The sacro-iliac joints join the bottom of the spine (the sacrum) to the hip bones in a wedge like formation. These joints have to be very strong to support the weight of the upper body and are therefore very important in maintaining an erect posture. However with excessive force or long term imbalance one or other can develop a joint strain.
These joints are usually involved in pelvic imbalance and pregnancy pain and often involve muscle imbalance. Pain usually manifests in the top of the buttocks and can send sensations down the leg, when severe.
Common Symptoms:
- Pain in upper buttock and hip, usually one sided
- Aggravated by standing, especially putting weight through one side
- Aggravated by lying on affected side
- Pain down leg (severe cases)
- Pelvic imbalance
- Pregnancy
- Muscle imbalance
Sacro-iliac joint strain requires a careful and expert diagnosis by a trained professional. It is a common presentation in clinic and where appropriate, receives careful and expert treatment. Firstly an assessment and analysis is performed to establish how serious the problem is and then, if appropriate, gentle treatment is performed to stabilize structures, reduce inflammation, and facilitate the healing of the structures causing the symptoms.
Ultimately the aim is not just to treat it but prevent the symptoms from reoccurring. This includes education on how to keep the area in question healthy in the future. Please call to talk to a trained professional if you want to know more.