WELLNESS FEATURE

SI JOINT DYSFUNCTION

Don’t suffer, treat it under the expertise of Perfect Bounce, helmed by Dr. Richa Singh

By Smiti Jain Narayan

For decades, the sacroiliac joint was suspected as a common cause of low back and/or leg pain, although difficulty in accurate diagnostic testing left many in the medical profession skeptical. Today it is estimated that the sacroiliac joint is responsible for 15% to 30% of lower back pain cases.

The sacroiliac joint typically has little motion. Small movements at the joint help with shock absorption and forward/backward bending. The joint is reinforced by strong ligaments surrounding it, some of which extend across the joint in the back of the pelvis. This network of soft tissues provides support, limits movement at the joint, and assists with absorbing pressure.

Sources of Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

The primary mechanisms of SI joint dysfunction include:

• Too much movement (hypermobility or instability) in the sacroiliac joint can cause the pelvis to feel unstable and lead to pain. Pain from too much motion is typically felt in the lower back and/or hip, and may radiate into the groin area. • Too little movement (hypomobility or fixation) can cause muscle tension, pain, and may inhibit mobility. Pain is typically felt on one side of the low back or buttocks, and can radiate down the back of leg (similar to sciatica pain). • Inflammation of the sacroiliac joint (sacroiliitis) can also produce pelvic pain and • Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is more common in young and middle-aged women.

Women who are pregnant or have recently given birth may be more susceptible to sacroiliac joint pain. stiffness. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction may cause inflammation, or inflammation may occur with normal function of the joint from an infection, rheumatoid condition, or other cause.

Dr. Richa Singh, leading physiotherapy exponent

A person suffering SI Joint Dysfunction may feel:

• Lower back pain that feels dull, aching, and can range from mild to severe. Lower back pain is typically felt only on one side, but in some cases may be felt on both sides. • Pain that spreads to the hips, buttocks, and/or groin. One of the most common areas to feel SI joint pain is in the buttocks and upper back or side of the thigh. Pain is typically felt only on one side, but may be felt on both sides. • Sciatic-like pain in the buttocks and/or backs of the thighs that feels hot, sharp, and stabbing and may include numbness and tingling. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction may cause sciatica-like symptoms that rarely extend below the knee. • Stiffness and reduced range-of-motion in the lower back, hips, pelvis, and groin, which may cause difficulty with movements such as walking up stairs or bending at the waist. • Worsened pain when putting added pressure on the sacroiliac joint, such as climbing stairs, running or jogging, and lying or putting weight on one side. • Instability in the pelvis and/or lower back, which may cause the pelvis to feel like it will buckle or give way when standing, walking, or moving from standing to sitting.

Causes and Risk Factors for Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction:

• Gait issues • Pregnancy or recent childbirth • Prior lower back surgery • Activities that place repeated stress on the joint

Physical Therapy for Sacroiliac Joint Pain:

• Stretching to reduce muscle tension and spasms in the lower back, hips, and pelvis, including the piriformis, gluteus maximus, and hamstring muscles. • Strengthening exercises to better support the sacroiliac joint and pelvis/lower back for strengthening abdominal muscles, lateral trunk muscles, and low back muscles. • Aerobic exercises to elevate blood flow and bring nutrients and oxygen to damaged tissues, which can facilitate the healing process. Low-impact aerobics like stationary cycling, running on an elliptical, or water aerobics help.

Come to Dr Richa Singh’s Perfect Bounce for well-rounded, personalised SI Joint Dysfunction treatments.

PERFECT BOUNCE HEALTHCARE PVT LTD • Landmark, JR Magnum, 1st Floor, 184/A, 22nd Cross, Club Road, Opp HSR Club, Sector 3, HSR Layout; Mob: +91 95134-15111 / +91 95135-15111 Email: contact@perfectbounce.in Website: www.perfectbounce.in