Sacroiliac SI Joint Dysfunction
Sacroiliac SI Joint Dysfunction in Johnstown, CO
Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction is a condition medical professionals have known about for many years, and in the early 20th century, it was a common diagnosis for lower back pain. Patients were experiencing mild to severe pain in their back, buttocks, and legs, and doctors often attributed the pain to SI joint dysfunction. In the last 30 years, SI pain diagnoses have made a comeback as there was a period where doctors were not trained to look for this condition. At The Colorado Spine Institute in Johnstown, we know how to test for SI joint dysfunction and how to properly treat it.
What Is the Sacroiliac Joint?
The SI joint is positioned next to the bottom of the spine below the lumbar spine and above the tailbone. Its purpose is to connect the sacrum (the triangular bone at the bottom of the spine) to the pelvis. The SI joint is reinforced by strong ligaments, and it transmits forces caused by the movement of the upper body to the hips and legs.
What Causes SI Join Pain?
The SI joint does not have much motion, and pain is often caused by one of two things – too much movement or too little movement. Too much movement, or hypermobility, often causes pain in the lower back and hip areas. Too little movement, or hypomobility, causes pain in the buttocks or down one leg. Sports injuries can lead to SI joint pain, and pregnant women whose pelvises change position when delivery time is near can also experience pain.
If you feel that there is an issue with your SI joint, please do not hesitate to contact us. As your spinal specialist, we are always ready to help however we can.