Sacro-Iliac Joint Pain/Dysfunction
Sacro-iliac (SI) joint dysfunction is one of the most common causes of low back pain we see in clinic today!
It is difficult for some clinicians to diagnose SI joint dysfunction, as the medical world believes that SI joint injections are necessary for diagnosing SI joint pain.
We do not advocate this approach, and a good physical examination by the Osteopath should be sufficient enough in distinguishing between SI joint pain and other causes of lower back and hip pain.
CAUSES OF SACRO-ILIAC JOINT DYSFUNCTION:
- Over pronation or over supination of the feet. This then leads to limb misalignment, biomechanical compensation and an abnormal pelvic tilt;
- Piriformis spasm, (see article on piriformis syndrome);
- Hamstring contracture, possibly due to sedentary occupation;
- Leg length discrepancy;
- Pregnancy;
- Trauma to the back/buttocks, such as a fall;
- Spinal/pelvic muscular imbalance;
- Stress;
- Sneezing or coughing;
- Discal pathology, for example, herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, annular tear, etc.
SYMPTOMS OF SACRO-ILIAC JOINT DYSFUNCTION:
- Lower back pain, radiating unilaterally down the leg in the buttock, hamstring, calf and/or groin regions;
- Pain on coughing or sneezing;
- Pain on any movement, with regards to the spine;
- Pins and needles or numbness, in the lower back or referring down the leg;
- An abnormal sensation in the leg, possibly buckling or giving way;
- Disturbed sleep patterns due to pain;
- Pain on standing or sitting, possibly relieved by externally rotating the hip, (when you cross the affected leg over the other knee.
TREATMENT OF SACRO-ILIAC JOINT DYSFUNCTION:
The Osteopathic treatment goal for SI joint pain is to use a method that is best suited to the patient and produces the optimum outcome. Patients respond differently to different approaches, so the Osteopath has to get it right! A manipulative/mobilisation approach may be adopted if the SI joint is too restricted. However, this may be not suitable if the patient is pregnant, or if the pelvis is unstable.
It is therefore better to leave it to the Osteopath’s better judgement as to which course of action is to be undertaken.
The Osteopath may recommend hot and cold therapy and advise a patient to wear looser clothing as part of the treatment plan. The Osteopath may also give an exercise plan, customised for the patient’s size, structure and lifestyle.
If you are suffering pain or discomfort, book an appointment or give us a call today! Why suffer?
Zahir Chaudhary, BA (Hons), BSc (Hons), ND, M Ost.Med. MSCCO
Email: emergencyosteopath@gmail.com
Call: 0208 423 6209; 0792 100 4705
Web: https://www.sportsinjuriesspecialist.co.uk
Chelsea Osteopaths, 208 Fulham Road, Chelsea, London. SW10 9PJ.
Harrow Osteopathic Clinic, 9 Littleton Road, Harrow, Middlesex. HA1 3SY.
Wembley Osteopaths, 31 Norval Road, North Wembley, Middlesex. HA0 3TD.
Sacro-iliac joint treatment by: Osteopath in Chelsea_Osteopath in Harrow_Osteopath in Wembley_Sports Injuries Specialist – Registered Osteopath. Regulated Sacro-iliac joint treatment: Osteopath in Chelsea_Osteopath in Harrow_Osteopath in Wembley_Sports Injuries Specialist – Registered Osteopath. How Sacro-iliac joint treatment is carried out at Chelsea Osteopaths, Harrow Osteopathic Clinic, Wembley Osteopaths by The Sports Injuries Specialist – Registered Osteopath.
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