The sacroiliac joint or SI joint (SIJ) is the joint in the bony pelvis between the sacrum and the ilium of the pelvis. Typically, when there is SIJ pain, patients will describe it as being either in the buttock or low back. Like most lower extremity joints, the SIJ functions to absorb load and transmit force through the pelvis and spine. Many SIJ problems occur during pregnancy due to the hormonal changes that affect the integrity of the ligament support around the SIJ.
Common Sacroiliac Joint (SIJ) Issues:
- Locked SIJ
- Hypermobile SIJ (pregnancy)
- Painful SIJ
- Piriformis syndrome/pain
- Lower back
- Disc pain (bulging/herniated discs)
- Postoperative low back pain for discectomy, fusions
- Spondolythesis
- Decreased bending and straightening mobility
- Arthritic pain
- Locked facet joints – unable to straighten
- Muscle spasm or strain
- Pinched nerves – pins and needles and numbness often felt in the leg
Occupational Therapy may be a fantastic addition to your treatment team. Your OT will help you to develop individualized strategies for
- managing your symptoms
- managing the emotions intertwined with them
- navigating your relationship with your symptoms, your body, and with movement
- re-engaging in the life activities, roles, and relationships that are important to you.
Individualized care plans may include nervous system regulation, somatic & sensory tools, Cognitive Behavioural Therapies, Graded Exposure, mindfulness techniques, and exploring day to day functioning, day to day demands, and life balance.