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Sacroiliac Joint Pain

Understanding Sacroiliac Joint Pain: Insights from Dr. Amit Shridhar, Spine Surgeon

Welcome to an in-depth exploration of sacroiliac joint pain, led by Dr. Amit Shridhar, an esteemed spine surgeon. Sacroiliac joint pain can be a debilitating condition affecting the lower back and hips, often overlooked or misdiagnosed. Dr. Shridhar brings his expertise to shed light on this condition, offering insights into its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.

What is Sacroiliac Joint Pain?

Sacroiliac joint pain refers to discomfort or inflammation in the sacroiliac joint, which connects the sacrum (base of the spine) to the pelvis. This joint plays a crucial role in transmitting forces between the upper body and the legs. When it becomes dysfunctional or injured, it can lead to localized pain in the lower back, buttocks, and hips.

Symptoms

Symptoms of sacroiliac joint pain may vary but commonly include:

  • Pain in the lower back, buttocks, or hips, often on one side
  • Stiffness or difficulty standing up after prolonged sitting
  • Pain worsened by activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or standing for long periods
  • Pain that may radiate down the leg, resembling sciatica
Sacroiliac-Joint-Pain
Causes of Sacroiliac Joint Pain:

Trauma: Injuries such as falls, accidents, or repetitive stress can damage the sacroiliac joint, leading to pain.

Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can loosen ligaments around the sacroiliac joint, causing instability and discomfort.

Arthritis: Conditions like osteoarthritis or ankylosing spondylitis can affect the sacroiliac joint, leading to inflammation and pain.

Degenerative Conditions: Wear and tear over time can contribute to degeneration of the sacroiliac joint, resulting in pain and stiffness.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing sacroiliac joint pain can be challenging due to its similarity to other back-related conditions. However, Dr. Shridhar emphasizes a thorough evaluation, including:

  • Medical history review
  • Physical examination
  • Imaging studies such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans
  • Diagnostic injections to confirm the source of pain
Treatment Options

Conservative Management:Initially, Dr. Shridhar often recommends conservative treatments such as:

  • Rest and activity modification
  • Physical therapy to strengthen surrounding muscles and improve joint stability
  • Medications like NSAIDs or muscle relaxants to alleviate pain and inflammation

Minimally Invasive Procedures:For persistent pain, Dr. Shridhar may suggest minimally invasive procedures such as:

  • Sacroiliac joint injections: Steroid injections to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief
  • Radiofrequency ablation: A procedure to disrupt pain signals from the sacroiliac joint nerves

Surgical Intervention: In rare cases where conservative measures fail to provide relief, surgical options may be considered, such as:

  • Sacroiliac joint fusion: A surgical procedure to stabilize the joint and alleviate pain by fusing the sacrum and ilium.

Conclusion

Sacroiliac joint pain can significantly impact daily life, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, individuals can find relief and regain functionality. Dr. Amit Shridhar's expertise in spine surgery ensures patients receive comprehensive care tailored to their unique needs, restoring comfort and mobility.