Clinical publications have identified the SI joint as a pain generator in 15-30% of chronic low back pain patients.
In addition, the SI joint is a pain generator in up to 43% of patients with continued or new onset low back pain after a lumbar fusion.
Like any other joint in the body, the SI joint can be injured and/or become degenerative. When this happens, people can feel pain in their buttock and sometimes in the low back and legs. This is especially true while lifting, running, walking or even sleeping on the involved side. According to scientific data, it’s common for pain from the SI joint to feel like disc or low back pain.
Pain from SI joint disorders can be felt anywhere in the lower back, buttocks, or legs. Chronic SI joint pain can make it difficult to perform common daily tasks, affecting every aspect of a patient’s life. Chief complaints are lower back pain (below L5), lower leg pain (numbness, tingling, weakness), pelvic and buttock pain, hip or groin pain, unilateral leg instability (buckling, giving way), disturbed sitting patterns (unable to sit for long periods, on one side), and pain when going from sitting to standing.
If you or someone you know is suffering from SI Joint pain click the link below to learn about diagnosis and treatment options Dr. Atkins and Dr. Johnson perform, including iFuse by SI-Bone.
For more information contact Dr. Atkins or Dr. Johnson at 210.614.2453
References:
- Bernard TN, et al. Recognizing specific characteristics of nonspecific low back pain. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1987;217:266–80.
- Schwarzer AC, et al. The Sacroiliac Joint in Chronic Low Back Pain. Spine. 1995;20:31–7.
- Maigne JY, et al. Results of Sacroiliac Joint Double Block and Value of Sacroiliac Pain Provocation Tests in 54 Patients with Low Back Pain. Spine. 1996;21:1889–92.
- Sembrano JN, et al. How Often is Low Back Pain Not Coming From The Back? Spine. 2009;34:E27–32.
- DePalma MJ, et al. Etiology of Chronic Low Back Pain Patients Having Undergone Lumbar Fusion. Pain Med. 2011;12:732-9.