Is chronic lower back pain slowing you down? It’s a problem for around 23% of adults across the globe, but your spine itself may not be the source — it could be your sacroiliac (SI) joints.
The SI joints connect your spine to your pelvis, and they’re involved in nearly every movement you make. At Northeast Ohio Spine Center, orthopedic surgeon Mark Grubb, MD, focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of lower back pain, including SI joint dysfunction.
Wondering if these often-overlooked joints could be behind your discomfort? Here are five common signs that your lower back pain is related to SI joint dysfunction.
Does your back start to hurt after riding in the car or standing in line? Long periods of sitting or standing put pressure on your SI joints, causing inflammation and pain that gets worse the longer you stay still.
Practicing good posture can ease that pressure and keep both your spine and joints happy. If you’re sitting a lot, an ergonomic chair or seat cushion can make a real difference. And don’t forget to change positions regularly — even just shifting your weight can help give your SI joints a break.
Does your lower back pain travel down into your hip, buttock, or thigh? While sciatic nerve pain (sciatica) is a common culprit, SI joint dysfunction can also cause sharp, radiating pain. You may feel this pain on one side only, but it can occur on both sides.
Here’s the main difference: While SI joint pain can spread to the buttock and upper thigh, it tends to stay above the knee. Sciatic nerve pain usually travels further down the leg, even to the foot.
However, these patterns can sometimes overlap, which is why a medical evaluation by an expert like Dr. Grubb is essential. He can pinpoint the source of your pain, rule out other conditions, and make sure you get the most effective treatment.
The SI joints rely heavily on strong ligaments for stability. When these ligaments are damaged, the joint can move abnormally, leading to a pelvis that feels unstable, as if it might give way or buckle beneath you.
This sensation can make you feel unsteady or insecure when simply walking or standing. The surrounding muscles work overtime to compensate, contributing to pain and inflammation.
SI joint dysfunction can manifest as stiffness and restricted movement in your lower back, pelvis, hips, and groin. Simple things like climbing stairs, bending over, or going from sitting to standing can become a challenge — the joint may feel like it's locked up or resisting movement.
For relief, focus on gentle movements and avoid trying to push through the pain. Stretches for your hips and pelvis can help ease tension around the joint, and heat can relax surrounding muscles. If it keeps bothering you, make an appointment at Northeast Ohio Spine Center.
SI joint pain often affects the way you walk. When the joint is painful or unstable, your body naturally tries to minimize the stress on it — maybe you’re taking shorter steps or putting more weight on one leg than the other. This can lead to an altered gait, where you may change your stride, favor one leg, or develop a limp.
A change in walking pattern may temporarily reduce pain, but it can also result in imbalances and further discomfort down the line. If your lower back pain is causing you to limp or alter your stride, it may point to SI joint dysfunction.
Dr. Grubb works with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs and lifestyle. If needed, his expertise in minimally invasive surgery offers a solution for persistent SI joint issues.
Chronic lower back pain can disrupt your life, but relief is available. Call or click today to schedule an appointment at Northeast Ohio Spine Center in Mayfield Heights, Ohio.
