The sacroiliac (SI) joint is the connecting area between the sacrum and the iliac bones (or ilium), which links the pelvis to the lower spine. The sacrum is the bone above the tailbone and just below the lower vertebrae. The ilium is the top part of your pelvis. The SI joint, at both sides of the pelvis, is critical to supporting the weight of the upper body when you stand, and injury to this area is a common source of lower back pain and other symptoms.

Treating sacroiliac joint injury

Injury to the SI joint is commonly seen in athletes, or those who undergo extreme pressure and pounding on a daily basis since the lumbar (lower) spine and the sacrum absorbs so much force from the upper body. Patients suffering from SI joint pain caused by injury can find it debilitating. The pain can be either localized or radiating as it extends from the lower back and hips to the thighs, legs, buttocks and groin.

Most doctors recommend first looking into conservative treatment methods when diagnosing SI joint injury as the source of these symptoms. Some of the most common conservative treatments used to treat SI joint pain include:

• Swimming
• Stretching
• Physical therapy
• Massage
• Hot/cold therapy
• Injections
• Medication
• Low-impact exercise

For most patients suffering from SI joint injuries, these methods are an important and effective part of the recovery process. However, dependent upon the level and severity of the injury, some patients may not receive sufficient relief from these options at which point surgery can become a serious consideration.

When to consider surgery

USA Spine Care offers a minimally invasive alternative to traditional open SI joint fusion surgery. Our minimally invasive SI joint fusion is specifically designed to treat the pain and symptoms commonly associated with SI joint pain on an outpatient basis. USA Spine Care’s board-certified surgeons+ perform this procedure using muscle-sparing techniques that allow for a small incision.

Contact USA Spine Care today for your free MRI review* to see if you are a potential candidate for one of our procedures.

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