Sacroiliac Joint Pain (cont.)
How is sacroiliac joint dysfunction treated?
As stated above injections into the SI joint can provide both diagnosis and
treatment. The duration of pain relief from injection can last from one day to much
more long term. The injections can be repeated each month for a total of three
each year. Oral anti-inflammatory medications are often effective in pain relief
as well. These can be taken long-term if the patient does not have any other medical
problems that prevent them from taking these medications.
Physical therapy can be very helpful. Pain in the SI joint is often related
to either too much motion or not enough motion in the joint. A physical
therapist can teach various stretching or stabilizing exercises that can help
reduce the pain. A sacroiliac belt is a device that wraps around the hips to
help stabilize the SI joints, which can also help the SI joint pain.
If other treatments fail and pain continues to interfere with normal
activities, surgery might be an option. Surgery for SI dysfunction involves a
fusion of the SI joints. In this surgery the cartilage covering the surfaces of
the SI joints is removed and the bones are held together with plates and screws
until they grow together (fuse). This eliminates all motion at the SI joints and
typically relieves the pain. This should be considered only if other less
invasive treatments have not been successful.
How can sacroiliac joint dysfunction be prevented?
Unfortunately SI joint dysfunction is not preventable in some people. For
many, it is an unfortunate part of the normal aging process. However, the
severity can be reduced through treatment with medication, injections, or
physical therapy. Maintaining a healthy body weight and good conditioning can
reduce the chances of developing SI joint dysfunction and other forms of
arthritis. By reducing the loads on the joints, there is less chance for
cartilage damage and subsequent arthritis.
Last Editorial Review: 10/31/2007
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