Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain is a common source of lower back and pelvic discomfort, often misdiagnosed as general back pain. The sacroiliac joints connect your spine to your pelvis, playing an essential role in transferring weight between your upper body and legs. When these joints become irritated or restricted, pain may present in the lower back, buttocks, groin, or even radiate down the leg, sometimes mimicking sciatica.
Causes and Symptoms:
SIJ pain can develop due to trauma, repetitive strain, pregnancy-related ligament changes, arthritis, or simply prolonged poor posture. Symptoms often include:
- Localised pain over the joint or buttock
- Pain aggravated by standing, walking, or climbing stairs
- Difficulty rolling in bed or standing on one leg
- Stiffness or instability in the lower back or pelvis
Because SIJ pain shares symptoms with other conditions, a thorough assessment by a physiotherapist is crucial to confirm the diagnosis.
Physiotherapy Management:
Physiotherapy is highly effective in managing SIJ pain. A tailored approach generally includes:
- Manual Therapy: Gentle mobilisations and soft tissue techniques to restore joint movement and relieve muscle tightness.
- Exercise Rehabilitation: Targeted strengthening for the core, glutes, and pelvic stabilisers to improve joint support.
- Postural & Movement Education: Teaching patients how to sit, stand, and move efficiently reduces strain on the SIJ.
- Supportive Aids: Temporary use of pelvic belts or taping may provide additional stability, particularly in pregnancy-related SIJ dysfunction.
- Pain Management Strategies: Heat, ice, and activity modification can reduce irritation in the early stages.
Long Term Outlook:
With early intervention and consistent physiotherapy, most people experience significant improvement and return to normal function. Addressing underlying muscle imbalances and adopting healthy movement patterns are key to preventing recurrence. For persistent cases, collaboration with GPs or specialists may be needed, but physiotherapy remains the frontline treatment.
In summary, SIJ pain can be debilitating, but physiotherapy offers a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to restore mobility, reduce pain, and improve quality of life. If you’re experiencing persistent pelvic or lower back pain, seeking professional physiotherapy assessment is the first step towards lasting relief.
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