Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

The sacroiliac joints, or SI joints, are two joints that connect the lower end of the spine (sacrum) to the pelvis on both sides. They act like shock absorbers and help transfer the weight of the upper body to the legs. When these joints move too much, too little or get inflamed, it causes pain known as sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Studies suggest that the SI joint may be the source of pain in about 15 to 30 percent of people with long standing lower back pain.

SI joint pain is often felt low down in the back, on one side near the buttock, and is easily confused with a slipped disc or sciatica. Because of this, many patients go through different treatments without getting relief. It is more common in women, especially during or after pregnancy, and in people who have had earlier lower back surgery. At SpineArc, Dr. Tanmay Avhad uses careful examination and image-guided SI joint blocks to confirm whether the SI joint is the true source of your pain, and then treats it with precise, minimally invasive care.

Symptoms

SI joint pain usually affects one side but can be felt on both. Common symptoms include:

Pain in the lower back just below the waist, on one or both sides.

Pain in the buttock that may spread to the hip, groin or back of the thigh.

Pain when getting up from a chair, climbing stairs or turning in bed.

Pain that becomes worse with standing or walking for long, or putting weight on one leg.

Stiffness in the lower back and hips, especially in the morning.

A feeling of the leg giving way or instability in the pelvis.

Causes

SI joint dysfunction happens when the joint becomes too loose, too stiff or inflamed. Some of the most common causes are:

Wear and tear or arthritis of the SI joint with age.

Pregnancy and childbirth, when hormones loosen the ligaments and the pelvis carries extra load.

Falls on the buttocks, road accidents or sports injuries.

Earlier lower back fusion surgery, which puts more load on the SI joints.

Uneven walking due to leg length difference, hip problems or foot problems.

Inflammatory conditions like ankylosing spondylitis.

Repeated strain from heavy lifting, running or jobs with long standing.

Diagnosis & Treatment

To treat SI joint pain the right way, it must first be confirmed that the SI joint is the real pain source. At SpineArc, diagnosis and treatment follow a step by step approach:

Detailed physical check with special SI joint tests to find the pain source and rule out disc, nerve or hip problems.
Imaging tests like X-ray, MRI or CT scan to look for joint wear, inflammation and other spine or hip problems.
Medicines and physiotherapy, including painkillers, anti inflammatory medicines and exercises to strengthen the core, hips and pelvis.
Lifestyle changes and support, like correct posture, weight control, avoiding one sided loading and using an SI belt in some cases.
Image-guided SI joint injection, which is both a test to confirm the SI joint as the pain source and a treatment to reduce inflammation and pain.
Radiofrequency ablation, in selected patients, to calm the small nerves that carry pain from the SI joint and give longer lasting relief.
Minimally invasive SI joint fusion, only in rare cases with severe pain that does not improve with all other treatment.

Risk Factors

Some people are more likely to get SI joint dysfunction. Knowing these factors can help you take early care:

Pregnancy

Hormonal changes and extra weight put stress on the SI joints.

Past lower back surgery

Spine fusion can increase the load on the SI joints.

Injury

Falls on the buttocks and accidents can damage the joint.

Uneven walking

Leg length difference or hip and foot problems strain one side of the pelvis.

Arthritis

Wear and tear or inflammatory arthritis can affect the SI joints.

You Deserve a Life Without SI Joint Pain

Get the right diagnosis and advanced sacroiliac joint pain treatment in Mumbai from Dr. Tanmay Avhad at 4 hospitals across the city. Available 6 days a week, book your consultation today.

GOT QUESTIONS?

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about sacroiliac joint pain treatment in Mumbai, answered simply by Dr. Tanmay Avhad.

What is sacroiliac joint dysfunction?

It is pain that comes from the SI joints, which connect the lower spine to the pelvis. It happens when these joints get inflamed, worn out, too loose or too stiff.

How is SI joint pain different from sciatica?

SI joint pain is usually felt low in the back and buttock and rarely goes below the knee. Sciatica comes from a pressed nerve and often travels down the leg to the foot with tingling or numbness.

How is SI joint pain diagnosed?

It is diagnosed with special physical tests, imaging and an image-guided SI joint injection. If the pain reduces after the injection, it confirms the SI joint is the source.

Can SI joint pain be treated without surgery?

Yes. Most patients improve with medicines, physiotherapy, SI joint injections and radiofrequency ablation. Surgery is needed only in rare cases.

Can pregnancy cause SI joint pain?

Yes. During pregnancy, hormones loosen the ligaments around the pelvis and the extra weight adds strain, which can cause SI joint pain during or after pregnancy.

How can I book an appointment for SI joint pain treatment?

You can call +91 79779 26003 or +91 99203 97922, send a WhatsApp message, or fill the form on this website. Our team will call you to confirm your time and hospital.

Where does Dr. Tanmay Avhad consult in Mumbai?

Dr. Tanmay consults at 6 hospitals in Mumbai:

Sphere Multispeciality Clinic, Dadar East, Mumbai (Mon, Wed & Fri – 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM)
Aryan Multispeciality Hospital, Kalachowki (Mon, Wed & Fri – 5PM to 6PM)
Life Care Hospital, Sion (Tue, Thu & Sat – 5PM to 6PM)
Lion Tarachand Bapa Hospital, Sion, Mumbai (Tue, Thu & Sat – 6:30PM to 7:30PM)
Sushrut Hospital and Research Centre, Chembur (Tue, Thu & Sat – 8PM to 9PM)
Gleneagles Hospital, Parel