Where is the Sacroiliac Joint?
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By: Ehren Allen, DPT
Where is the Sacroiliac Joint?
The SI joint (SIJ) is in the pelvis. It is the lowest part of the tailbone that links the sacrum (sacro-) to the iliac bone (-iliac). Because of its location, the SI joint actually connects the spine to the pelvis.
What is Sacroiliac Joint?
The quick answer is the Sacroiliac joint is the joint between your pelvis (ilium) and tailbone (sacrum). This joint helps hold up your upper body weight when you are standing or walking and when you shift your weight to your legs.
SI Joint Image
What causes pain in the Sacroiliac Joint?
Inflammation in the Sacroiliac joint can cause pain in the joint. It can also cause lower back, hip, and knee pain. If you fall down or have an injury playing a sport, you could aggravate the Sacroiliac joint and cause pain and inflammation. If any of the ligaments holding the SI joint together are injured, the joint could move abnormally. This could also cause pain. Repetitive pounding such as jogging or repetitive jumping can also be a cause of pain in the SI joint.
Pregnancy can also cause pain in the Sacroiliac joint due to a release of hormones causing the joints to loosen up and move more. This changes how your Sacroiliac joint is moving daily and can aggravate some pain.
Relieving Sacroiliac Joint Pain
- Physical Therapy – Physical Therapy will consist of exercises and stretches can help to improve your strength and function. Your physical therapist my assist you to learn to correct any compensations due to pain. Physical therapy may teach you stretches and exercises to decrease pain. It will also teach you ways to manage your pain at home with exercises or group programs such as Yoga. To schedule an appointment at JOI Rehab, please call 904-858-7045.
- Injections – An injection can decrease the inflammation in the joint which could cause some relief.
- Nerve treatment – Your physician may permanently damage the nerve sending the pain signals from your sacroiliac joint to your brain.
- Ice/Heat – Ice can be used for 10-15 minutes at a time to decrease swelling if there is any. Heat can also help relax tight muscles. Either of these could give you some temporary relief.
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