SI Joint Pain Symptoms
Individuals with SI joint dysfunction can suffer from pain and impaired function. It is vital to understand that SI joint pain symptoms can be akin to those of other conditions of the pelvis, lumbar spine, and hip. The patient will require an SI joint exam to diagnose the source of the pain correctly.
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 communities.
Common Symptoms
- Lower back pain (below L5)
- Sensation in lower extremity: numbness, pain, weakness, tingling
- Pelvis/buttock pain
- Hip/groin pain
- Sensation of leg instability (giving way, buckling)
- Disturbed sleep patterns because of the pain
- Disrupted sitting patterns (unable to sit for long durations, sitting on one side)
- Pain extending from sitting to standing
Understanding the Symptoms
Sacroiliac (SI) joint disorders necessitate a proper interpretation of the patient’s history, clinical examination results, and imaging studies. In general, hip pathology and/or lumbar pathology can occur simultaneously with SI joint pathology.
A medical professional trained in SI joint dysfunction diagnosis and treatment can help diagnose the patient’s condition correctly and recommend an appropriate treatment approach.
Avoid SI Joint Pain Misdiagnosis
For the most part of the 20th century, doctors did not focus on the SI joint as the origin of chronic back pain. Therefore, misdiagnosis was, and still can be, common.
To avoid misdiagnosis, patients should understand what to share with their doctor and work with a doctor who is trained in SI joint pain diagnosis and treatment.
It is vital to understand history to understand why SI joint pain can be easily misdiagnosed. Medical professionals have considered the spinal disc as the go-to source for all back pain for the past seven decades. SI pain commonly feels similar to lower back or discogenic pain. Literature from 1934 supports that.
However, today, many orthopedic and neurologic spine surgeons understand that the disc is not the only source of chronic low back pain. A doctor trained in SI joint diagnosis and treatment can help the patient in accurately determining whether their pain originates from their SI joint or another source.
Know What to Share with the Doctor
The patient should start with these steps to improve their chance of an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment:
- Track when the pain occurs and how strongly they feel in various locations, such as the buttocks, legs, and lower back
- Tell the doctor the precise location of the pain and level of functionality. Share their pain journal.
- Discuss any previous injuries that may have either directly affected the pelvis, or caused the patient to walk asymmetrically, or may be associated with their functionality in any manner with the doctor.
- Understand whether the doctor is specially trained in SI joint dysfunction. If not, consider working with a provider who is.
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/
