Sacroiliac Joint Pain: Causes, Symptoms & Advanced Interventional Treatments at Samobathi Pain Clinic

Sacroiliac joint pain is a common but often underdiagnosed cause of low back pain, buttock pain, and difficulty standing or walking. Many patients confuse sacroiliac joint disorders with lumbar spine problems, leading to delayed treatment. At Samobathi Pain Clinic, we specialize in accurate diagnosis and minimally invasive interventional treatments to provide long-term relief from sacroiliac joint pain without surgery.

What Is Sacroiliac Joint Pain?

Sacroiliac joint pain arises from inflammation or dysfunction of the sacroiliac (SI) joint—the joint connecting the spine (sacrum) to the pelvis (ilium).This joint is responsible for absorbing shock between the upper body and the legs. When the SI joint becomes irritated or unstable, it leads to deep, aching pain in the lower back, buttocks, hips, or groin.

Sacroiliac joint pain is often mistaken for a lumbar disc problem or sciatica, but proper evaluation helps differentiate it accurately.

Causes of Sacroiliac Joint Pain

Common causes of sacroiliac joint pain include:

1. Joint Inflammation (Sacroiliitis)

Inflammation from wear-and-tear, autoimmune diseases, or infection.

2. Trauma or Injury

Falls, sudden twisting, or car accidents can strain the SI joint.

3. Pregnancy and Childbirth

Hormonal changes and pelvic widening cause instability.

4. Leg Length Difference

Unequal limb length alters pelvic mechanics and stresses the joint.

5. Spine or Hip Surgery

Procedures that shift the body's weight distribution.

6. Degenerative Changes

Age-related wear leading to SI joint osteoarthritis.

7. Repetitive Strain

Heavy lifting, twisting, and prolonged standing.

Symptoms of Sacroiliac Joint Pain

Patients with sacroiliac joint pain commonly experience:

• Pain in the lower back or one/both buttocks

• Pain radiating to the groin, thigh, or hip

• Difficulty standing up from sitting

• Pain worsening with climbing stairs, turning in bed, or long walks

• Pain on prolonged standing

• Tightness in hamstrings or hip muscles

Pain often stays above the knee—helping differentiate it from lumbar radiculopathy.

Diagnosis of Sacroiliac Joint Pain

At Samobathi Pain Clinic, diagnosis includes:

• Detailed history and pain pattern assessment

• Physical examination

• SI joint-specific clinical tests (FABER, Gaenslen, Thigh Thrust, etc.)

• X-ray, MRI (to rule out spine issues)

• Diagnostic sacroiliac joint injection — gold standard for confirming pain origin

A diagnostic injection gives immediate relief if the SI joint is the true pain generator.

Treatment Options for Sacroiliac Joint Pain at Samobathi Pain Clinic

Management of sacroiliac joint pain combines conservative therapy with advanced interventional techniques for long-lasting improvement.

Conservative Treatment for Sacroiliac Joint Pain

Initial treatments include:

• Anti-inflammatory medications

• Physiotherapy focusing on pelvic stabilization

• SI joint mobilization or manual therapy

• Stretching of tight hip and lower-back muscles

• Pelvic girdle support belts

• Lifestyle modification and ergonomic correction

When conservative measures are not enough, interventional pain procedures provide precise and lasting relief.

Interventional Pain Management for Sacroiliac Joint Pain

Interventional procedures are highly effective for patients with persistent sacroiliac joint pain.

1. Sacroiliac Joint Injection (Fluoroscopy or Ultrasound Guided)

Injecting local anesthetic and steroid directly into the SI joint reduces inflammation and provides fast relief.Benefits:

• Confirms diagnosis

• Reduces swelling and pain

• Helps patients return to normal activity

2. Lateral Branch Block (LBB)

Targets the small nerves supplying the SI joint.Used when direct joint injection gives temporary relief.

3. Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) for SI Joint Pain

RFA deactivates the lateral branch nerves responsible for transmitting SI joint pain.Advantages:

• Long-lasting pain relief (6–18 months)

• Minimally invasive

• Excellent for chronic sacroiliac joint pain

4. Prolotherapy / Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

Strengthens ligaments around the SI joint when instability is the primary issue.

5. Cooled Radiofrequency Ablation

An advanced option offering wider lesioning for better pain control.

6. Minimally Invasive SI Joint Fusion (only in rare, severe cases)

Surgery is only recommended when all interventional options fail.

Preventing Sacroiliac Joint Pain

To prevent recurrence:

• Maintain proper posture

• Avoid prolonged sitting

• Strengthen core and pelvic muscles

• Use correct lifting techniques

• Maintain a healthy body weight

• Avoid uneven load-bearing activities

A strong core and balanced posture help protect the SI joint.

Why Choose Samobathi Pain Clinic for Sacroiliac Joint Pain Treatment?

• Expertise in ultrasound-guided and fluoroscopy-guided SI joint procedures

• Accurate diagnostic injections to confirm pain origin

• Advanced interventional treatments like RFA and PRP

• Personalized rehabilitation and ergonomic guidance

• High success rate with non-surgical treatments

• Comprehensive, scientific, and compassionate approach

Samobathi Pain Clinic is dedicated to helping patients achieve long-term relief from sacroiliac joint pain and return to pain-free movement.

Conclusion

Sacroiliac joint pain is a significant cause of lower back and buttock discomfort, but with proper diagnosis and modern interventional pain management, most patients recover without surgery.At Samobathi Pain Clinic, we provide safe, targeted, and effective treatments to help you regain mobility and improve your quality of life.

References

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