Referred Pain
Referred pain to the sacroiliac joint can come from both musculoskeletal and systemic origins.
- Sacral pain in the absence of history of trauma or overuse is a sign of systemic origins.
- Pain that is aggravated by activity or positional movement and relieved by rest is musculoskeletal in nature
- Pain in the low back or sacral region radiating to the flank can suggest a renal or urologic origin. In this case it would be imperative to ask questions related to the bladder or urologic function.
- Low back or sacral pain that radiates to the buttock or leg can be neural or vascular in nature. Questions about cardiovascular or peripheral vascular disease should be asked. In addition, the effect activity has on the symptoms should be discussed.
Sacroiliac pain can refer to other regions of the body
- Buttock
- Lower lumbar region (low back)
- Lower extremity pain (thigh, calf, ankle, and foot)
- Groin pain
References:
1. Goodman, C. & Snyder, T. (2007). Differential Diagnosis for Physical Therapists: Screening for Referral. St. Louis, Missouri: Saunders Elsevier.
2. Hansen, C., Helm, S. (2003). Sacroiliac Joint Pain and Dysfunction. Pain Physician; 6(2): 179-189.