Every day at Laguna Bay Chiropractic, we encounter patients suffering from a condition known as sacroiliac (SI) joint sprain/strain, or sacroiliitis. This condition, similar to an ankle sprain, occurs when the sacroiliac joint between the sacrum and ilium bones of the pelvis becomes misaligned or injured.
What is the Sacroiliac Joint?
The sacroiliac joint, or SIJ, is located at the base of your spine, where the sacrum meets the ilium. These joints are crucial as they support the weight of your upper body and distribute it evenly across your pelvis and legs. When aligned correctly, the SI joints create a stable foundation for your spine. However, misalignments can occur due to activities like lifting, twisting, or falls, leading to pain and discomfort.
Symptoms of Sacroiliac Joint Issues
The most common symptom of SI joint dysfunction is pain localized on one side of the lower back, often mistaken for sciatica. Unlike sciatica, which radiates down the leg, SI joint pain is usually concentrated near the joint itself. This pain can be acute and is often aggravated by movements that involve twisting or bearing weight.
Why Proper Alignment is Crucial
When the SI joint is misaligned, it causes the pelvis to rotate improperly, leading to inflammation and pain. This misalignment can also strain the surrounding ligaments, making the joint unstable and more prone to further injury.
Chiropractic Solutions for Sacroiliac Joint Pain
At Laguna Bay Chiropractic, we address SI joint pain through a combination of chiropractic adjustments, lifestyle modifications, and targeted exercises. Realigning the SI joint is often straightforward, but maintaining that alignment requires careful attention to how you move and lift in your daily life. We may recommend sacral belts to stabilize the joint and prevent further injury, as well as Class IV laser therapy to reduce inflammation and accelerate healing.
Taking Control of Your Healing
Healing from an SI joint injury isn’t just about the treatment you receive in our office. It’s equally important to make changes at home to avoid re-injury. We provide personalized exercise protocols to help keep your SI joint in place and educate you on proper lifting techniques to prevent future issues.
If you’re experiencing low back pain that you suspect might be related to your sacroiliac joint, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Laguna Bay Chiropractic. We’re here to help you get back to a pain-free life.
Contact us today at Laguna Bay Chiropractic to learn more or schedule an appointment.
