Sacroiliac (SI) joint pain refers to discomfort originating from the SI joints, which connect the spine to the pelvis. These joints help absorb shock and transfer forces between the upper body and legs. When they become inflamed, dysfunctional, or irritated, they can cause chronic lower back pain, often mistaken for disc or hip issues.
SI joint dysfunction can lead to pain on one or both sides of the lower back, often radiating to the buttocks, hips, groin, or upper thighs.
Common Causes of SI Joint Pain
Pregnancy or childbirth – hormonal changes and pelvic stretching
Trauma or injury – such as falls or car accidents
Repetitive stress – prolonged sitting, heavy lifting, or uneven weight distribution
Leg length discrepancy or altered gait
Spinal fusion surgery – may shift stress to the SI joint
Inflammatory conditions – such as ankylosing spondylitis or other spondyloarthropathies
Arthritis or degeneration of the SI joints
Symptoms of Sacroiliac Joint Pain
Deep, aching pain in the lower back, just above the buttocks
Pain that may radiate into the buttocks, groin, or thighs
Worsens with standing, walking, climbing stairs, or transitions (e.g., sitting to standing)
Stiffness or instability in the pelvis or hips
Pain aggravated by sleeping on one side or prolonged activity
Conservative Treatment Options
Medications
NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) to reduce inflammation
Muscle relaxants for associated spasms
Topical analgesics or neuropathic pain medications (if nerve irritation is present)
Physical Therapy
Focused on pelvic stabilization, core strengthening, and improving joint mobility
Manual therapy and joint mobilization may improve alignment and reduce pain
Chiropractic or Osteopathic Manipulation
Realignment of the pelvis and spine to relieve mechanical stress on the SI joint
Supportive Measures
Sacroiliac belts or braces to provide external pelvic stability
Ergonomic adjustments and activity modifications
Interventional Pain Management Options
If conservative approaches fail to provide relief, interventional procedures can offer precise, longer-lasting pain control:
Sacroiliac Joint Injections
Image-guided injection of corticosteroid and local anesthetic directly into the SI joint
Reduces inflammation and helps confirm the SI joint as the pain source
Medial Branch (Lateral Branch) Blocks
Targets the nerve branches that supply the SI joint for diagnostic and therapeutic benefit
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Used after a successful diagnostic block
Destroys the small nerve branches transmitting pain from the SI joint, providing relief for 6–18 months
Minimally Invasive SI Joint Fusion
Considered for patients with chronic SI joint dysfunction who don’t respond to conservative or interventional treatment
Stabilizes the joint using a small implant through a minimally invasive surgical approach
When to Seek Help
You may benefit from evaluation and treatment if you:
Have chronic low back pain that worsens with sitting or standing
Experience pain in the buttocks, hips, or groin that isn’t responding to typical back treatments
Have a history of pelvic trauma, spinal surgery, or pregnancy-related pain
Suspect your pain originates from the pelvis or sacroiliac region
Get Lasting Relief for SI Joint Pain
At Parkview Spine & Pain, we use advanced diagnostics and image-guided procedures to accurately identify and treat sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Whether you’re dealing with pain from trauma, pregnancy, or joint degeneration, we provide personalized, minimally invasive solutions to help you move with comfort and confidence.
👉 Schedule your consultation today to explore your treatment options for SI joint pain.