When Pain on One Side of the Pelvis Suggests an SI Joint Problem?
If you experience severe pain on one side of the pelvis near the posterior superior iliac spine (the bony bump at the lower back of your pelvis), it may indicate an SI joint disorder. This pain can radiate to your hips, buttocks, or legs and may worsen if you climb stairs, stand for long periods, bend, or lift heavy objects.
At Total Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, our specialists help you manage sacroiliac joint pain symptoms. We offer conservative treatment, including pelvic belts, lumbar exercises, and manual therapy. For severe pain, we also offer treatments like radiofrequency ablation or SI joint fusion. Call us today at 855-321-6784 for immediate sacroiliac joint pain treatment.
What are the Symptoms of SI Joint Dysfunction?
SI joint dysfunction may cause sharp or stabbing pain on one side of the pelvis, buttocks, hips, and lower back. A study by the SMRJ found that sacroiliac joint dysfunction causes pain in 10% to 25% of patients with chronic lower back pain. SI joint dysfunction can also cause leg pain, stiffness, or tenderness near the posterior superior iliac spine or anterior superior iliac spine.
Other than that, you may notice pain radiating to the groin and pubic symphysis (midline joint where the two bones of the pelvis meet). In some cases, you may also experience the following symptoms of SI joint dysfunction:
- Pelvic instability or weakness in the affected side
- Pain during hip extension or rotational movements
- Difficulty performing movements involving the lower spine and pelvis
- Discomfort radiating to the iliac crest (top edge of the hip bone)
- Reduced shock absorption, causing discomfort in the lower spine and pelvis
Moreover, during pregnancy, you may experience increased SI joint dysfunction symptoms. According to a study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), approximately 20% of pregnant women experience sacroiliac dysfunction due to hormonal changes.
What are the Causes of Unilateral SI Joint Pain?
Unilateral SI joint pain is often caused by sacroiliac joint dysfunction, ankylosing spondylitis, and joint inflammation. This pain can also result from improper weight distribution, osteoarthritis, or inflammatory arthritis. These conditions can inflame the ligaments connecting the pelvis to the lower spine, causing severe SI pain. Here’s how these conditions can lead to SI joint pain:
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints. Over time, this chronic inflammation can lead to vertebral fusion, resulting in a stiff spine (ankylosis) and SI joint pain.
According to a systematic review by the International Journal of Current Pharmaceutical Review, researchers studied 50 patients with ankylosing spondylitis and found that 66% had definite sacroiliitis (Grade ≥2). Moreover, right-sided unilateral involvement occurred in 12% of patients, and left-sided unilateral involvement affected 8%.
Joint Inflammation
Joint inflammation, caused by conditions like arthritis, can irritate the sacroiliac joint ligaments. This inflammation also irritates the tissues around the pelvis, leading to sharp pain. Moreover, you may notice discomfort when standing, bending, or lifting objects.
Improper Weight Distribution
If your pelvis or lower body transfers weight unevenly, it may put extra stress on one side of the SI joint. This overload can irritate ligaments and muscles, causing localized pain near the posterior superior iliac spine. Over time, the imbalance can contribute to chronic sacroiliac dysfunction and lower back discomfort.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis gradually wears down the cartilage in your sacroiliac joints, reducing shock absorption. This degeneration increases friction within the joint, causing inflammation, stiffness, and unilateral pain. According to NCBI, a randomized controlled trial examined preoperative CT scans of 31 women with hip osteoarthritis to assess SI joint degeneration. The results revealed that the patients had joint space narrowing and larger vacuum phenomena in the SI joint.
Why Does SI Joint Pain Often Get Misdiagnosed as Low Back Pain?
Doctors may misdiagnose SI joint pain as low back pain because the sacroiliac joint shares nerves with the lumbar spine, causing similar symptoms. For instance, if you have SI joint pain, you may feel discomfort in the lower back, buttocks, hips, and groin. You will notice the same symptoms with lower back pain and lumbar disc problems, making it difficult to identify the exact source of pain.
Therefore, our spine specialist at Total Orthopedics & Sports Medicine carefully assesses your symptoms to identify the source of your pain. We utilize targeted clinical tests, CT scans, MRI scans, and evidence-based diagnosis to assess SI joint dysfunction. After the diagnosis, we design a targeted treatment plan to reduce your pain and restore normal joint function. Contact us to schedule a consultation today.
Why Does SI Joint Pain Increase After Prolonged Standing?
When you stand for prolonged periods without shifting weight, the sacroiliac joint remains under constant pressure, which limits normal shock absorption. This continues stress presses the joint surfaces and surrounding ligaments, resulting in severe inflammation. Over time, this pressure can also worsen pain in the lower back, buttocks, or legs, especially on the affected side.
What Pain Management Options Are Available at Total Orthopedics & Sports Medicine for SI Joint Pain?
At Total Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, we offer targeted SI joint injections, anti-inflammatory medications, ice/heat therapy, and epidural injections to manage SI joint pain. We also offer manipulative therapy and pelvic belts to improve joint function and restore mobility in the sacroiliac joint. However, if your sacroiliac pain does not improve with conservative treatments, we offer the following minimally invasive procedures to reduce pain:
- Radiofrequency Ablation: Uses heat to disrupt pain signals from the affected SI joint, reducing chronic pain.
- Minimally Invasive SI Joint Fusion: Stabilizes the sacroiliac joint, preventing excessive movement and relieving severe pain.
- Percutaneous SI Joint Fixation: Inserts small implants to hold the joint in place, reducing motion and improving stability.
- Cryoablation: Uses extreme cold to interrupt pain signals from the SI joint nerves, providing long-lasting relief.
Moreover, if your pain does not improve with conservative or minimally invasive treatments, our specialists may recommend surgical intervention to provide long-term relief. These surgeries may include open SI joint fusion, arthroscopic SI joint fusion, or joint debridement. Reach out to book your appointment today.
Can Chiropractic Care Help Relieve SI Joint Discomfort?
Yes, chiropractic care can effectively help you reduce SI joint pain and discomfort by restoring spinal alignment. Chiropractors use targeted adjustments to improve spinal function and relieve pressure on the affected SI joint. This adjustment helps reduce inflammation, improve joint mobility, and restore proper weight transfer between the pelvis and lower spine. Chiropractic care also offers targeted benefits, including:
- Improved shock absorption: Helps the SI joint handle sudden impacts or activities like climbing stairs.
- Stabilized Pelvic Alignment: Prevents one-sided tilting that can cause imbalance and limping.
- Improved Hip Motion: Enhances range of motion for activities such as bending, squatting, and normal activities like putting on shoes.
- Decreased Morning Stiffness: Reduces swelling and stiffness that limit early-morning mobility.
- Better Upright Posture: Maintains spinal alignment, reducing strain during work, walking, or exercise.
How Long Does It Take to Recover From Unilateral SI Joint Pain?
The healing time for unilateral SI joint pain ranges from a few days to several months, depending on the severity of the pain and the treatment approach. For example, mild cases from minor injury or inflammation often improve within 1-2 weeks with ice/heat therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or rest. However, severe conditions, such as sacroiliac joint dysfunction or arthritis, may require 3 months or more to heal.
Tip: Perform gentle hip stretches, such as the figure-four stretch, for 30 seconds on each side daily to relieve tension and support recovery of the SI joint.
Visit Total Orthopedics & Sports Medicine For Treatment Of Chronic SI Joint Pain!
Constant SI joint pain can disrupt your ability to move, rest, and focus throughout the day. You may experience severe discomfort while walking, sitting for short periods, or changing positions in bed. As symptoms worsen, limited mobility and pelvic strain can affect both your daily routine and overall health.
At Total Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, we offer effective treatments for chronic SI joint pain. Our pain physicians provide targeted joint injections, chiropractic care, and minimally invasive procedures to reduce pain and restore mobility. Additionally, to speed up your recovery, we offer conservative treatments, spine surgeries, and pain management, all under one roof. Call 855-321-6784 or visit 116 East 29th Street, Bayonne, NJ 07002, to explore your treatment options.
FAQs
What Movements Make One-Sided SI Pain Worse?
One-sided sacroiliac (SI) joint pain often worsens with standing on one leg, climbing stairs, or twisting the trunk. You may also experience pain when bending forward, walking with uneven steps, or sitting for long periods. Moreover, rolling over in bed or putting more weight on the affected side can further worsen hip and buttock pain.
Can Sleeping on One Side Trigger SI Joint Pain?
Yes, sleeping on one side can trigger or worsen sacroiliac (SI) joint pain, especially if you lie on the painful side. This position places uneven pressure on the pelvis and increases stress across the SI joint. To avoid this strain, you should put a pillow between your knees or sleep on your back to reduce pressure on the SI joint.
How To Sit With SI Joint Pain?
To sit safely with sacroiliac (SI) joint pain, maintain proper pelvic alignment, and reduce uneven pressure. You should also keep both feet flat on the floor and your knees at hip level. Moreover, sit back fully in the chair so your lower back is supported, ideally with a small lumbar pillow.
Can Stress or Muscle Tension Contribute To One-Sided SI Joint Pain?
Yes, stress and muscle tension can lead to one-sided sacroiliac (SI) joint pain. Tight muscles in the lower back and pelvis (often caused by poor posture) can pull unevenly on the SI joint, increasing discomfort. Similarly, chronic tension in the glutes can lead to knee instability, making the pain more prominent on one side during movement.
Can Wearing Uneven Footwear Lead To One-Sided SI Joint Pain?
Yes, wearing uneven or unsupportive footwear can contribute to one-sided sacroiliac (SI) joint pain. For instance, shoes with worn-out soles, such as high heels, can tilt the pelvis and place uneven stress on one side of the SI joint. Over time, this imbalance can irritate the joint and surrounding ligaments, resulting in increased pain, stiffness, and discomfort.
Can Tight Hamstrings or Hip Flexors Trigger One-Sided SI Pain?
Yes, tension in the hamstrings or hip flexors can cause one-sided sacroiliac (SI) joint pain. When these muscles are stiff, they pull unevenly on the pelvis, which changes your pelvic and spinal alignment. This imbalance can irritate the joint and surrounding ligaments, leading to severe pain, swelling, or inflammation.
Is One-Sided Sacroiliac Joint Syndrome Common in Runners?
Yes, one-sided sacroiliac (SI) joint syndrome is common among runners. Repetitive impact or running on sloped surfaces puts uneven pressure on the pelvis, stressing one side of the SI joint. As a result, runners may experience irritation, inflammation, and hip pain on the affected side during or after runs.
