Signs and Symptoms of SI Pain
- Patients report low back pain in the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) region. The pain is focused over the involved joint and the sacral sulcus is often tender to palpation. Sacroiliac pain can be unilateral or bilateral, and is caused by instability (hypermobility) or fixation (hypomobility).
- Patients describe the pain as sharp and stabbing or dull and achey. SI pain may start suddenly or have a gradual onset.
- SIJ pain can radiate to various regions of the body, such as the buttock, groin, or lower extremity. The pain rarely refers above the 5th lumbar level
- Twisting, extended sitting or standing can aggravate the pain. Activities requiring asymmetrical loading through the lower extremity or pelvis, such as skating, gymnastics, golfing and step aerobics may also provoke the pain.
- SI pain can cause stiffness when rising from a chair or getting out of bed. The pain can result in limitations with turning in bed, donning shoes and socks, getting legs into a car, and driving long distances.
- A common clinical presentation of SI pain includes a history of a physical event that initiated the pain. Potential causes include a misstep off of a curb, fall on hip or buttock, lifting heavy objects in twisted position and childbirth.
References:
1. Henley, C., and Wollam, K. (2006). Sacroiliac pain: a physical therapy perspective. Post-Polio Health, 22(3): 1-3.
2. Hansen, H. and Helm, S. (2003). Sacroiliac joint pain and dysfunction. Pain Physician, 6(2): 179-189.
3. Zelle, B., et al. (2005). Sacroiliac joint dysfunction: evaluation and management. Clinical Journal of Pain, 21(5): 446-455.
4. Goodman, C. & Snyder, T. (2007). Differential Diagnosis for Physical Therapists: Screening for Referral. St. Louis, Missouri: Saunders Elsevier.
1. Henley, C., and Wollam, K. (2006). Sacroiliac pain: a physical therapy perspective. Post-Polio Health, 22(3): 1-3.
2. Hansen, H. and Helm, S. (2003). Sacroiliac joint pain and dysfunction. Pain Physician, 6(2): 179-189.
3. Zelle, B., et al. (2005). Sacroiliac joint dysfunction: evaluation and management. Clinical Journal of Pain, 21(5): 446-455.
4. Goodman, C. & Snyder, T. (2007). Differential Diagnosis for Physical Therapists: Screening for Referral. St. Louis, Missouri: Saunders Elsevier.