Sacroiliac (SI) joint pain is quite common. There are several ways to treat it without invasive surgery, including chiropractic manipulations, therapy, back braces and PRP injections. At Chattanooga Non-Surgical Orthopedics, we offer regenerative therapies and state-of-the-art non-surgical treatments to heal the body quickly, make your SI joints stronger, and alleviate your pain.

Call: 423-499-0003 or visit our webpage to complete our new patient information sheets before your visit.

The (SI) sacroiliac joints are situated on each side of your lower spine between the sacrum and the iliac bones, connecting the pelvis to the spine. The two joints support and stabilize your spine when you move.

If either one of your SI joints is injured or damaged, it can weaken your legs, making them unstable. As a result, it can lead to hypomobility (insufficient movement) or hypermobility (excessive joint movement). This injury is SI joint dysfunction or SI joint instability, and it often causes lower back pain.

Your sacroiliac joints are your body’s natural shock absorbers. The joints evenly disperse stress throughout your lower body when you walk, jog, climb stairs, bend, jump or lift heavy objects. As a result, they alleviate pressure from your spine, protecting it and keeping it stable.

Inflamed and injured SI joints cannot distribute stress throughout the body. Instead, all stress goes to your pelvic joints and adjacent tissues, triggering pain and other unpleasant symptoms. As a result, people who damage their SI joint experience unstable legs. For example, they may give out when they bend forward, walk up stairs or stand up.

Symptoms of SI joint dysfunction include:

• Achy and dull lower back pain
• Weakness
• Sharp pain radiates into the thigh, kneecap or even foot
• Pain in the tailbone, hips, groin or lower back
• Hip stiffness
• Tingling or numbness
• Hip and leg instability
• Insomnia due to discomfort and pain
• Unable to sit for many hours at a time

What Causes SI Joint Pain?

You can harm your Sacroiliac joints in a sudden accident. However, they can also gradually become damaged due to chronic illness, aging or an overuse injury. A leading cause of overuse injuries is when excessive stress is continuously applied to the SI joints. 

Other strenuous activities on the lower back and pelvis can also cause SI joint pain, including stair climbing, running, snow shoveling, construction work and gardening. Overuse injuries can also occur when standing for long hours while placing your body weight unevenly on one leg.

You are more likely to damage your SI joint if you:

• Sit for longer than six hours each day
• Are pregnant
• Partake in intense exercise several days per week
• Are overweight
• Have previously injured your back
• Have a job that places stress on your back

Call: 423-499-0003 or visit our webpage to complete our new patient information sheets before your visit.