Sacroiliac Joint Pain Treatment in Newcastle

 

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What is the Sacroiliac Joint?

The sacroiliac (SI) joints connect the base of the spine (sacrum) with the pelvis. There is one SI joint on each side.

The joints provide a connection between the spine and pelvis and help transfer forces between your upper and lower body during activities such as walking, running and lifting.

The SI joints have relatively little movement compared with joints such as the hip or knee. However, the surrounding muscles, ligaments and other tissues play an important role in controlling movement and transferring load through the area.

Pain arising from the SI joint region is commonly referred to as sacroiliac joint pain or SI joint pain.

What Causes Sacroiliac Joint Pain?

Sacroiliac joint pain can develop for a number of reasons, and there is often no single identifiable cause.

Potential contributing factors include:

• A sudden increase in physical activity

• Repetitive lifting

• Running or other high-impact exercise

• A fall or direct injury

• Previous lower back or pelvic problems

• Pregnancy and the postnatal period

• Reduced strength around the hip and pelvis

• Changes in activity levels

• Prolonged periods of sitting or standing

The SI joint is only one potential source of pain around the lower back and buttock. Conditions affecting the lumbar spine, hip or surrounding muscles can produce similar symptoms.

This is why an accurate assessment is important before attributing pain specifically to the SI joint.

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Symptoms of Sacroiliac Joint Pain

SI joint pain can vary considerably between individuals.

Common symptoms include:

• Pain in the lower back

• Pain in one side of the buttock

• Pain around the back of the pelvis

• Pain when standing for prolonged periods

• Discomfort when walking

• Pain when climbing stairs

• Pain when turning in bed

• Pain when getting up from a chair

• Pain during running or exercise

Some people experience pain that spreads into the thigh or leg. However, pain travelling further down the leg can also indicate irritation of a nerve from the lower back, so a thorough assessment is important.

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How is Sacroiliac Joint Pain Diagnosed?

Diagnosing SI joint pain can be challenging because symptoms can overlap with other conditions affecting the lower back, hip and pelvis.

At NE Physio, your assessment begins with a detailed discussion about your symptoms, injury history and activities that aggravate or relieve your pain.

We'll assess:

• Lumbar spine movement

• Hip movement

• Muscle strength

• Walking and movement patterns

• Functional activities

• Neurological function where appropriate

• The response of the SI joint region to specific clinical tests

Rather than relying on a single test, we use the overall pattern of your symptoms and examination findings to determine the most likely source of your pain.

Imaging is not routinely required for uncomplicated SI joint pain. If your symptoms suggest another underlying problem or further investigation is appropriate, we'll advise you on the next steps.

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Physiotherapy Treatment for Sacroiliac Joint Pain

Treatment is tailored to the cause of your symptoms, rather than simply treating the SI joint itself.

Education

Understanding your pain is an important part of recovery.

We'll explain:

• What may be contributing to your symptoms

• Which activities are likely to aggravate your pain

• How to remain active while symptoms settle

• How to manage flare-ups

• How to reduce the likelihood of recurrent problems

Exercise Rehabilitation

Exercise is an important part of managing persistent lower back and SI joint pain.

Your rehabilitation programme may include exercises targeting:

• Gluteal muscles

• Hip muscles

• Abdominal and core muscles

• Lower back

• Hamstrings

• Quadriceps

Exercises are progressed gradually as your strength, confidence and tolerance to activity improve.

Improving Movement and Function

Your physiotherapist may work with you on movements that are relevant to your symptoms, such as:

• Squatting

• Lunging

• Lifting

• Walking

• Running

• Getting up from a chair

The aim is to restore normal function and improve your ability to tolerate everyday and sporting activities.

Manual Therapy

Hands-on treatment may be used where appropriate to help reduce pain and improve movement.

This may include techniques directed at the lower back, pelvis, hip or surrounding soft tissues.

Manual therapy is generally used alongside exercise and education rather than as a standalone treatment.

Activity Modification

You don't necessarily need to stop exercising because of SI joint pain.

Instead, we'll help you identify which activities are currently aggravating your symptoms and modify your training or daily activities while your capacity improves.

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Can Exercise Help Sacroiliac Joint Pain?

Yes. Staying active and gradually building strength is an important part of managing most persistent lower back and pelvic pain.

The right exercises depend on your symptoms and current level of fitness.

Your programme may begin with relatively simple movements before progressing towards more demanding exercises, running or sport-specific rehabilitation.

The goal is to improve your ability to tolerate load rather than permanently avoid activities that cause discomfort.

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How Long Does Sacroiliac Joint Pain Take to Improve?

Recovery time varies considerably.

Factors that can influence recovery include:

• How long you've had symptoms

• The original cause of your pain

• Your activity levels

• Muscle strength

• Sleep and general wellbeing

• Previous episodes of back pain

• How consistently you complete your rehabilitation

Many people experience improvement over several weeks with appropriate treatment and progressive exercise. Persistent or recurrent symptoms may require a longer-term rehabilitation approach.

Your physiotherapist will help you establish realistic goals and monitor your progress throughout treatment.

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Can Sacroiliac Joint Pain Be Prevented?

There is no guaranteed way to prevent SI joint pain, but maintaining good physical capacity can reduce your risk of recurrent problems.

Helpful strategies include:

• Staying physically active

• Maintaining hip and lower limb strength

• Regularly exercising your core and trunk muscles

• Increasing training loads gradually

• Avoiding sudden changes in activity

• Maintaining good lifting capacity

• Addressing symptoms early

If you participate in running, cycling, football or other sports, we'll help you develop a training programme that allows you to progressively build your capacity.

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When Should You See a Physiotherapist?

Consider an assessment if your pain:

• Has lasted for several weeks

• Keeps returning

• Is affecting your exercise or sport

• Makes walking or everyday activities difficult

• Is affecting your ability to work

• Is not improving with self-management

A thorough assessment can help determine whether the SI joint is actually the source of your symptoms or whether your pain is coming from another structure such as the lumbar spine or hip.

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Why Choose NE Physio?

At NE Physio, every appointment is one-to-one and focused on understanding the cause of your symptoms.

We provide:

• Comprehensive assessment

• Evidence-based physiotherapy

• Individualised exercise programmes

• Manual therapy where appropriate

• Advice on activity and training

• Progressive rehabilitation

• Clear explanations without unnecessary jargon

Whether you're dealing with a recent injury or persistent lower back and buttock pain, we'll help you understand your symptoms and develop a plan to get you moving confidently again.

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Book Your Sacroiliac Joint Assessment

If sacroiliac joint pain is affecting your work, exercise, sport or everyday life, physiotherapy can help you understand the cause of your symptoms and develop a clear rehabilitation plan.

Book an appointment with NE Physio today for a comprehensive assessment and personalised treatment programme.

We help people across Newcastle manage sacroiliac joint pain, lower back pain and pelvic pain, helping them return to the activities they enjoy.