SIJ Dysfunction (Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction)

Introduction:

Iliac bones and the sacrum bone forms the sacroiliac joint. These bones are located near our spine. This joint provides us the needed support when we are standing in a straight position. Sometimes the excessive load on the joint can cause it to wear down.

What do you mean by SIJ dysfunction?

SIJ dysfunction is known by different names. It is commonly known as the sacroiliac joint dysfunction or SI joint dysfunction. This problem has different names due to the different conditions which can occur in the joint and can cause a lot of pain.

What causes this dysfunction?

There are different causes of SIJ dysfunction. Here are some of the causes.

• The damage of the layer of cartilage which covers the SI joints is the major cause of this problem. This layer helps the body to move and also absorbs the extra shock that is caused by various bones. Any damage to this layer causes the sacrum bone and the iliac bone to rub against each other which causes the SIJ dysfunction.
• The most common reason for this malfunction in a woman is pregnancy. In the period of pregnancy, the body produces hormones that cause the relaxation of ligaments. SI joints are also hold up by a ligament. The relaxation of the ligament causes the rise in the movement of this joint. Excess stress is also caused which leads to the dysfunction. The weight and the sway of walking also cause extra wearing of this joint.
• Different walking styles also can cause the rise in the movement of this joint. The increase in the stress to the SI joints causes the wearing of the bones which causes the SIJ dysfunction.
• Pain in some of the body parts such as hip, knee, or foot which can make you change your walking style also can cause excess stress in the joints.
• Some of the disorder in the bones can also cause the SIJ dysfunction. Ex. Rheumatoid arthritis, reactive arthritis, etc.
• Sometimes any infection caused due to bacteria can also cause this dysfunction.

Symptoms of SIJ dysfunction:

Here are the symptoms related to SIJ dysfunction:

• Pain in the SI joint is the commonly known symptom of this SIJ dysfunction, bottom of the spine, below the lumbar spine and above the tailbone
• Pain in the thighs and the groins is also one of the symptoms.
• The patient suffering from SIJ dysfunction can also experience pains in the hips and also on the lower side of the back.
• SIJ dysfunction can cause a sensation in pelvis also.

How can be this dysfunction diagnosed?

There are different steps involved in the diagnosing process of this dysfunction. Following are the step that needs to be followed for the diagnosing process of the SIJ dysfunction.

• A physical checkup is the first and foremost step through which one can diagnose this symptom. Visit a physiotherapist as soon as you experience some pain in your joints. A physiotherapist can carry on different tests to diagnose whether the patient is suffering from SIJ dysfunction or not, involving a movement test.
• In the next step, you can go for X-rays of different areas to make sure of the dysfunction. You can also go for a CT scan which gives a clear picture of any dysfunction.
• Another step is by injecting some medicines that may reduce the pain in the affected area. This can help you to confirm that which area is the main cause of the pain.

Treatment for SIJ dysfunction:

There are different ways of treating the SIJ dysfunction.

• Physiotherapy
• You can use some pain killing injection.
• You can use medicines that can reduce inflammation.

The physiotherapist can also give you exercises to do at home.