SI Joint Pain

SI Joint Pain services offered in Coral Gables, FL

Low back pain felt to one side, low down near the dimple of the back and radiating into the buttock or hip, can have several causes. One that is often overlooked is the sacroiliac (SI) joint, which is thought to account for a meaningful share of chronic low back pain. A careful evaluation is needed to distinguish SI joint pain from other sources such as the lumbar spine or hip pain. Dr. Gregory Foremny, MD, at IVO Miami, in Coral Gables, Florida, diagnoses and treats SI joint pain using precise, image-guided techniques.

SI Joint Pain Q & A

What is the SI joint, and why does it hurt?

The sacroiliac (SI) joints sit where the base of your spine meets your pelvis, one on each side. They don’t move much, but they work as shock absorbers, transferring the weight of your upper body down into your legs and steadying your pelvis every time you walk, climb stairs, or shift your weight from one foot to the other.

When an SI joint moves too much or too little, or when the surrounding ligaments become inflamed, it causes pain that usually settles on one side of the lower back and can travel into your buttock, hip, or upper thigh. Some people also notice the pain worsens when they sit for long stretches, stand up from a chair, or roll over in bed.

Pregnancy, arthritis, a prior spinal fusion, an old injury, and even a difference in leg length can all throw the SI joint off balance and trigger symptoms.

Why is SI joint pain often misdiagnosed?

SI joint pain can often mimic other conditions. The discomfort overlaps with a herniated disc, sciatica, and ordinary lower back strain, so patients sometimes spend months treating the wrong problem.

Dr. Foremny relies on a combination of targeted physical tests, diagnsotic imaging and possibly image-guided diagnostic injections to confirm whether the SI joint is the culprit.

How does my doctor treat SI joint pain?

Treatment depends on what’s driving the dysfunction and how long you’ve had it. Some treatment options include:

Physical therapy to stabilize the pelvis and strengthen supporting muscles
Anti-inflammatory and topical therapies
Image-guided injections placed directly into the joint

Get started by calling IVO Miami today to book your consultation.