Do you have SI Joint Pain?
Understanding Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
The SI joint can be a significant cause of lower back pain. Clinical publications have identified the SI joint as a pain generator in 15-30% of chronic lower back pain patients. In addition, the SI joint is a pain generator in up to 43% of patients with continued or new onset lower back pain after a lumbar fusion.
What Is the SI (Sacroiliac) Joint?
The sacroiliac joint (SI joint) is located in the pelvis; it links the iliac bones (pelvis) to the sacrum (lowest part of the spine above the tailbone). It is an essential component for energy transfer between the legs and the torso.
Like any other joint in the body, the SI joint can be injured and/or undergo degeneration. When this happens, people can feel pain in their buttock and sometimes in the lower back, hips and legs. This is especially true while lifting, running, walking or even lying on the involved side.
Common Symptoms of SI Joint Pain
- Lower back pain
- Sensation of low extremity: pain, numbness, tingling, weakness
- Pelvis/buttock pain
- Hip/groin pain
- Feeling of leg instability (buckling, giving way)
- Disturbed sleep patterns due to pain
- Disturbed sitting patterns (unable to sit for long periods, sitting on one side)
- Pain going from sitting to standing
Sacroiliac Joint Fusion with An Implant System
The Implant System is designed to stabilize and fuse the SI joint. The procedure involves inserting typically three triangular-shaped titanium implants across the sacroiliac joint to maximize SI joint stability, reduce pain, and improve function. The procedure is done through a small one-inch incision and takes about an hour. SI joint treatment using the patented triangular design of the iFuse implant has been clinically evaluated more than any other SI joint fusion procedure.
10 Common Misconceptions About SI Joint Pain
- Misconception: SI joint pain is the same as regular lower back pain.
- Reality: While they may share similar symptoms, SI joint pain specifically originates from the sacroiliac joint and requires targeted diagnosis and treatment.
- Misconception: Surgery is always the first option for SI joint pain.
- Reality: Non-surgical treatments are usually the initial approach, with surgery considered when other options have failed to provide relief.
- Misconception: SI joint fusion is a complicated and risky procedure.
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Reality: SI joint fusion using the iFuse Implant System is a minimally invasive procedure with proven clinical results and a good safety record.
- Misconception: SI joint pain is a normal part of aging.
- Reality: Accurate diagnosis of SI joint pain often requires a comprehensive evaluation, including physical exams, specific tests, and diagnostic blocks.
- Misconception: SI joint fusion will limit mobility.
- Reality: SI joint fusion aims to stabilize the joint and alleviate pain, which can actually improve mobility and quality of life in the long term.
- Misconception: SI joint pain will resolve on its own over time.
- Reality: While some cases may improve with conservative treatments, chronic SI joint pain often requires targeted interventions for long-lasting relief.
- Misconception: SI joint fusion is only for severe cases of SI joint pain.
- Reality: The decision for SI joint fusion is based on the severity and chronicity of symptoms, as well as the individual's response to non-surgical treatments.
- Misconception: SI joint fusion is an experimental procedure.
- Reality: SI joint fusion using the iFuse Implant System has been extensively researched, with multiple clinical trials and over a decade of successful clinical outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions About SI Joint Pain
The SI joint, short for sacroiliac joint, is located in the pelvis, connecting the iliac bones (pelvis) to the sacrum (lowest part of the spine above the tailbone).
SI joint pain can be caused by degeneration or injury to the supporting ligaments, similar to other joints in the body.
Yes, SI joint pain can often be misdiagnosed as lower back pain, as the symptoms may overlap. Proper diagnosis is crucial to determine the actual source of pain.
Women tend to have more flexible sacroiliac ligaments than men, which allows for mobility during childbirth. However, both men and women can experience SI joint pain.
In many cases, SI joint pain can be relieved through non-surgical treatments such as medications, physical therapy, external support (SI joint belts), and therapeutic injections.
Studies suggest that approximately 15-30% of chronic low back pain may be attributed to the SI joint. It is also prevalent in a significant percentage of post-lumbar fusion patients.
Yes, SI joint pain can cause radiating symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or weakness in the lower extremities due to its proximity to nerve roots.
Yes, SI joint pain can affect various daily activities, including walking, sitting for long periods, transitioning from sitting to standing, and engaging in physical activities.
SI joint fusion is a minimally invasive surgical option for chronic SI joint pain. However, other surgical procedures may be considered based on individual circumstances.
Yes, studies have shown positive long-term results with SI joint fusion using the iFuse Implant System, providing improved pain relief and increased function up to 5 years post-surgery.