WHAT IS SACROILIAC JOINT DYSFUNCTION?
The Sacroiliac joints are located at the bottom of the back, either side of the spine. The Sacroiliac joints help make up the rear part of the pelvic girdle and join the sacrum with the Ilia (hip bones). The function of the SacroiIiac joints is to allow torsional or twisting movements when we move our legs.
SIJ DYSFUNCTION
SIJ is a term which is commonly used when talking about sacroiliac joint injuries. This dysfunction refers to either too much or too little movement/mobility. In other words, the joint can become ‘locked’ or too mobile. This can lead to problems and pain in surrounding structures such as ligaments (e.g. liolumbar ligament) and muscles of the buttocks, hamstrings, thighs, lower back and/or groin.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SACROILIAC JOINT (SIJ) DYSFUNCTION
- Pain located either to the left or right of your
lower back - The pain can be an ache or a sharp pain
which can restrict movement - Pain commonly radiates into your buttock, lower
back, thigh and groin regions. - Occasionally it is responsible for pain in the testicles
among males - There may be referred pain into the
lower limb which can be mistaken for sciatica - Classic symptoms are difficulty turning over in
bed, struggling to put on shoes and socks and pain
getting your legs in and out of the car - Stiffness in the lower back when getting up after
sitting for long periods and when getting up from
bed in the morning - Aching to one side of your lower back when driving
long distances - There may be tenderness on palpating the ligaments
which surround the joint