to the SI joint. Acidic foods, alcohol and caffeine can produce inflammatory conditions within joints.
Traditional Western medical treatments for SI joint pain include anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy and surgery. Alternative treatments such as osteopathy, acupuncture, chiropractic, Rolfing or yoga therapy can provide relief. Including alkaline foods in a well-balanced diet can reduce inflammation.
- Behke, Robert S., Kinetic Anatomy, Second Edition, 2006. Human Kinetics, Inc. p. 124, p. 136, p. 164.
- Jason C. Eck, Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction (SI Joint Pain), edited by William C. Shiel, Jr., Medicinenet.com.
- Sacroiliac Joint Pain With advice from John Williams registered Osteopath and Sports Injury Therapist, www.sportsinjuryclinic.net.
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Jaci Berkopec Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Ville Miettinen Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Raúl Hernández González
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