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by Jean Yasseer, P-C.M., of Total HealthCare Medical Centers, 07/01/09
The sacroiliac joint is often overlooked by most doctors. The sacroiliac joint or S/I joint is a semi-fixed joint, located approximately at the top of each buttock, between the hip joint and the lower back. It sits between the sacrum, at the base of the spine and the ilium of the pelvis, which are joined by ligaments. It is a strong, weight-bearing synovial joint (a lubricant in most major joints) with irregular elevations and depressions that produce interlocking of the two bones. Humans have a left and right S/I joint that often match individually but are highly variable from person to person.
When the S/I joint becomes inflamed or degenerated from an old fall, slip or minor trauma, it is called S/I joint syndrome or sacroiliatiis. The S/I is also susceptible to over-use, especially with women who have given birth. During the birthing process, this joint is exposed to high levels of stress, increasing that areas susceptibility to arthritic changes and arthrosis. When this happens, the joint surface is no longer smooth, causing irritation to the surrounding overlapping tissues and nerves. Weak ligaments in the area may also allow the S/I to “shift” improperly causing undo stress.
The problems and pain associated with S/I joint syndrome or sacroiliatiis can include back pain, hip pain, leg pain, leg inflammation and even sciatic type nerve problems. Because of these symptoms, oftentimes physicians look to the lower back and hips as the main cause so the patient usually continues to have off/on chronic issues in that area, leading to potentially severe osteoarthritis of the S/I joint.
It is important to understand that the S/I joint relies on the health of the surrounding structures to maintain its health. For example, weak ligaments and tendons in the area can cause mal-alignment of vital musculoskeletal structures, greatly contributing to S/I joint problems. Additionally knee problems, over extended periods of time, can contribute to S/I joint issues.
What to do? Steroid or cortico-steroid injections should be an absolute last option because of the potential long-term negative side effects to the joint and surrounding connective tissue. Many options for treating the S/I joint are available that can even restore to normal. The goal of these treatments is NOT only pain suppression, but rather to eliminate the cause by correcting mal-aligned structures, improving the health of the joint and reducing the ligament laxity or weakness.
Most health insurance plans and Medicare cover this treatment. To see if you qualify, call Total HealthCare Medical Clinics. Norcross
770-416-9995 or Sandy Springs 678-999-8531. |