What Is the Difference Between Sacroiliac Joint Pain and Sacroiliitis?

Lower back pain is one of the most common ailments in both women and men, and it’s the leading cause of disability worldwide. A spinal specialist is the best doctor to determine the cause of your back pain, because such a physician is uniquely knowledgeable about a wide range of causes, including a critical pair of joints known as the sacroiliac joints bookending your lower spine.

At Seattle Spine Institute in Seattle, Washington, our experienced spine specialists routinely diagnose and treat pain caused by a range of back ailments, including sacroiliac (SI) joint pain and sacroiliitis, which, though similarly named, are quite different. 

Understanding the sacroiliac joints

The sacroiliac joints are located where the pelvic and lower spine connect on either side of the lower back. SI joints are axial joints, which means they are located between the base of the skull and the bottom of the tailbone (making the center of the skeleton the axis). 

These joints are extremely complex and flexible, allowing for movement in many directions. However, they are also highly vulnerable. Sacroiliac joint issues are more common in women than men, due to the pelvic structure that allows for expansion during pregnancy and childbirth. 

Sacroiliac joint pain vs sacroiliitis

Sacroiliac joint pain is an umbrella term that describes pain caused by a variety of conditions affecting the SI joints. Areas affected by SI joint pain include:

• Lower back
• Groin/pelvic region
• Hips
• Buttocks
• Legs

Pain can feel like it is stabbing the back, shooting down one or both legs, aching deep in your groin, or worsening when you are active compared to being sedentary. 

Sacroiliitis is a specific condition caused by dysfunction in one or both SI joints, leading to inflammation and pain. Identifying sacroiliitis as the origin of lower back pain can lead to better treatment outcomes.

Treating sacroiliitis or SI joint pain

Treatment for sacroiliitis or generalized SI joint pain usually starts with conservative options and moves to minimally invasive treatments before exploring surgical solutions. Common treatments include:

• Pain medications
• Steroid joint injections
• Anesthetic joint injections
• Nerve blocks

If these solutions aren’t effective, Dr. Schwaegler can perform surgery to fuse the affected SI joint(s). We use a minimally invasive, advanced SImmetry® SI joint fusion system to complete the procedure. Dr. Schwaegler inserts a bone graft, followed by implants, to stabilize your bones as they fuse.

With fusion surgery, you may lose some flexibility, but physical therapy can help keep you mobile. Your SI joint pain should greatly decrease after this type of surgery.

If SI joint pain or sacroiliitis is causing you to lose mobility and enjoyment of life, a consultation with a spine specialist can help. Contact our Seattle, Washington, office to schedule an appointment today by calling 206-322-1765 or contact us online.