About SI

• SI dysfunction, also known as SI inflammation, syndrome or strain, is the misalignment of the cartilage covering the ends of the bones of the joint between the sacrum and the pairs of the iliac bones of the pelvis. There is nearly no movement at this joint. Typical injuries to the SI joint result from direct impact via full contact sports or from the trauma of giving birth. Prolonged abnormal walking patterns, such as a lower limb injury, aid in wearing away the cartilage as well. If left untreated, osteoarthritis usually develops.
  
  

Treatment Options

• If you suffer from painful symptoms in the SI joint, visit your doctor. Following a proper diagnoses through CT, CAT or MRI scans, or by injecting numbing agent into the joint, treatment can begin. Periodic visits to receive the same pain relieving and steroidal injection is often the first measure in treating SI joint dysfunction. If this is your treatment method, you'll likely get the injection every month in severe cases or once every four months. This is done in conjunction with taking oral pain relief/ anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen. Depending on your symptoms, physical therapy sessions may be prescribed. The pain associated with SI dysfunction results from either over or under use of the joint; the therapist will conduct tests to determine which appropriate action to take. The remedy for underuse is a series of stretches you'll do with the therapist and eventually on your own once the prescription expires. Stretches include the common standing or seated hamstring stretch, performed two to three times daily. As with all stretches, the stretch is held for 12 to 15 seconds. A variation of this stretch is to lie on your back and bring your knees to your chin and "hug" your knees. If advised, light exercise in the form of back specific exercises like lumbar stabilization can be performed: lie on your back, knees bent with your hands crossed and behind your head. Flex the muscles in your buttocks and bring your pelvis off the floor a few inches. Do this for around 10 to 12 reps, two or three sets, or whatever the therapist prescribes. Light cardio work like walking or swimming is encouraged for those with medical clearance to do so.