Sacroiliac Joint (SIJ) Dysfunction
Is extremely common, despite the relatively small amount of attention it gets in comparison to ‘discs’ as a cause of pain.
- Provide small degrees of movement which if dysfunctional may result in pains in the lumbar spine, the hips and the lower limbs
- Are commonly injured through missing a step, lifting and twisting and due to poor core stability
- Will often present with symptoms that mimic a disc injury
- Are easily treatable and often resolve fully with minimal need for further treatment (if it is a chronic problem, or a recurring problem then this is not the case)
Self Management
- You can ensure you get an accurate diagnosis and don’t waste hundreds of dollars on MRI scans
- Utilise heat or ice to try to minimise the pain locally
Physiotherapy Management
- Accurately assess you and discuss with you their findings – and why they feel the SIJ is the cause of your pain
- Treat the diagnosed dysfunction and possibly supplement the treatment with taping or bracing to assist maintaining the joint position.
- Commence you on any stretches that are deemed beneficial
- Instigate a home programme of stretches and exercises to minimise teh chance of recurrence
- Assess and treat any underlying instability (weak core) issues.