Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Disorders

Research suggests that up to 25% of all low back pain can be attributed to the sacroiliac (SI) joint.

Studies have also shown that following lumbar spine surgery, some patients develop problems with their SI joint. SI joint pain is a commonly missed diagnosis.

The SI joint transfers weight between your upper body and legs, and it is an essential part of shock absorption to reduce impact during walking. Like any other joint, the SI joint can degenerate or its support ligaments can become loose or injured. When this happens, people may feel pain in or above the buttocks, especially when lifting, running, walking, or sleeping on the involved side.

Pain from SI joint disorders can be felt anywhere in the lower back, buttocks, or legs. Chronic SI joint pain can make it difficult to perform common daily tasks, affecting every aspect of a patient’s life. Chief complaints are lower back pain (below L5), lower leg pain (numbness, tingling, weakness), pelvic and buttock pain, hip or groin pain, unilateral leg instability (buckling, giving way), disturbed sitting patterns (unable to sit for long periods, on one side), and pain when going from sitting to standing.

See information about surgical procedures Dr. Waguespack performs, including SI Joint Surgery (iFuse by SyBone).