Back Pain Affects The SI Joint Too
The American healthcare system treats millions of patients yearly for back pain. Most of these cases happen in the lumbar region of the spine. Yet, some persons feel lower back pain from the sacroiliac or SI joint. SI joint pain can be so severe that the only option is an SI fusion.
Understanding the SI joint
While the SI joint is not directly on the spine, the joint is crucial for lower body and spine function. The spine is made up of several bones called vertebrae. These bones start from the neck and come down the sacrum. There are 2 sacroiliac joints, connecting the pelvis to the sacrum on each side. These are small synovial joints that have a short range of motion. The role of the SI joint is to help bear the weight of the torso. The joint spreads force out to the pelvis and legs, especially when walking, running, or lifting.
The effects of a damaged SI joint
Like any joint, the SI joint can experience damage or wear and tear. The joint can also become inflamed, called sacroiliitis. The main reasons include injury, pregnancy, or arthritis. Damage to the joints can cause hypermobility or a limited range of motion, both of which can be painful. Persons with SI joint pain will feel pain in the lower back, buttocks, and groin area. Climbing stairs, standing, and sitting for long periods will prove difficult. If left untreated, pain can spread to surrounding muscles, joints, and bones that try to compensate.
Do you need an SI fusion?
Contrary to popular belief, doctors don’t immediately opt for surgery. Medical experts try all non-surgical treatment options available. In most cases, non-surgical treatment helps with sacroiliac joint pain. Treatments usually include medication, steroid injections, chiropractic care, or physical therapy. However, if non-surgical treatment fails, SI fusion may be an option. Other reasons for surgery include excruciating daily pain or dangerous instability of the joint. Both can make patients unable to perform simple tasks and are reasons for surgery.
The goal of SI fusion
Surgery fuses the end of the pelvic bone or ilium to the side of the sacrum. The surgeon may have to operate on both SI joints. This fusion creates a stable structure that will significantly reduce pain. SI fusion is a minimally invasive procedure with a high success rate.
In the operating room
The patient stays in a face-down position under general anesthesia. The surgeon will make small incisions at the side of the buttocks to access the joint. From there, tools are inserted to give the surgeon a high-quality view of the joint. The surgeon will drill through the pelvic bone to access the SI joint. From there, the surgeon then attaches implants to hold the bones together. In some cases, a bone graft is placed after the surgeon clears the degraded cartilage. The incisions are then cleaned and closed. Over time, the bones fuse. The total recovery time is around 6 months. With physical therapy, stretching, and exercise, most patients resume daily activities in 8 weeks.
It’s time to consider surgery
SI joint pain often responds to non-surgical treatment. However, if these treatments fail and the problem is ongoing for several months, consider SI fusion. SI fusion is one of the many surgical options for back pain. However, each procedure is dependent on the affected joint. Surgery has been proven to stabilize the joint and relieve pain. Speak with a doctor about any chronic symptoms relating to the SI joint today.
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“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
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“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
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