Pain in your lower back when going from a sitting to a standing position could be a sign that you have a problem with your sacroiliac joint. There are 2 sacroiliac joints present on either side of your lower spine. Their function is to help carry the weight of your upper body when standing or walking. The SI joint pain could be a dull or sharp pain that starts in the lower back and radiates to the buttocks, groin, or thighs. It accounts for nearly 30% of all back pain complaints.
The best treatment for sacroiliac joint pain would depend on the cause and severity of the condition. The various treatment options include:
Rest: Initial treatment would involve resting for 1-2 days to give your body the opportunity to heal itself. Resting for longer periods of time can cause stiffness and worsen the pain due to de-conditioning.
Application of ice & heat: As part of the initial treatment, ice packs may be applied to the lower back region during the first 24-48 hours for 15 minutes at the time 3-4 times a day to reduce swelling and inflammation. Heat therapy may be applied thereafter to reduce spasms of the lower back muscles.
Pain Medication: Over-the-counter pain medications and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications may be effective in treating mild-to-moderate SI joint pain. If the pain is more severe, stronger muscle relaxants or narcotic medications may be prescribed. Be sure to take them only as instructed by your doctor.
Physical Therapy: Performing special exercises can help improve strength and flexibility of the lower back and hips, which may help reduce painful SI joint symptoms.
Back Brace or Support: In case the SI joint is very loose or hyper-mobile, a brace may be used to stabilize the pelvis.
Injection Therapy: Sacroiliac joint injections are a combination of a local anesthetic and an anti-inflammatory medication such as a corticosteroid that can provide temporary relief for acute SI joint pain.
Once the underlying cause has been diagnosed, you may be recommended any or a combination of the above options to successfully treat your condition.
Dr. Jacob brings cutting edge techniques and technology to the Oklahoma City area. He has extensive training in minimally invasive, rapid recovery joint replacement as well as robotically assisted hip and knee replacement. Dr. Jacob is a pioneer in outpatient joint replacement allowing some patient to go home the same day as their procedure and recover in the comfort of their own home. The cornerstone of Dr. Jacob’s practice is to have the recovery process be easier, faster and less painful allowing his patients to get back into the game of life. Dr. Jacob is committed to bringing the highest level of orthopedic care while treating each and every patient like a family member. Providing you with patient centered care you can trust.
