Similar to other joints in the body, the sacroiliac (SI) joint can sustain damage, experience wear and tear, or the ligaments supporting the joint may be injured or stretched.
This may cause a change in the function of the SI joint, a condition known as SI joint dysfunction. SI joint dysfunction may cause pain in the lower back or spine, buttocks, groin and pelvis, and even the legs. Thankfully, there are treatments available today that can bring long-lasting relief to the patient.
Southern California Hip Institute (SCHI), led by board certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tigran Garabekyan, provides orthopedic surgery as well as non-surgical treatments to patients in Los Angeles, Century City, CA, and surrounding locations.
Causes of SI Joint Pain
The two primary causes of SI joint dysfunction and pain are trauma and degeneration.
Low Back Pain and SI Joint Pain Causes
The sacroiliac (SI) joint can sustain damage, similar to other joints. This may occur due to wear and tear, or the ligaments that support the joint may become injured or stretched, causing a change in the function of the SI joint (SI joint dysfunction).
What Causes SI Joint Pain?
Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction and related pain may occur due to a specific traumatic event (disruption) or may develop over time (degeneration).
- Motor vehicle accident
- Sacroiliac Trauma (common events that may lead to SI joint disruption)
- Pregnancy (chronic low back pain during and/or after pregnancy is often called pelvic girdle pain)
- Fall on buttock
- Lifting and/or twisting
- Natural childbirth
Sacroiliac Joint Degeneration (Common Causes)
- Stresses to the SI joint due to leg length differences, joint replacement, or scoliosis
- Previous lumbar spine surgery (e.g., the fusion of the lumbar vertebrae)
- Osteoarthritis
- Prior infection of the SI joint
- Previous iliac crest bone graft (ICBG)
Lower back and buttock pain may occur due to the SI joint, hip, spine, or a combination of these structures. The doctor should properly assess ALL potential pain sources at the time of a lower back pain examination to offer the patient a correct diagnosis of their symptoms and prescribe the most appropriate treatment approach.
Other Causes of Low Back Pain
The SI joint may be a major contributing factor to pain in the pelvis or pelvis area, lower back, buttocks, or legs. However, many structures in the pelvic region and lower back may lead to pain:
- Hip issues are sometimes confused with low back conditions.
- A “slipped disc” may be the reason for pain in the low back.
- Scoliosis may cause pain and degeneration in the spine/back.
- Sprains and injury can lead to low back pain.
- Arthritis of the back can lead to pain.
Many people experience low back pain at some point in their lives. For some individuals, low back pain can be an acute, short-term issue. Others may suffer from long-term, chronic low back pain. Regardless, the reason for the pain may or may not be the SI joint.
The patient should consult a qualified SI joint doctor to establish whether the pain is caused due to the SI joint or another source.
Board certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tigran Garabekyan receives patients from Los Angeles, Century City, CA, and nearby areas for orthopedic surgery and other procedures.
Dr. Tigran Garabekyan is a board certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip preservation. To learn more about Southern California Hip Institute or to schedule a consultation, click here to contact us or call:
Century City / Los Angeles: 310.595.1030
Serving patients in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Century City, West Hollywood, North Hollywood Encino, Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys, Burbank, Glendale and other neighboring cities in the greater Los Angeles, California area.
Also visit http://www.drgorthopedics.com/
