Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is known to cause low back pain, but diagnosing can be hard for some doctors. Especially those that do not have a great deal of experience in sacroiliac joint pain. However, chiropractors specialize in this area as the SI joint is an important part of the musculoskeletal system.

SI joint dysfunction and pain can involve one or both joints.

 

 

Other terms associated with SI joint dysfunction are sacroiliitis or degenerative sacroiliitis.

Low back pain may be SI joint-related, so how to start the conversation with your doctor?

Things to Remember Before Appointment

Diagnosing sacroiliac joint-related pain begins before your first appointment with a doctor or chiropractor.

Three things to do before your appointment can help make the visit highly productive.

 

I. Know your medical history

• If you have an existing spinal condition, it can definitely affect SI joint dysfunction
• Any recent trauma, like an auto accident or fall?
• Pregnant?

Think about these before, because they can help a doctor identify links or cause of Sacroiliac joint dysfunction.

II. Know the symptoms

Make it a point to know the symptoms so you can explain them in full detail.

• Dull pain
• Achy
• Stiff

If you need to, write them down.

Common symptoms:

• Low back pain

Pain that travels through:

• Hips
• Buttocks
• Thighs
• Groin
• Pain when pressing on the Sacroiliac joints 
• Stiffness or electrical burning sensations in the pelvis

Know when the symptoms get worse and when they go away. For example:

The pain usually increases when:

• Standing
• Walking for extended periods
• Climbing stairs
• Getting/rising up from a seated position

And the pain usually goes away when lying down.

III. Write down questions for your doctor.

Think about what you want your doctor to understand and the pain you are going through.

Write down questions and take them with you.

This questions could be like:

1. Is this pain caused by a sacroiliac joint problem?
2. Why rule out sacroiliac joint dysfunction?
3. How long does it take for the treatment/s to take effect?   
4. Is the treatment plan for long sustained relief or short-term relief?

The Appointment

Ask your doctor to examine you for sacroiliac joint dysfunction.

Low back pain research shows the sacroiliac joint, is a definite cause of low back pain.

This problem affects  30-34% of patients with low back pain.

A doctor can diagnose sacroiliac joint dysfunction based on medical history and a physical exam.

The physical exam, which can include performing specific maneuvers/movements to re-create the pain in a controlled manner, to help confirm a diagnosis.

Physical tests can initiate sacroiliac joint pain and help diagnose low back pain that is being caused by sacroiliac joint dysfunction.

• Distraction
• Thigh Thrust
• F.A.B.E.R – Flexion Abduction External Rotation
• Compression
• Gaenslen’s maneuver
• Fortin finger test, which means pressing down near the sacroiliac joints

If three out of five tests produce pain, then more than likely you have sacroiliac joint dysfunction.

Dialogue with your doctor/chiropractor

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed during a doctor’s visit, especially if you have a condition that is hard-to-diagnose.

Talk with your doctor, their voice should not be the only one heard, this is your body and your health that’s at stake.

Your information is essential to help with an accurate diagnosis.

If your doctor doesn’t feel comfortable or feels they don’t have enough experience in diagnosing sacroiliac joint pain, then ask for a referral to a spine specialist/chiropractor that is comfortable and does have the experience in diagnosing sacroiliac joint pain.

There are a number of treatments for sacroiliac joint dysfunction, including pain medication, epidural steroid injection, and surgery. However, chiropractic care is non-invasive and does not have the unpleasant, sometimes harmful side effects of pain meds. It is safe and effective and treats the entire body instead of just the part that hurts.

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Low Back Pain Chiropractic Care | El Paso, TX.

 

 

David Garcia developed low back pain which gradually affected his quality of life. As his painful symptoms worsened, David Garcia was unable to walk and his low back pain became unbearable. He first visited Dr. Alex Jimenez, a chiropractor in El Paso, TX, after a recommendation from his sister. Dr. Jimenez was able to provide David Garcia with the help he deserved for his low back pain, restoring his quality of life. David Garcia describes the wonderful service Dr. Alex Jimenez and his staff have given him to offer him relief from his painful symptoms and he highly recommends chiropractic care as the non-surgical choice for low back pain, among other health issues.

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NCBI Resources

Patients who experience lower back pain never want to deal with it again, but it can flare up periodically. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, roughly 20% of those who suffer from low back pain will eventually deal with it chronically. This can cause frustration, primarily when it affects mobility.

Before you run screaming in horror to the medicine cabinet, one of the best reasons to participate in chiropractic treatment is that it helps reduce the chance of a recurrence. By working on the total body and getting it in the best shape possible, the patient is stronger and more balanced to handle their workload and other strenuous activities. Chiropractors also impart advice on how to minimize the chances of re-aggravating the lower back.