Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

By: Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., MD
March 15, 2001

Anatomy of the sacroiliac joint

The sacroiliac joint connects the sacrum (triangular bone at the bottom of the spine) with the pelvis (iliac bone). It transmits all the forces of the upper body to the pelvis and legs. There is not a lot of motion in the joint and it is very strong.

It is not clearly understood why this joint sometimes becomes painful, although some believe it is due to a limitation in its normal motion patterns. It typically results in pain on one side very low in the back or in the buttocks, and is more common in young or middle age women.

Conservative treatments for sacroiliac joint dysfunction

Conservative treatment for sacroiliac joint dysfunction generally centers around trying to restore motion in the joint, and can include:

• Physical therapy and exercise

• Chiropractic or osteopathic manipulations of the sacroiliac joint

• Injections to the sacroiliac joint

Surgery for fusing the joint is generally not recommended.