Insights To Help Get You Back To Your Life.

About The Author

Share This Post

5 Things To Know About The SI Joint

Authored by Dr. William Kemp, MD. November 15, 2022

If you feel like you’re hearing a lot lately about sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction – there’s a good reason for that. SI joints are the source of up to ¼ of all back pain. Even so  – they are not well understood by patients and diagnoses can be challenging when they’re the trigger of back pain. 

In the hopes of bringing clarity to those dealing with this common cause of back pain – here are the Top 5 questions patients ask me about SI joints. 

What is the SI Joint?

I generally pull out a model of the spine when talking about the SI joints because most people haven’t heard of them and aren’t sure where they are. The SI joints – you have two of them – sit between the sacrum and the pelvis, on either side of the lower part of your spine.

What Does SI Joint Pain Look Like?

SI joints are one of the more poorly understood areas in terms of being a pain generator. A lot of patients come to the clinic reporting generalized low back pain in the buttocks area. It’s often occurring in younger folks who are typically pretty physically active. The pain can be aching, can impact mobility and walking and some patients report that it feels like their joints are popping out of the socket.

skeleton of lower back and hip area. Red inflamed area of the SI Joints.

How Do You Get a Diagnosis of SI Joint Dysfunction?

This is often hard for patients – many of whom say they’ve been dealing with pain for a long time before they figure out the cause. Diagnoses can be hard to come by because there are a lot of other problems that may cause similar pain. We get to a diagnosis by starting with imaging such as an MRI or X-ray to confirm that the patient doesn’t have another issue in the spine or hip. We also do a physical exam to assess neurologic function. When these things are ruled out, we often laser in on SI joints as the cause of the pain.

What Treatments Are Available?

While SI joint pain can be debilitating for many – finding relief isn’t always easy. Countless offerings online promise to ‘cure’ your SI pain. But the best way to find relief is to meet with a spine doctor. I like to try conservative management first and for me, that’s usually physical therapy. Manipulative maneuvers from a trained PT, plus stretching can help patients employ a better range of motion and that can really help. PTs can also provide individualized exercise programs that can provide relief. If that doesn’t work, then it’s time to talk with your doctor about other options – perhaps medications, injections – or even regenerative medicine. You want to have a conversation with a doctor who is able to customize a treatment plan that best addresses your pain, the level of dysfunction and can get you back to doing what you love. SI joint fusion surgery is also available when nothing else fixes the problem.

Can Patients Recover From SI Joint Pain?

Absolutely. There are reasonable options for any patient that comes to see us. You don’t have to live with pain. You should not live with pain. Seek help. Look for answers. They’re out there and relief is absolutely possible.

 


Dr. William Kemp is a fellowship-trained spine neurosurgeon at Virginia Spine Institute. As a minimally invasive and complex spine neurosurgeon, Dr. Kemp takes pride in utilizing his extensive knowledge of the nervous system to find answers for his patients and provide operative and non-operative solutions to help them reach their goals. His genuine passion for helping others drives a commitment to the highest standard of care and helps patients get back to enjoying life. Learn more about Dr. Kemp.

Schedule Your Consult

Schedule

Reviewed by: Dr. William Kemp, MD.

Reviewed by: Dr. William Kemp, MD.

About The Author

Dr. William Kemp, MD

Share This Post

Other videos on this topic

Find out Why Patients are Traveling to Virginia Spine Institute to Get Their Life Back

Hear Why Patients Chose Virginia Spine Institute to Get Their Life Back

The Today Show Features Patient Who Found Relief to Chronic Pain at Virginia Spine Institute

As Seen on ABC News: Virginia Spine Institute Among 1st in the World to Perform Augmented Reality Surgery

As Seen On Good Morning Washington: Dr. Haines Discusses Working From Home Tips for Parents and Kids

Self Isolation Side Effects Addressed by VSI Doctors – Featured on CBS Affiliate WLKY Louisville

Overcoming Back Pain: New Patient Process

Tips to Alleviate Back Pain While Working from Home

Low Back and SI Joint Pain Relief Series with Physical Therapist, Casey & Physician Assistant, Catherine!

Cardio/Core Challenge with Physical Therapist, Casey & Physician Assistant, Eileen!

The Risks of Waiting to Get Spine Treatment

As Seen on WUSA9: How to properly set up an at-home work station to avoid back pain

Common Reasons to Visit a Spine Surgeon

Dr. Schuler Provides Hope for Those Suffering With Back or Neck Pain.

What is Degenerative Disc Disease?

What is a Lumbar Spinal Fusion?

What is Flatback Syndrome?

Adult Scoliosis Treatments

What is Spinal Stenosis?

What is Spondylolisthesis?

What is Sciatica?

What is a Lumbar Disc Replacement?

Tips to Avoid Back Pain During the Winter Months

FOX 5 DC: On Boosting Your Immune System Amid Coronavirus Fears

3 Most Common Causes of Back Pain

4 Sleep Tips To Protect Your Back

What To Expect After Spine Surgery

3 Ways to Keep Your Spine Healthy

Spinal Champion, Katie and the Hydroworx 300

Spinal Champion, Rita

Spinal Champion Omar’s Medical Diagnosis & Treatment

What is a Disc Herniation?

Avoiding & Treating Constipation After Spine Surgery

EMG for Diagnostic Testing

Sacroiliitis: Back Pain, Hip Pain, or Radiating Pain

What is Scoliosis?

Surgical Scoliosis Treatments

The Spine Surgery that Helped Tiger Woods Get Back on the Golf Course

What To Bring To The Hospital Before Surgery

When Is Spinal Surgery Necessary For Back or Neck Pain?

When You Should See a Specialist for Back or Neck Pain

When To Call Your Doctor After Surgery

WUSA9 ‘Great Day Washington’ on World Spine Day

Schedule a Consultation Today

Schedule Today