Despite being responsible for an estimated 38% of lower back pain cases, the sacroiliac (SI) joint often goes overlooked. At The Spine Institute of Southeast Texas, board-certified orthopedic surgeon Thomas Jones II, MD, uses an evidence-based approach in evaluating and diagnosing sacroiliac joint pain.
Here’s what to expect when being evaluated for SI joint pain.
Chronic low back pain can cause a great deal of physical dysfunction and diminished quality of life, and without an accurate diagnosis, it can be challenging to treat.
The sacroiliac joints are large joints that support the weight of the upper body, and they play an important role in stability. They’re located in the lower part of the spine, where it connects to the pelvis. There’s one joint on each side of your body, and ligaments hold the bones together.
SI joint pain can be challenging to diagnose due to similarities with other conditions, such as lumbar spine disorders, hip problems, and sciatica. As a spine specialist, Dr. Jones has extensive experience evaluating low back pain.
He uses a combination of tests to differentiate SI joint pain from other potential causes. This includes conducting a physical examination, determining the precise location of your pain, and observing your response to diagnostic injections.
Obtaining detailed information about your medical history — including injuries, surgeries, and chronic conditions that might contribute to your current pain — is a key starting point in evaluating SI joint pain. You can expect questions about the onset, duration, and intensity of your pain, as well as any activities or positions that worsen or relieve the pain.
Conducting an exam is also part of evaluating SI joint pain. Dr. Jones may perform various maneuvers and tests to pinpoint the source of your pain. These tests may include the FABER (flexion, abduction, and external rotation), Gaenslen, and the compression test. The tests are performed by carefully manipulating your body in specific ways to help pinpoint the pain source.
To further evaluate your SI joint pain, Dr. Jones may order imaging studies. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most sensitive imaging technique for visualizing issues with the SI joint. Computed tomography (CT) may also show SI abnormalities.
In some cases, Dr. Jones may administer a diagnostic injection of anesthetic into the SI joint. If the injection temporarily relieves your pain, it confirms that the SI joint is the source of your low back pain.
Treatment for SI joint pain varies depending on the cause and severity. Dr. Jones starts with conservative measures before he considers surgery.
Many cases of SI joint pain respond well to self-care. Modifying activity to avoid anything that exacerbates SI joint pain can help. In other cases, treatment options might include joint injections, physical therapy, and SI belt.
In more severe cases, interventional treatments like radiofrequency ablation or minimally invasive surgery might be considered. Dr. Jones tailors your treatment plan to best meet your needs and help you recover from SI joint pain.
If you're ready to address your SI joint pain and explore effective treatment options, contact the team at The Spine Institute of Southeast Texas today to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Jones.
