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What is Sacroiliac Syndrome?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Sacroiliac syndrome is a type of back pain that develops in the area around the sacroiliac joints. These joints are located where a person's spine and pelvis meet. They play a role in the twisting movements a person makes and help to support the upper body. When a person has sacroiliac syndrome, he has pain that is felt around the dimpled region at the top of his buttocks. The pain that develops here is often described as lower back pain, but some people also experience pain in the groin area or feel pain that radiates to the back or front of the thigh region; in some cases, though rare, a person may even experience knee pain as a result of sacroiliac syndrome.

When a person has sacroiliac syndrome, he typically has pain that develops in the lower back, near the midline part of his body. A person with this condition often has pain on one side, though some people may experience it on both sides. Many people also have pain that radiates to another part of the body, such as the thighs or the groin area; this is often called referred pain. Though sacroiliac syndrome can be minor, and some people may suffer from it only occasionally, it can develop into increasingly painful symptoms that eventually make it hard for a person to move around. In fact, some people with this condition even feel uncomfortable while they are resting, as lying down doesn’t typically relieve the pain and may sometimes make it worse.

Arthritis may lead to the development ot sacroiliac syndrome.
Arthritis may lead to the development ot sacroiliac syndrome.

There are several things that may contribute to the development of sacroiliac syndrome; for example, it may develop when the bones in the area are jammed together over a long period of time and the cartilage starts to wear away. Arthritis, which is a condition marked by joint inflammation, may play a role as well. Various hormones can also play a role in the development of sacroiliac syndrome. Some studies have demonstrated that people who lift and bend a good deal may be more likely to develop pain in this area. Likewise, pregnant women and individuals who are suffering from degenerative disorders may develop it more often.

Those with sacroiliac syndrome will usually develop pain in the lower back area.
Those with sacroiliac syndrome will usually develop pain in the lower back area.

The treatment methods that are used for sacroiliac syndrome typically depend on the severity of the condition. Often, doctors use physical therapy and manipulation techniques to offer the patient some relief. In some cases, doctors may also use injected medicines to relax the muscles in the area. When such measures fail and the pain is severe, surgical procedures may be used to stabilize the affected joints.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

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    • Arthritis may lead to the development ot sacroiliac syndrome.
      By: Tracy Whiteside
      Arthritis may lead to the development ot sacroiliac syndrome.
    • Those with sacroiliac syndrome will usually develop pain in the lower back area.
      By: aceshot
      Those with sacroiliac syndrome will usually develop pain in the lower back area.
    • Sacroiliac pain can radiate from the back, though the hips and to the knees, making everyday activities difficult.
      By: Monkey Business
      Sacroiliac pain can radiate from the back, though the hips and to the knees, making everyday activities difficult.
    • A patient may experience knee pain as a result of sacroiliac syndrome.
      By: Kurhan
      A patient may experience knee pain as a result of sacroiliac syndrome.
    • Physical therapy may be used to provide some pain relief from sacroiliac syndrome.
      By: praisaeng
      Physical therapy may be used to provide some pain relief from sacroiliac syndrome.