The sacroiliac joint is the joint that connects the lower spine to the pelvic bone. It acts by cushioning the forces generated by the movement of the legs towards the spine, such as when jumping.
In pregnant women it plays an important role at the time of delivery; a low movement of this joint helps to widen the area where the head passes through the pelvic ring, facilitating the birth of the newborn.
Although it is more frequent with advancing age, it can appear at any age and affects men and women equally.
Repeated trauma during sports, incorrect posture and osteoarthrosis are the most common triggers. Other causes: falls, kicking in the air, pelvic torsion and ankylopoietic spondylitis.
It manifests with pain in the lower back. The pain may worsen when sitting, turning and standing for long periods of time. It is usually accompanied by reactive contraction of the lumbar and buttock muscles.
Diagnosis is clinical, by questioning the causative agents and the movements that increase or trigger the pain. Physical examination with specific movements of the legs over the pelvic joint reveals this syndrome. An imaging test such as computed tomography and/or resonance imaging can help in the diagnosis. The disappearance of pain when analgesics are administered directly to the sacroiliac joint is the most confirmatory diagnostic test.
Physiotherapy favors the recovery process, which is usually long. It is advisable to avoid long periods of sitting, standing up regularly to lengthen the spine, as well as doing exercises to strengthen the stabilizing muscles of the pelvis.
Treatment is based on pain control and avoidance of the triggering cause when known. Local analgesics are usually injected into the ligaments of the sacroiliac joint or directly into the joint space. In addition, corticosteroids and local anesthetics may be injected to reinforce pain control.
