What is Sacroiliac Joint Pain?
The sacroiliac joints connect your spine to your pelvis. Dysfunction or inflammation in these joints can cause pain in the lower back, buttocks, and sometimes down the legs. Causes include injury, arthritis, pregnancy, or repetitive stress [2].
Inflammation in the sacroiliac joint can also affect muscles in the lower back and pelvis, leading to additional pain and stiffness.
Symptoms of Sacroiliac Joint Pain
The main symptom of sacroiliac joint pain is lower back pain, often accompanied by other symptoms such as:
- Lower back pain, often one-sided
- Buttock or hip pain
- Pain worsening with standing, walking, or climbing stairs
- Stiffness or reduced mobility
- Occasional pain radiating to the groin or thigh
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on a combination of medical history, physical examination, and sometimes imaging (X-ray, MRI) to rule out other causes.
In some cases, sacroiliac joint pain may be caused by inflammatory conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis. Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints. A GP suspects ankylosing spondylitis when symptoms and blood test results suggest inflammation, such as elevated inflammatory markers. However, diagnosing ankylosing spondylitis can be challenging because the condition develops slowly and there is no definitive test. In the early stages, spinal inflammation may not be visible on standard X-rays, making diagnosis difficult.
Confirming ankylosing spondylitis involves several steps. Imaging tests, such as MRI scans and X-rays, are used to detect inflammation in the sacroiliac joints and spine. An MRI scan can reveal spinal inflammation not visible on X-rays, while sometimes an X-ray shows inflammation in the sacroiliac joints. Further blood tests and genetic testing, such as a genetic blood test for the HLA-B27 gene, may be used to support the diagnosis. Cases confirming ankylosing spondylitis often require a combination of clinical assessment, imaging, and laboratory results. If results suggest inflammation on blood tests or imaging, further tests may be needed to confirm the diagnosis. The process of confirming ankylosing spondylitis is often long and involves multiple steps.
Diagnostic SIJ injections may be used to confirm the source of pain [3].
Treatments for Sacroiliac Joint Pain
The NHS and leading pain specialists recommend a stepwise approach:
- Self-care and Lifestyle Changes: Rest, gentle exercise, and avoiding aggravating activities.
- Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises to strengthen core and pelvic muscles, improve flexibility, and correct posture [4].
- Pain Relief: Over-the-counter painkillers (paracetamol, NSAIDs) and topical treatments.
- Manual Therapy: Physiotherapy, osteopathy, or chiropractic care to improve joint mobility.
- Injections: A sacroiliac joint injection, using corticosteroid or local anaesthetic, can be used both to diagnose and treat pain in the sacroiliac joint for short-term relief.
- Radiofrequency Ablation: Minimally invasive procedure to disrupt pain signals in severe cases. The likelihood of successful treatment depends on individual factors, and a personalized assessment is important.
- Surgery: Rarely needed, but SIJ fusion may be considered for persistent, disabling pain. There are other treatment options available, and patients should discuss these with their doctor to ensure a personalized care pathway.
It is important to have up to date information about all available treatments to make informed decisions with your healthcare provider.
Prolotherapy
In recent years, Prolotherapy has built its reputation within the medical community for its clinically proven ability to treat sacroiliac joint pain. Published research has proven its pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory and regenerative benefits [5].
Prolotherapy involves injecting a natural regenerative solution with tiny needles. This has been shown to stimulate the production of collagen cells, the small cells needed to help with sacroiliac joint pain. As prolotherapy is helping to treat the root cause of sacroiliac joint pain, it is deemed to be a permanent fix, preventing the symptoms from returning.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
Minimally invasive procedures provide effective alternatives for those seeking pain relief from sacroiliac joint pain without undergoing major surgery. These treatments are designed to target the sacroiliac joints directly, addressing the source of pain and inflammation. One widely used option is radiofrequency denervation, a technique that uses controlled heat to disrupt the nerve endings responsible for transmitting pain signals from the sacroiliac joint. By interrupting these pain pathways, radiofrequency denervation can significantly reduce localised pain and help restore mobility.
Another common minimally invasive treatment is the steroid injection. This procedure involves injecting a corticosteroid directly into the sacroiliac joint to reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief. Steroid injections can be particularly helpful for patients experiencing acute flare-ups or those who have not responded to simpler measures. It’s important to consult with your doctor to determine which minimally invasive treatment is most suitable for your specific condition and to discuss the potential benefits and risks associated with each option.
Possible Side Effects and Risks of Treatment
While sacroiliac joint injections are generally safe and can offer significant pain relief, it’s important to be aware of possible side effects and risks. Some patients may experience mild discomfort, numbness, or tingling at the injection site shortly after the procedure. In rare cases, there may be limited chest expansion or a temporary feeling of weakness in the affected area. More serious but extremely rare complications include nerve damage, infection, or an allergic reaction to the local anaesthetic used during the injection.
Your doctor may recommend blood tests to monitor your blood sugar and blood pressure, especially if you have underlying health conditions. These tests help ensure that the treatment is safe and effective for you. Always inform your healthcare provider about any unusual symptoms or concerns following an injection, and follow their instructions closely to minimize risks. By staying informed and maintaining open communication with your doctor, you can make the best decisions for your health and well-being.
Living with Chronic Sacroiliac Joint Pain
Managing chronic sacroiliac joint pain is a long process, but with the right support and treatment options, it is possible to improve your quality of life. Working closely with your doctor is essential to develop a tailored treatment plan that may include pain medicine, physical therapy, and other treatments suited to your needs. Staying up to date with the latest advances in sacroiliac joint care and exploring new treatment options can help you find the best pathway to relief.
In addition to medical treatments, making healthy lifestyle choices—such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management—can help reduce inflammation and support your overall well-being. Connecting with support groups or healthcare professionals can also provide valuable emotional support as you navigate the challenges of chronic pain. Remember to attend regular follow-up appointments so your doctor can monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed. By taking an active role in your care, you can better manage sacroiliac joint pain and maintain a fulfilling, active life.
Case Study: Lasting Relief from Sacroiliac Joint Pain
Patient: Female, 42, office worker
Symptoms: 18 months of lower back and buttock pain, worsened by sitting and walking.
Treatment: After limited improvement with physiotherapy and painkillers, she received a course of prolotherapy at ProHealth Clinic.
Outcome: Within 3 months, pain reduced by 80%, mobility improved, and she returned to normal activities. At 12-month follow-up, she remained pain-free.
Why Choose ProHealth Clinic?
- Specialist expertise in sacroiliac joint pain and regenerative treatments
- Personalised care plans based on the latest evidence
- Thousands of successful patient outcomes
- Convenient locations and flexible appointment times
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes sacroiliac joint pain?
Sacroiliac joint pain can result from injury, arthritis, pregnancy, or repetitive stress. Poor posture and muscle imbalances may also contribute.
How is sacroiliac joint pain diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves a physical exam, medical history, and sometimes imaging or diagnostic injections to confirm the SIJ as the pain source.
Is prolotherapy safe for sacroiliac joint pain?
Prolotherapy is considered safe when performed by experienced practitioners. Side effects are rare and usually mild, such as temporary soreness at the injection site [5].
How long does it take to see results from prolotherapy?
Many patients notice improvement within weeks, with optimal results typically seen after a series of treatments over 2-3 months.
Can sacroiliac joint pain be cured?
With the right treatment, including prolotherapy, many patients achieve long-term or permanent relief from sacroiliac joint pain.
Contact ProHealth Clinic Today for Your FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call
Don’t let sacroiliac joint pain control your life any longer. Join the thousands of patients who have found lasting relief through prolotherapy at ProHealth Clinic.
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Phone: +441234380345
Email: info@prohealthclinic.co.uk
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Author Bio
Having performed over 10,000 procedures, Mr Eaton is one of the UK’s leading practitioners in the field of treating sacroiliac joint pain, with patients travelling to see him from across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East.
With over 12 years of clinical experience, Oliver is dedicated to helping patients understand their symptoms associated with sacroiliac joint pain and providing effective treatment options to alleviate them.
He qualified in Prolozone Therapy and Prolotherapy in America with the American Academy of Ozonotherapy. He continued on to complete further qualifications at the Royal Society of Medicine, Charing Cross Hospital in London, Keele University’s Anatomy & Surgical Training Centre, and the medical department of Heidelberg University in Germany.
Over the years he has had the privilege of treating many elite-level athletes, including both Olympic and Commonwealth medallists.
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References
- Cohen SP. Sacroiliac joint pain: a comprehensive review of anatomy, diagnosis, and treatment. Anesth Analg. 2005;101(5):1440-1453. View Study
- Vanelderen P, et al. Sacroiliac joint pain. Pain Pract. 2010;10(5):470-478. View Study
- NHS. Sacroiliac joint pain. NHS Website
- Dreyfuss P, et al. The value of physical therapy and exercise for sacroiliac joint pain. Spine. 2004;29(1):31-36. View Study
- Rabago D, et al. Prolotherapy in primary care practice. Prim Care. 2010;37(1):65-80. View Study