Pelvic pain and dysfunction are so often associated with issues stemming from the digestive, reproductive or urinary systems as well as the damage or irritation of nerves, muscles and connective tissue of the pelvis. A possible cause of pelvic pain that is frequently overlooked is pain and dysfunction of the sacroiliac joint. The sacroiliac joint, or SI joint, is located just below the lumbar spine. It is where the triangular bone at the end of the spine called the sacrum meets the pelvis, or the ilium. This joint is typically overlooked as a source of pain because it is typically known to be strong and sturdy when healthy. It also has limited mobility because of its structure and because it is surrounded by strong ligaments that strengthen and reinforce its structure. Many professionals believe that there is no movement at this joint and overlook this joint as a source of pain.However, I completely disagree, as our therapists work with the sacroiliac joint every day and know what a burden this joint can be for many pelvic dysfunctions.
It is unsurprising then that sacroiliac joint dysfunction often manifests as pain in the lower back and buttocks that can radiate down through the legs. This pain is similar to the pain caused by sciatica or compressed nerves. At times, the sacroiliac joint is involved in pelvic pain as well and contributes to pain that radiates through the groin and pelvis. Overall, the sacroiliac joint acts as a shock absorber between our legs and the trunks of our bodies. It transfers and balances our weight from our cores down through our legs when it is functioning properly. Therefore, proper loading of this joint is important.
When this joint works inappropriately, we often refer to this as “failed loading” of the sacroiliac joint. This can be caused for many different reasons, such as too much movement or dysfunction in the SI joint or joints above and below it, causing the sacroiliac joint to fail to load or work properly. Twisting or torsions in the pelvis can result and then create imbalance and pain. A Rebalance therapist can perform a physical exam to discover if your pelvic pain is related to the sacroiliac joint and determine which course of action is best for you. They can perform manual therapy and soft tissue release to relieve pain, realign the SI joint with the pelvis and restore mobility to the SI joint, pelvis and lumbar spine. If your sacroiliac joint dysfunction stems from too much motion, also known as hypermobility, they may use mobilization to realign the joint and the lumbar spine. Your therapist will also help you to create an exercise plan that will keep you balanced and your spine and core moving correctly. These exercises will focus on flexibility, strength, stabilization and the mechanics of your own body. For example, if your job involves prolonged periods of sitting, this could be contributing to your pain and your therapist will suggest ways to keep you moving so that your SI joint does not begin to malfunction.
Don’t stress over struggling with pain of the pelvis and sacroiliac joint! Contact a Rebalance therapist to stabilize your SI joint and reduce or prevent pelvic and joint pain.
