Sacroiliac joint, also referred to as the SI joint is the joint between the pelvis and the sacrum, which is bound together by strong ligaments. Supported by ilium on either side, the joint is a crucial weight bearing joint. Sacral pain is often associated with pain in this joint and hinders the ability of an individual to perform functions normally.
The sacrum supports the spinal cord and is a crucial weight bearing joint. Due to an erect posture, the sacrum bears the weight of the entire body and ensures that the spine is erect.
Causes Of Sacral Pain
Sacral pain, often used synonymously with lower back pain is associated with several conditions.
- Postural problems: Often sacral pain is associated with inappropriate postural patterns. With sedentary life style on the rise and increasing desk work, ergonomic factors may contribute to sacral or lower back pain.
- Pregnancy: Another common cause of lower back pain, pregnancy tends to put an undue strain on the spinal cord and the lower back, which in turn is associated with severe pain.
- Osteoporosis: Deficiency of calcium, weak bones and aging often result in osteoporosis which is a crucial factor associated with sacral pain.Increasing incidence of osteoporosis in women, after menopause, has been linked to hormonal variations in the body.
- Sacroilitis: Inflammation of the sacroiliac joint is another factor which is associated with lower back pain.
- Other causes of lower back pain include prolapse of uterus, which tends to create a stretch on the ligaments and may mimic lower back pain. Trauma or injury to the sacral joint is also associated with sacral pain.
Sacral Joint Pain Symptoms
Some of the common symptoms associated with sacral pain include the following,
- Pain is located on either sides of the lower back. The severity of the pain may depend upon the underlying problem but may range from a dull aching pain to sharp and annoying pain.
- Pain may occasionally radiate down from the buttocks to the front of the groin. Often sacral pain may be confused with sciatic, in which the pain radiates down to the base of the feet.
- Classic symptoms associated with sacral pain include inability to turn in bed, difficulty in putting on the shoes and socks etc. Stiffness of the lower back for prolonged periods of time is also another crucial symptom.
- Tenderness and palpitation of the ligaments around the joints is also commonly observed.
Treatment For Sacroiliac Joint Pain
Treatment sacral joint pain comprises of the following,
- Simpler lower back exercises like forward bend, backward bend and sideways bend are very beneficial. These exercises tend to strengthen the lower back muscles which help alleviate the pain and discomfort.
- Hot fomentation is also crucial as it enhances circulation in the affected area and hastens recovery.
- Rest and a right posture can be very beneficial.
- Calcium and Vitamin Supplements are crucial for strengthening the bones and ligaments. Supplementation after the age of forty years in both men and women is critical.