214-556-0555
SACROILIITIS
Sacroiliitis is inflammation of the sacroiliac joints. This is where the triangular-shaped sacrum at the base of your spine connects to the ilium bones of your pelvis. These joints play a crucial role in transferring weight between your upper and lower body during movement. Sacroiliitis typically causes pain in the lower back, and buttocks, and sometimes even radiating down the legs. It can arise from various factors like pregnancy, mechanical stress from repetitive activities, or underlying inflammatory conditions. Diagnosis often involves physical examinations, imaging tests, and sometimes injections to pinpoint the exact location of the inflammation.
3 percent of individuals with progressive curvature may eventually experience severe problems that can include scoliosis and back pain, spinal problems, and nerve compression causing numbness, weakness, and leg pain.
Sacroiliitis:
Sacroiliitis refers to inflammation of the sacroiliac joints, located where the base of your spine (sacrum) connects to your hips (ilium bones). These joints play a crucial role in transferring weight between your upper and lower body during movement. When inflamed, sacroiliitis can cause pain in the lower back, buttocks, and sometimes radiating down the legs. It can arise from various factors like pregnancy, mechanical stress from repetitive activities, or underlying conditions like arthritis. Due to its overlapping symptoms with other back issues, doctors find diagnosing Sacroiliitis challenging.
Cause:
The exact cause of sacroiliitis can vary, but it is commonly associated with inflammatory conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and reactive arthritis. Other potential causes include trauma or injury to the sacroiliac joint, pregnancy-related changes, degenerative arthritis, and infection.
Diagnosis:
To diagnose sacroiliitis, a doctor will typically perform a physical examination and review the patient’s medical history. Imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI scans, or CT scans may be ordered to visualize the sacroiliac joint and assess for signs of inflammation or damage. In some cases, a diagnostic injection of anesthetic or corticosteroid medication into the sacroiliac joint may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and provide temporary pain relief.
Questions and Answers
What causes sacroiliitis?
Factors that cause Sacroiliitis includeng inflammatory conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and reactive arthritis. Other potential causes may include trauma or injury to the sacroiliac joint, degenerative arthritis, pregnancy-related changes, and infection.
How is sacroiliitis diagnosed?
Sacroiliitis is typically diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, medical history review, and imaging tests. During the examination, the doctor may assess for tenderness over the sacroiliac joint and evaluate the patient’s range of motion. Doctors can order X-rays, MRI or CT scans to visualize the sacroiliac joint. The doctor can then identify any inflammation, damage, or other abnormalities.
What treatment options are available for sacroiliitis?
Treatment for sacroiliitis aims to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and improve function. Nonsurgical treatment options may include rest, activity modification, and the use of anti-inflammatory medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Physical therapy exercises and techniques can help strengthen the muscles surrounding the sacroiliac joint and improve flexibility. In some cases, injections of corticosteroids or other medications directly into the sacroiliac joint may provide temporary relief from symptoms. If conservative measures fail to provide adequate relief, doctors may consider surgery to stabilize the joint and reduce pain.
Symptoms:
Symptoms of sacroiliitis may include pain and stiffness in the lower back, buttocks, hips, and groin area. Patients may experience tenderness over the sacroiliac joint, especially when pressing on the affected area. The pain may worsen with prolonged sitting or standing, walking, or climbing stairs. Some individuals may also notice a decrease in the range of motion in the lower back and hips.
Nonsurgical Treatment:
Nonsurgical treatment options for sacroiliitis focus on reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and improving function. This may include rest, activity modification, and the use of anti-inflammatory medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Physical therapy exercises and techniques can help strengthen the muscles surrounding the sacroiliac joint and improve flexibility. In some cases, injections of corticosteroids or other medications directly into the sacroiliac joint may provide temporary relief from symptoms.
Surgical Treatment:
The surgical intervention for sacroiliitis is typically considered when conservative treatments fail. Surgery normally provides adequate relief or if there is significant joint damage. Surgical options may include sacroiliac joint fusion, where the two bones of the joint are permanently joined together to stabilize the area and reduce pain. Surgeons will use minimally invasive spine surgery techniques to perform this procedure, resulting in smaller incisions, less tissue damage, and quicker recovery times.
Benefits of Surgical Treatment:
The benefits of surgical treatment for sacroiliitis may include long-term pain relief, improved stability and function of the sacroiliac joint, and enhanced quality of life. By addressing the underlying cause of the inflammation and instability, surgery can help patients regain mobility and return to their daily activities with reduced discomfort.
Recovery Period:
The recovery period following surgical treatment for sacroiliitis can vary depending on the specific procedure performed and individual factors such as overall health and fitness level. Patients may experience some discomfort and limitations in mobility initially but can gradually resume normal activities as guided by their surgeon and physical therapist. Full recovery may take several weeks to months, with ongoing rehabilitation to optimize outcomes.
Rehabilitation:
Rehabilitation following surgical treatment for sacroiliitis is crucial for promoting healing, restoring strength and flexibility, and preventing the recurrence of symptoms. Physical therapy exercises and stretches can help improve joint function, reduce stiffness, and enhance overall mobility. Patients may also benefit from ergonomic modifications to their work or home environment. This would minimize strain on the sacroiliac joint during daily activities.
Reasons to Choose The Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute:
Patients with sacroiliitis should consider choosing The Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute for their care due to the expertise and experience of its renowned spine surgeons, including Doctors Richard A. Hostin, Devish Ramnath, and Ishaq Syed. With offices conveniently located in Dallas, Plano, and Frisco, Texas, the institute offers comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment options for sacroiliitis and other spinal conditions. In conclusion, the multidisciplinary team at the institute utilizes advanced techniques and technologies to deliver personalized care and achieve optimal outcomes for patients, ensuring they receive the highest standard of treatment and support throughout their journey to recovery.
____________________
National Library of Medicine: Sacroiliitis
We’re here to help STOP THE PAIN
If you are an adult living with scoliosis or have a child with this condition and need a doctor who specializes in orthopedic surgery,
call the Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute at 214-556-0555 to make an appointment today.