As USA Spine Care, many patients turn to us for help with SI joint pain and they usually have questions. In this FAQ, you’ll find answers to some of our most frequently asked questions — from underlying causes of the condition to what types of treatments are the most effective.

Q. What is SI joint pain?
A. SI, or sacroiliac, joint pain refers to painful symptoms caused by inflammation of the joint between the sacrum and the ilium, joining the base of the spine to the pelvis.

Q. What causes SI joint pain?
A. Several different factors can cause sacroiliac joint pain. In many cases, pain in the SI joint is the result of participating in activities that twist or bend the spine from side to side. However, the pain can also be triggered by arthritis or infection of the joint, stress fractures or sudden trauma. Pregnant women may also experience SI pain with no injury or underlying condition; in this case, the pain often dissipates after childbirth.

Q. What symptoms do you get from SI joint problems?
A. In addition to local pain, patients with sacroiliac joint dysfunction may also experience pain in their buttocks and pelvis, pain that radiates down through the hips, groin, legs and feet. These symptoms can be misdiagnosed as being caused by a condition in the lower (lumbar) spine, so it is important to get an accurate diagnosis by a doctor.

Q. What are my treatment options?
A. Many patients are able to control their SI joint pain through conservative therapies, such as pain medications, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, steroid injections and massage. You may also be advised to make lifestyle adjustments like improving your posture, managing your weight and quitting smoking, if necessary.

Q. Will I need surgery?
A. Many people are able to find relief from SI joint without the need for surgery by following a doctor-recommended course of conservative treatment. Many people avoid considering surgery due to anxiety about undergoing an invasive surgical procedure.

If you are recommended for surgery to treat SI joint pain, reach out to USA Spine Care to learn more about our minimally invasive spine surgery, including a minimally invasive SI joint fusion. Our procedures are a safer and effective alternative to traditional open spine surgery, offering our patients a shorter recovery time comparatively.^

To learn more, reach out to our dedicated team of Patient Empowerment Consultants today for a no-cost MRI review* to determine if you are a potential candidate for one of our procedures.

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