Sacroiliitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Q&A

Any one or both of the sacroiliac joints may become inflamed and develop sacroiliitis. The joints that unite the pelvis and lower spine are known as the sacroiliac joints. Numerous reasons, including acute injury, infection, pregnancy, and arthritis, can cause this illness. Trauma from incidents such as falls or car accidents can damage the sacroiliac joints, leading to inflammation. 

Sacroiliitis can also be brought on by arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, which can damage the cartilage in the joint and produce inflammation. Because of the extra weight and hormonal changes that loosen the joints and ligaments in preparation for childbirth, pregnancy increases the risk of sacroiliitis. Additionally, severe inflammation and pain can result from infections that extend to the sacroiliac joints.

Repetitive joint stress, such as heavy lifting or extended standing, can also aggravate sacroiliitis by continuously putting strain on the sacroiliac region. Sacroiliitis may occasionally be associated with other inflammatory diseases like psoriasis or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The experts at OmniSpine Pain Management can assist in determining the underlying reason for sacroiliitis, helping to ensure that patients obtain a customized course of treatment to control their symptoms as well as improve overall quality of life. 

The symptoms of sacroiliitis typically include pain in the lower back or buttocks as well as the hips. This pain usually gets worse with extended standing, walking, or stair climbing. It might be mild and aching or severe and stabbing. When pressure is placed on the sacroiliac joints, as occurs when lying on the affected side, the pain can worsen and spread down the legs, resembling sciatica. Some people may have stiffness in their hips and lower back, which makes bending and twisting difficult. Sacroiliitis can result in swelling and warmth in the afflicted joints in addition to pain and stiffness, which can be extremely uncomfortable. Additionally, patients may experience difficulty doing daily activities and reduced function including in their range of motion. Early diagnosis and treatment can effectively manage a patient’s symptoms and help to prevent deteriorating health outcomes. To treat these symptoms, the experts at OmniSpine Pain Management offer comprehensive therapy that makes use of a range of therapies to reduce pain and enhance joint function.

The recovery time for sacroiliitis can vary depending on several factors such as the cause of the symptoms and the severity of the condition as well as the treatment interventions utilized. For some individuals, symptoms may improve within a few weeks with appropriate treatment, including rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications. In more severe cases, recovery may take several months, particularly if the condition is linked to chronic issues like arthritis. Adhering to a treatment plan designed by the specialists at OmniSpine Pain Management is essential for achieving the best outcomes. 

In cases where conservative treatments are not effective, additional interventions such as corticosteroid injections or minimally invasive surgical procedures may be necessary. These treatments are capable of leading to a reduction in inflammation and pain, facilitating a faster recovery. Maintaining an active lifestyle with appropriate modifications can also aid in recovery and prevent future flare-ups of sacroiliitis.

Managing sacroiliitis often requires adopting specific lifestyle changes to reduce symptoms and prevent flare-ups. Engaging in regular low-impact exercises as directed by providers can help maintain joint flexibility and strengthen the muscles supporting the sacroiliac joints. Individuals should attempt to avoid activities that may put excessive or undue strain on these joints, such as heavy lifting or high-impact sports. The specialists at OmniSpine Pain Management can provide personalized exercise recommendations to ensure safe and effective physical activity. In addition to exercise, maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce the stress on the sacroiliac joints, alleviating pain and inflammation. Proper posture and body position during daily activities helps in managing sacroiliitis. Using supportive footwear, avoiding prolonged sitting or standing, and incorporating ergonomic adjustments at work can make a substantial difference. 

Sacroiliitis treatment is available at OmniSpine Pain Management. For more information, contact us today or book an appointment online. Our clinics are located in Frisco TX , Sunnyvale TX, and Mesquite TX. We serve patients from Dallas TX, Frisco TX, Mesquite TX, Sunnyvale TX, Plano TX, Garland TX, Forney TX, Cedar Hill TX, Denton TX, Balch Springs TX, and surrounding areas.