SIJ syndrome causes pain and restricted movement in the lower back. It is triggered by the sacroiliac joint (SIJ), which connects the spine to the pelvis.
Find out more about the causes, diagnosis and treatment of SIJ syndrome here and find selected specialists for SIJ syndrome.
Back pain is a typical common condition. In most cases, the lower back, i.e. the area of the lumbar spine, is affected by the pain. Often, no organic causes for the back pain can be identified.
In some cases, however, the sacroiliac joint (sacroiliac joint) is the cause of the pain. The joint connects the sacrum to the pelvis. If this joint can be diagnosed as the trigger for the back pain, doctors refer to it as a sacroiliac joint blockage.
The sacroiliac joint connects the sacrum to the pelvis © Henrie | AdobeStock
Pain in the lower back, particularly in the region of the sacrum, is a typical symptom of SIJ syndrome. The pain often extends to the groin, buttocks or even the thigh. The pain is usually only more severe on one side, although the joint is present on both sides.
The pain often occurs in attacks and when bending and twisting the trunk. The symptoms usually worsen after prolonged physical exertion or sitting for long periods. In women, the SIJ blockage can also affect the pelvic floor. This results in an increased urge to urinate.
ISG syndrome usually causes unilateral pain in the lower back. It can easily be mistaken for lumbago or a slipped disc. Many patients experience restless sitting with frequent changes of position. Bending and twisting the leg outwards can also be very painful with SIJ syndrome.
As the sacroiliac joint is not very mobile, complaints can arise relatively quickly. Overloading can trigger the pain, as can tilting of the joints. Similar to lumbago, SIJ syndrome can also be triggered by incorrect and jerky movements or lifting heavy loads incorrectly.
In principle, any overloading of the joint represents a risk factor. SIJ syndrome can therefore be triggered by one-sided strain during sport as well as a slouched sitting posture.
Chronic diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis or osteoarthritis are also risk factors. Different leg lengths can also trigger SI joint syndrome.
Pregnant women are particularly frequently affected by SI joint syndrome. The hormonal changes during pregnancy cause the ligaments in the joints to loosen. The sacroiliac joint is particularly frequently affected. After the birth, the blockage usually disappears on its own, as the ligaments tighten again on their own.
The doctor will first ask where exactly and when the pain occurs. He will then examine the mobility of the SIJ by moving, pulling and pressing. This examination alone may well release a blockage and you will leave the practice pain-free.
X-ray examinations, CT scans or MRIs are not useful for SIJ syndrome, as they cannot visualize the blockages. Instead, the doctor treating you will try to rule out other conditions first. This mainly concerns
Pain provocation tests are often used. The Faber test is used particularly frequently. The patient lies on their back while the doctor crosses the foot of the affected side over the opposite thigh. He stabilizes the opposite leg by applying gentle pressure to the iliac crest. If the knee is now pressed slightly downwards, this movement causes pain in the sacroiliac joint.
Functional disorders in the sacroiliac joint can also be detected using the palpation test. The doctor carefully palpates the bony structures under the skin.
The recommended treatment for SIJ syndrome depends on the intensity of the symptoms. The first step is to eliminate all risk factors. To allow the inflammation to subside, movements that increase pain, such as climbing stairs, should initially be avoided.
Physiotherapy, on the other hand, is recommended, especially mobilization and manipulation. Both therapies can help to release the blockage through stretching and pressure. The physiotherapist can also show the patient useful stretching exercises that can be carried out independently at home.
Movement is important for SI joint syndrome: try to move even when you are in pain. As with most types of back pain, bed rest is not recommended.
If the pain is very severe, the doctor can inject anti-inflammatory cortisone directly into the joint. This is known as infiltration therapy. However, the patient should first take common painkillers to at least restore mobility.
Heat is good for many patients. It doesn't matter whether you prefer heat patches from the pharmacy, a hot water bottle or a red light lamp.
Only in very rare cases, if the symptoms do not improve with the aforementioned therapies, is surgery necessary. During surgery, the SI joint is immobilized and thus permanently stabilized.
Patients can initially try to alleviate the pain with over-the-counter medicines. Heat has also proven effective for SIJ syndrome. If the symptoms do not improve noticeably after a few days, it is best to consult an orthopaedic specialist.
As a general rule, do not wait too long to see a doctor if you have back pain in the lumbar spine area. The sooner treatment begins, the better the chances of recovery.
If left untreated, SI joint syndrome can lead to chronic back pain. You should also prevent the condition: Make sure you get enough exercise in your everyday life and avoid one-sided strain.
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