The pelvis is made up of three bones; two ilium (hip bones) and one sacrum, and located at the back of the pelvis is two sacroiliac joints (SIJ) which connect these bones together. These joints, like many others in the body, are heavily supported by ligaments. Just like spraining an ankle ligament or joint you can sprain your sacroiliac joint. The SIJ’s play a major role in weight bearing and in the mechanism of walking.
Sacroilitis and sacroiliac joint dysfunction (SIJD) are other names given to pain related to the SIJ’s. Common causes of SIJ pain include trauma (injury or repetitive micro-trauma) or hypermobility and instability. Pregnant women often complain of SIJ pain.
What are the signs & symptoms of a Sacroiliac Joint Sprain?
The signs and symptoms relating to a Sacroiliac Joint Sprain include:
One sided low back, hip, pelvic or groin pain
Low back stiffness
Pain aggravated when climbing stairs or standing from a seated/lying position
Pain worse when weight baring on the affected side
What can I do ‘right now’ to help with my Sacroiliac Joint Sprain?
If you are experiencing a Sacroiliac Joint Sprain, we want to allow the structures which have been overstretched and inflamed an opportunity to heal. Aggravation of sprained structures will only prolong healing times, so you should try to Avoid heavy lifting, squatting, lunging, hopping and jumping activities. Bed rest is also generally not recommended for sacroiliac pain. Instead, gentle motion (such as walking) should be performed to avoid furthering stiffening of the joint without aggravating it.
After acute injury, applying ice to the region is encouraged for the first 24-48 hours at 20 minute intervals. Always avoid direct skin contact with ice using a towel between skin and ice/icepack. After 48 hours, heat-pack application is encouraged to promote blood-flow and repair at the joint and to relax muscles guarding around the region.
Gentle stretching through the buttock and hip flexor region may be useful in decreasing muscular guarding and extra strain placed on the effected joint. Your health professional will be able to show you specific techniques which will work in your best interest.
SIJ braces or belts can help in reducing pain symptoms by pushing joint surfaces together/allowing less movement through the joint. Ask your health professional if this technique is advised for you.
When should I see a health professional for a Sacroiliac Joint Sprain?
You should consider booking an appointment if you are experiencing the following:
Increasing pain intensity
Increasing joint stiffness
Increasing difficulty in performing daily activities
Symptoms referral below the buttock