Sacroiliitis
Sacroiliitis
Sacroiliitis is the inflammation of one or both sacroiliac joints (SI joints), which connect the sacrum (the base of the spine) to the ilium of the pelvis. This inflammation can cause significant lower back, buttock, and leg pain, often worsening with prolonged standing or sitting.
Causes
- Degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis): Wear and tear of the SI joint with aging.
- Trauma: Injury from falls, accidents, or repetitive strain affecting the SI joint.
- Inflammatory diseases: Such as ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis).
- Infection: Though rare, bacterial infections can inflame the SI joint.
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and increased joint laxity combined with added weight stress the SI joints.
- Other causes: Prolonged repetitive activities or biomechanical imbalances.
Symptoms
- Pain localized to the lower back, buttocks, or hips.
- Pain may radiate down one or both legs.
- Pain often described as sharp, stabbing, dull, or aching.
- Stiffness and burning sensations in the pelvis, especially after inactivity or in the morning.
- Pain worsens with weight-bearing activities such as standing, walking, or climbing stairs.
- Reduced range of motion in the lower back and hips.
Diagnosis
- Physical examination assessing pain with specific maneuvers and palpation of the SI joint.
- Patient history focusing on symptom pattern and risk factors.
- Imaging studies: X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to detect inflammation, joint damage, or structural changes.
- Diagnostic injections: Local anesthetic injected into the SI joint to confirm the source of pain if pain relief occurs.
- Laboratory tests if infection or inflammatory arthritis is suspected.
Treatment
- Conservative management: Rest, activity modification, physical therapy focusing on strengthening and stabilizing muscles around the SI joint.
- Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), analgesics, and corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Joint injections: Corticosteroid injections into the SI joint for targeted relief.
- Surgery: Rarely needed; SI joint fusion may be considered in refractory cases.
- Other therapies: Heat/cold therapy, assistive devices, and lifestyle modifications.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Definition | Inflammation of one or both sacroiliac joints connecting spine and pelvis |
| Common Causes | Osteoarthritis, trauma, inflammatory arthritis (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis), infection, pregnancy |
| Symptoms | Lower back/buttock pain, leg pain, stiffness, worsened by standing/sitting |
| Diagnosis | Physical exam, imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT), diagnostic joint injections, lab tests |
| Treatment | Physical therapy, NSAIDs, corticosteroid injections, surgery (rare) |
Consult with Our Team of Experts Now!
At DrStemCellsThailand (DRSCT)‘s Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine Center of Thailand, we emphasize comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans of Cellular Therapy and Stem Cells for managing various health conditions. If you have questions about Sacroiliitis or would like more information on our services, consult with our experts today!
Consult with Our Team of Experts Now!
References
- Cleveland Clinic: Sacroiliitis: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17736-sacroiliitis - Healthdirect: Sacroiliitis – symptoms, causes and treatment
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/sacroiliitis - StatPearls: Sacroiliitis
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448141/ - Total Spine Orthopedics: Sacroiliitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
https://totalspineortho.com/all-you-need-to-know-about-sacroiliitis-causes-symptoms-and-treatment-options/ - Wikipedia: Sacroiliitis
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacroiliitis - Spine-Health: What is Sacroiliitis?
https://www.spine-health.com/video/video-what-sacroiliitis - Medical News Today: Sacroiliitis: Causes, symptoms, and treatment
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319984 - Spine-Health: All About Sacroiliitis
https://www.spine-health.com/conditions/sacroiliac-joint-dysfunction/all-about-sacroiliitis
Sacroiliitis is a potentially debilitating inflammation of the sacroiliac joints causing lower back and leg pain. Early diagnosis and tailored treatment, including physical therapy and anti-inflammatory measures, are essential for symptom relief and improved function.
