What is sacroiliac (SI) joint disease?

Also referred to as sacroiliitis, this condition is reportedly painful as it occurs when two joints in the lower back become inflamed and irritated. The affected joints are located where the lower back meets the pelvis and help support your entire body’s weight as you walk or when standing. While these joints are quite small, they are mighty as surrounding ligaments work by transmitting force from the upper body to the lower body.

How does SI joint disease develop?

SI joint disease may develop from sports injuries, falls, arthritis, pregnancy, and is common among joggers or runners. The condition may become worse or more painful when sitting, standing, or walking too long, as well as certain sleeping positions or when walking up stairs. Additionally, the condition may affect anyone of any age and health stature.

Symptoms of SI Joint Disease

Pain is a commonly reported symptom of SI joint disease. The pain may originate in the glute region (buttocks), and radiate to the thighs, groin, or upward to the lower back.

Specific symptoms to pay attention to include:

• Pain that worsens when standing up, or walking too much, as well as when you get up in the morning but lessens throughout the day
• Numbness, stiffness, or weakness in the legs
• Pain located on one side of the back
• Pain when riding in a car for too long (or other periods of sitting for prolonged periods)

How is SI joint pain treated?

SI joint pain can be managed with conservative treatments, which mean no medical intervention, in some cases. However, when pain becomes debilitating and chronic, therapeutic treatments such as SI joint injections may help relieve pain. SI joint injections are like a numbing shot that relieves pain associated with SI joint disease. The injection is administered using fluoroscopy (x-ray guidance) to ensure the injection is delivered into the targeted area. It may contain an anesthetic that temporarily numbs the pain, paired with a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation and pain for a longer period. Pain relief may be experienced immediately or may take 24-48 hours for the injection to take full effect. The duration of the pain relief from an SI joint injection varies as it may last for a few weeks or months. It is likely that your Corinth pain management doctor also may recommend additional therapies to help provide longer lasting relief.

Treating SI Joint Disease Pain in Southwest Tennessee and North Mississippi, including Tupelo, MS and Jackson, TN

You no longer have to let SI joint disease keep you from living life to the fullest. If you have symptoms associated with this condition or have been diagnosed with SI joint disease and are experience significant pain, MSSP is here to help. Start by scheduling a consultation with the pain management doctors in Corinth at MSSP, and we will conduct a thorough examination, review imaging results, and discuss with you a treatment plan to help reduce your pain. The best part is that our treatments do not require lengthy recoveries. To learn more, call MSSP at (662) 284-8565.