The Sacroiliac Joint or SIJ as it’s also known as can be a real pain in the bum, literally, and is a problem for many of us. It’s the joint where the Sacrum, an upside down triangular shaped bone at the bottom of the spine meets a section of the pelvis called the ilium, hence sacro-iliac. Activities like sitting or standing for long periods, usually aggravate it, and anyone who has SIJ issues knows that it can make getting up from sitting down, getting out the car, rolling over in bed and bending a painful issue, let alone sport and exercise. Pain can be felt in the lower back, buttocks, hip and even down the leg.
It’s a joint that was for a long time thought not to move, but it is now known that it does but only slightly and is needed for shock absorption and to take the pressure off the lumbar spine. Basically, it acts as a buffer between the hip and the lumbar spine. It has ligaments helping the structure, but also some large muscles including quadratus lumborum, hamstrings, gluteal muscles, psoas, erector spinae, piriformis, abdominal obliques.
Chiropractic adjustments along with soft tissues techniques can be used to correct hypermobility (instability) or hypomobility (stiffness) in the joints, rehab exercises can get the supporting muscles firing better and stronger. All this will take the pressure off the joint to give it a chance to heal and become less inflamed.
If you think you might have a problem with your SIJ it is important to get checked out by a professional such as a Chiropractor. At Watkins Chiropractic in Uckfield & Haywards Heath, we have helped hundreds of patients get on top of their SJI pain and work on how to reduce the risk of flare ups in the future. Just call 01825 890592 to book a consultation