SI Joint Pain Treatment in Vancouver
Sacroiliac joint pain (SI joint pain) can cause discomfort around the lower back, buttock and pelvic region and can sometimes be confused with hip pain or sciatica.
At Dr. Michael Horowitz & Associates, our Vancouver chiropractors assess patients with pain around the sacroiliac joint to help determine whether the SI joint, lower back, hip or another musculoskeletal structure may be contributing to their symptoms.
If conservative chiropractic care is appropriate, treatment recommendations are based on your individual examination findings, symptoms and activities.
What Is the Sacroiliac Joint?
The sacroiliac joints, commonly called the SI joints, are located where the sacrum at the base of the spine meets the pelvis.
There is an SI joint on each side of the pelvis. These joints help transfer forces between the upper body and the legs and normally allow a relatively small amount of movement.
Pain experienced around this region does not necessarily mean that the SI joint itself is responsible. Structures in the lumbar spine, hips and surrounding muscles can produce symptoms in similar areas, which is why assessment can be important.
What Does SI Joint Pain Feel Like?
Symptoms associated with the sacroiliac region can vary between patients. They may include:
- Pain on one side of the lower back or pelvis
- Buttock pain
- Pain around the back or side of the hip
- Discomfort when moving from sitting to standing
- Pain with prolonged sitting or standing
- Discomfort when walking, climbing stairs or changing position
- Stiffness around the lower back or pelvis
Symptoms can overlap with other conditions, so pain in this area should not automatically be assumed to originate from the SI joint.
SI Joint Pain vs. Lower Back Pain
SI joint pain and lower-back pain can occur in similar locations.
Pain arising from structures in the lumbar spine may sometimes be experienced near the pelvis or buttock, while symptoms associated with the SI region can be perceived close to the lower back.
A clinical examination can help evaluate the lumbar spine, pelvis and surrounding structures rather than relying only on where the patient feels the pain.
Learn more about lower back pain treatment in Vancouver.
SI Joint Pain vs. Sciatica
SI joint pain is sometimes described by patients as “sciatica,” particularly when discomfort extends into the buttock or upper leg. However, true sciatica generally refers to symptoms associated with irritation or involvement of the sciatic nerve or related nerve roots.
Sciatica may include symptoms such as radiating leg pain, numbness, tingling or weakness, depending on the underlying cause.
Determining whether symptoms are more consistent with SI-region pain, lumbar spine pain or nerve-related symptoms can influence the treatment approach.
Learn more about sciatica treatment in Vancouver.
SI Joint Pain vs. Hip Pain
Patients sometimes describe pain around the SI joint as “hip pain.” However, the hip joint itself is located more toward the front and side of the pelvis, while the sacroiliac joints are located toward the back.
Hip conditions, lumbar spine conditions and SI-region pain can sometimes produce overlapping symptoms.
An examination may include assessment of both the hip and lower back when necessary to help identify the structures most likely to be contributing to the patient's symptoms.
What Can Cause Pain Around the SI Joint?
There is not one single cause of pain around the sacroiliac region.
Symptoms may develop or become aggravated following:
- A fall or other injury
- Changes in physical activity
- Repetitive loading or movement
- Prolonged sitting or standing
- Pregnancy-related changes in some patients
- Other lower-back or pelvic conditions
In some cases, inflammatory conditions can also affect the sacroiliac joints. These require appropriate medical evaluation rather than assuming the problem is simply mechanical.
Sacroiliitis and SI Joint Dysfunction Are Not the Same Thing
The terms sacroiliitis and SI joint dysfunction are sometimes used interchangeably, but they do not necessarily describe the same condition.
Sacroiliitis refers to inflammation involving one or both sacroiliac joints and can sometimes be associated with inflammatory conditions.
Mechanical pain around the SI region, on the other hand, may be assessed differently.
If your history or examination raises concern about an inflammatory condition or another medical cause, further medical assessment may be recommended.
Chiropractic Assessment for SI Joint Pain
Because several conditions can produce pain around the lower back, buttock and hip, assessment is an important part of determining whether chiropractic treatment is appropriate.
Your examination may include:
- A detailed history of your symptoms
- Lower-back and pelvic movement
- Hip mobility
- Muscle strength and flexibility
- Neurological examination when appropriate
- Clinical tests that may help assess the SI region
- Evaluation of movements or activities that reproduce your symptoms
Imaging is not required for every episode of SI-region pain. If your history or examination suggests that imaging or medical assessment may be appropriate, this can be discussed as part of your evaluation.
Can Chiropractic Care Help SI Joint Pain?
For some patients with musculoskeletal pain around the SI joint region, conservative chiropractic care may be appropriate.
Depending on your individual assessment, treatment may include:
- Manual therapy
- Joint mobilization or manipulation when appropriate
- Soft-tissue techniques
- Mobility exercises
- Strengthening exercises
- Advice about activity and movement
Treatment recommendations should be based on the findings of the examination rather than assuming that every patient with pain near the SI joint requires the same treatment.
SI Joint Pain, Herniated Discs and Pinched Nerves
Pain around the buttock or lower back can sometimes originate from structures other than the sacroiliac joint.
For example, lumbar disc conditions or nerve irritation may produce pain that travels into the buttock or leg. Numbness, tingling, weakness or more pronounced radiating leg symptoms may warrant assessment for possible neurological involvement.
Learn more about:
Exercises for SI Joint and Lower Back Pain
Movement and exercise may be useful components of managing certain types of lower-back and pelvic pain. However, the appropriate exercise depends on the individual and the cause of the symptoms.
If an exercise significantly increases pain or produces new numbness, tingling or weakness, stop and seek appropriate assessment.
Watch: SI Joint Dysfunction & Lower Back Exercise Video
When Should SI Joint or Lower Back Pain Be Medically Evaluated?
Seek prompt medical assessment if lower-back, pelvic or leg symptoms are accompanied by significant or progressive weakness, major changes in sensation, new bowel or bladder dysfunction, numbness around the groin or saddle region, fever, significant unexplained illness or severe symptoms following substantial trauma.
Persistent pain, inflammatory symptoms or symptoms that are not responding as expected may also warrant further evaluation.
SI Joint Pain FAQ
Where is SI joint pain usually felt?
SI-region pain is often experienced around one side of the lower back, buttock or back of the pelvis. Because other conditions can produce pain in similar locations, the location alone does not confirm that the SI joint is the source.
Can SI joint pain feel like hip pain?
Yes. Patients sometimes describe discomfort around the buttock or pelvis as hip pain. An examination can help evaluate the hip, lower back and SI region when symptoms overlap.
Is SI joint pain the same as sciatica?
No. The symptoms can sometimes overlap, but sciatica generally involves irritation of the sciatic nerve or related nerve roots and may include radiating leg pain, numbness, tingling or weakness.
Can a chiropractor assess SI joint pain?
Yes. Chiropractors can assess musculoskeletal causes of lower-back, pelvic and buttock pain and determine whether conservative chiropractic care may be appropriate or whether further medical evaluation should be considered.
Can a chiropractor adjust the SI joint?
Manual therapy, including mobilization or manipulation, may be considered for some patients depending on their examination findings. Treatment should be individualized rather than based solely on the location of the pain.
Looking for SI Joint Pain Treatment in Vancouver?
If you are experiencing pain around the lower back, buttock, pelvis or SI joint, an assessment can help determine what may be contributing to your symptoms.
At Dr. Michael Horowitz & Associates, our Vancouver chiropractors assess lower-back and pelvic complaints and provide individualized treatment recommendations when chiropractic care is appropriate.
New patients are welcome.
Hycroft Chiropractic & Massage
Dr. Michael Horowitz & Associates
Suite 114 - 3195 Granville Street
Vancouver, BC V6H 3K2
Phone: 604-733-7744
Email: info@vancouverchiropractic.net
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