Sacroiliac Joint (SIJ) Injuries
Sacroiliac joints are responsible for 18% of mechanical low back pain cases.
The sacroiliac joints are two of the three joints that make up our pelvic girdle (the third one being the pubic symphysis). While these joints only have a very small amount of motion available, these joints have an important role to play in load transfer between the legs and the trunk. Muscles around our abdomen, pelvis and hips have to work in synergy to allow movement when required, and then effectively stabilise the joints when weight bearing.
Unfortunately many cases of sacroiliac joint dysfunction are misdiagnosed, and hence are not treated effectively. Research and expert opinion has in the past been conflicting about whether sacroiliac joints move at all in adults, but latest research informs us that there is a small amount of movement that is important in the biomechanics of the region. Once diagnosed correctly, mechanical injuries of the sacroiliac joint can usually be treated very effectively with a combination of manual therapy (chiropractic), home exercises, and education about every movements.
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction will commonly cause low back pain, but can also result in referred pain to the hip, groin, buttock and thigh. This pain is often aggravated by climbing stairs, walking up hill, or standing from a sitting position. The pain can also be present when standing or walking for long periods.
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is a common reason people will prevent to a chiropractor. At Willoughby Chiropractic Centre we take care to arrive at the correct diagnosis of your low back pain, so the treatment can be specifically targeted and give you the best chance of a fast recovery.