Sacroiliac

SI joint pain treatment for Brownsburg and Pittsboro residents

The sacroiliac (SI) joints connect the spine to the pelvis and play an important role in transferring forces between the upper and lower body. Irritation or dysfunction of these joints can cause pain in the low back, buttock, hip, groin, or upper leg. Because SI joint pain often overlaps with other conditions such as low back pain, sciatica, and hip disorders, a thorough evaluation is important to determine the source of symptoms and the most appropriate treatment approach.

Common Causes of Sacroiliac Pain

Repetitive Lifting and Twisting

The sacroiliac joints help transfer forces between the spine, pelvis, and lower extremities. Repetitive lifting, bending, carrying, and twisting can gradually place stress on these joints and their supporting ligaments.
Many patients expect an injury to occur during a single dramatic event, such as lifting a heavy appliance or carrying furniture. In reality, SI joint pain often develops from repeated movements performed over time. Activities such as unloading boxes, yard work, stocking shelves, childcare, repetitive work tasks, or preparing for a move or garage sale may place repeated stress on the pelvis and SI joints throughout the day.
Rather than one specific movement causing the injury, symptoms may develop after the cumulative effects of hundreds of smaller movements exceed the body’s ability to recover. As irritation and inflammation increase, activities that were previously painless may begin to provoke symptoms.

Falls, Trauma, or Sports Injuries

Falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, and other traumatic events can irritate the sacroiliac joints and surrounding ligaments. Following an injury, the joint may become inflamed and lose some of its normal motion. As a result, activities such as walking, standing, sitting, rolling in bed, or changing positions may become painful.
Because the pelvis functions as a connected structure, problems affecting one SI joint can influence the mechanics of the opposite side. In some cases, patients initially experience pain on one side but later develop discomfort on the other side as the body attempts to compensate for altered movement patterns.
Traumatic SI joint injuries can range from mild irritation to more significant ligament and joint injuries. A thorough evaluation can help determine whether the SI joint is contributing to symptoms and whether other structures of the low back, pelvis, or hip may also be involved.

Altered Gait Mechanics

The sacroiliac joints help transfer forces between the spine, pelvis, and legs during standing and walking. Problems affecting the feet, ankles, knees, hips, or legs can alter normal walking mechanics and increase stress on the SI joints.
Common examples include flat feet, significant differences in leg length, knee injuries, hip problems, and abnormal movement patterns that develop after an injury. Over time, these changes can place uneven forces on the pelvis and SI joints, leading to irritation and pain.
In some cases, the source of SI joint pain may not originate in the joint itself. Identifying and addressing contributing factors elsewhere in the body is often an important part of successful treatment.

Pregnancy and Hormonal Changes

During pregnancy, hormonal changes help prepare the pelvis and surrounding tissues for childbirth. As pregnancy progresses, hormones such as relaxin increase ligament flexibility throughout the pelvis. At the same time, the growing baby shifts the body’s center of gravity forward and increases the mechanical demands placed on the low back and pelvis.
These changes can place additional stress on the sacroiliac joints and supporting ligaments, particularly during the third trimester. As a result, some women develop pain around the SI joints, buttocks, pelvis, or low back during pregnancy.

Common Symptoms of SI Dysfunction

  • Pain in the Low back, buttock, hip, or groin
  • Radiating pain into the back of the thigh
  • Pain with walking, climbing stairs, or prolonged standing
  • Pain with rising from a seated position or rolling over in bed
  • Stiffness or discomfort after sitting for extended periods
  • Sensation of a shortened stride with walking
  • Sensation that one leg is shortened or uneven

Treatment Options

Chiropractic Care – Spinal manipulation and mobilization may help improve motion, reduce pain, and restore normal joint function.

Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation – Rehabilitation exercises can improve strength, flexibility, and movement patterns contributing to SI joint pain.

Laser Therapy – Class IV laser therapy may help reduce inflammation and support healing in injured tissues.

Shockwave Therapy – Shockwave therapy uses acoustic pressure waves to break up tight or irritated tissue, reduce pain, and improve mobility.

Orthopedic Shoe Inserts – Over the counter or custom shoe inserts can be effective at preventing recurrence of symptoms.

How SI pain is evaluated

Evaluation includes a detailed health history, physical examination, orthopedic testing, neurological assessment, and review of functional limitations. Examination is not limited to the area of pain, as sometimes seemingly unrelated structures may be the root cause of the dysfunction. When necessary, imaging studies or laboratory testing may be ordered to assist in diagnosis and treatment planning.

Related Conditions

FAQ

Yes. SI joint dysfunction can cause pain that travels into the buttock, hip, groin, or back of the leg. Because these symptoms overlap with sciatica and other nerve-related conditions, an accurate diagnosis is important.

The SI joints help transfer forces between the spine, pelvis, and legs during walking. Irritation of the joint or surrounding ligaments may cause pain with walking, climbing stairs, prolonged standing, or weight bearing activities.

Some patients with SI joint dysfunction notice a shortened stride, limping, or a sensation that one side of the pelvis is not moving normally. Because the SI joints play an important role in walking mechanics, irritation of the joint can alter normal movement patterns and make walking feel uneven.

Yes. While falls and traumatic injuries can irritate the SI joints, symptoms often develop gradually from repetitive lifting, twisting, altered gait mechanics, pregnancy-related changes, or other stresses placed on the pelvis over time.

Not always. Many cases can be evaluated through a detailed history and physical examination. Imaging studies may be recommended when examination findings, patient history, or the clinical picture suggest additional information is needed to confirm a diagnosis or guide treatment decisions.

If you are experiencing SI joint pain, our office can help determine the cause of your symptoms and whether chiropractic treatment is an appropriate option.

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