For over a century, Sacroiliac (SI) joint disorders and related symptoms have been well-known. Scientific data indicates that it is common from pain from SI joint to feel similar to discogenic or low back pain.
SI joint disorders should be considered in low back pain diagnosis to avoid unnecessary lumbar spine surgery.
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.
A Properly Functioning SI Joint
An SI joint which is functioning correctly has a limited amount of motion SI joint and the motion occurs in multiple planes. The sacrum translates (glides between the two ilea), the sacrum nutates (rocks forward and backward) as well as pivots on a diagonal axis simultaneously.
These motions are quite small with the gliding motion being around 1.6 mm and with one to two degrees of sacral rocking motion in men, and three to four degrees of sacral rocking motion in women.
The Three Components of a Normal SI Joint
For optimal SI function, there are three components that are necessary. These are:
- Form closure: passive forces
- Force closure: dynamic forces
- Motor control: the coordination between the nervous system and the muscles that stabilize the pelvic area and lower back
The SI joint works to transfer weight and forces due to motion from the upper body through the pelvis to the legs and vice-versa. The SI joint is an important component for shock absorption to prevent the impact of forces from reaching the spine during movement.
The main role of the SI joint is to offer stability to the pelvis and to bear the weight of the upper body.
SI Joint Instability
SI joint dysfunction may develop when any or all components that are necessary for the stability of the SI joint are not functioning appropriately due to giving birth, trauma, arthritis, degeneration, or other conditions. SI joint dysfunction may or may not cause pain in the SI joint itself.
SI joint dysfunction may cause pain in the soft tissues surrounding the SI joint and/or in other body areas that may be affected in a secondary manner.
Testing for SI Joint Instability
SI joint pain refers to the situation when there is pain emanating from the joint itself. Patients experiencing SI joint pain usually have discomfort at the time of provocative testing. The provocative tests refer to physical exam tests that stress the SI joint(s) in several directions.
Studies indicate that if the patient has three or more positive tests on a cluster of five specific provocative tests, it is quite probable that the patient has pain initiating in the SI joint.
SI Joint Dysfunction Pain and Treatment
SI joint dysfunction pain can be experienced anywhere in the low back, legs, or buttocks. Chronic SI joint pain symptoms can make it challenging to perform common daily tasks, and can impact many facets of the patient’s life.
Fortunately, there are thousands of physicians around the world who are trained in SI joint pain treatment, from conservative treatments to minimally invasive SI joint fusion surgery.
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/
