Many people take their mobility for granted. That is until they no longer have it. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction (or pain) affects hundreds of thousands of people around the country every year. Dysfunction of this joint will rob you of the ability to perform everyday tasks such as walking, climbing stairs or even sitting comfortably. You’ll never know what a joy it is to walk from the living room to the kitchen pain-free until you experience SI joint pain. The good news is that there are various treatment options available. Non-surgical SI joint dysfunction treatment options often focus on SI joint pain relief and restoring mobility. Surgical treatments are reserved as a last resort.

How to Relieve SI Joint Pain and Restore Mobility

• Rest

Resting is a great way to achieve SI joint pain immediate relief. Rest takes the pressure off the joint and allows for healing. However, it is not advisable to rest for more than 2 days. Longer resting periods can result in more pain and stiffness. This will only make matters worse.

• Heat and cold therapy

Heat and cold therapy is a great way to reduce muscle tension and inflammation. It also helps to alleviate pain and discomfort. Apply ice to the lower back and then apply a hot water bottle to the area. This can be done during the period of rest to promote healing and manage pain.

• Taking pain medication

There are various over-the-counter medications that you can take to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. These include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as naproxen and ibuprofen. These are effective for managing mild to moderate pain. However, if you are experiencing episodes of acute or severe pain, you may need to have medication such as narcotic painkillers or muscle relaxants prescribed for sacroiliac joint pain relief. It should be noted however, that many of these prescription drugs are highly addictive. They may also cause severe side effects.

• Manual manipulation

Another way to get relief, improve healing and restore function and mobility is through manual manipulation of the joint. A qualified chiropractor or other health professional such as an osteopathic doctor can provide services to manipulate the joint and improve mobility. This is especially effective for those suffering from joint pain as a result of hypomobility or reduced motion. Manual manipulation may include applying pressure to the SI joint and the surrounding areas with the goal of reducing muscle tension and joint fixation. Many people experience improved joint mobility as a result.

• Wearing a brace or support belt

If the dysfunction has to do with a hypermobile or loose joint, then extra support is required to stabilize the joint and prevent unnecessary movement. A pelvic brace or belt can help to provide this much needed stability. This additional support takes a lot of pressure off the lower back by distributing it around the core. It will help to reduce pain and discomfort and is helpful for helping people carry out day to day tasks.

• Physical therapy

This is aimed at relieving pain and rehabilitating the joint. It includes stretching and strengthening exercises. It may also include some aerobic exercises to increase blood flow.

• Injections

Injections into the lower back are effective for providing immediate relief from acute or severe pain. These injections often consist of a local anesthetic such as bupivacaine or lidocaine. The injection may also include an anti-inflammatory medication e.g. a corticosteroid. This helps to reduce inflammation as well as to alleviate pain. Injections are effective for minimizing pain especially when getting started with physical therapy.

Sacroiliac Joint Surgery Bellevue & Redmond

If you’re experiencing pain in the lower back or hip, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Chris Boone, an experienced and skilled orthopedic surgeon, for diagnosis. Learn about your treatment options and how we can help restore mobility for a pain-free life.