Sacroiliitis

What is Sacroiliitis?

Sacroiliitis, which is often referred simply as lower back or pelvic pain, is a common orthopedic condition, especially in the older population, pregnant women, and patients who have been involved in a traumatic motor vehicle accident or fall. Sacroiliitis is a condition that causes inflammation of the bones and soft tissues of the sacroiliac joint—where the lower spine and pelvis connect—which causes the bones within the joint to rub together, which results in pain and decreased function of the joint. As the condition progresses, more cartilage is lost and more bone is exposed. Once the cartilage has completely worn away the bones of the sacroiliac joint can begin to rub together causing increased pain and the formation of bone spurs within the joint.

If you have sacroiliitis the common symptoms can include:

• Lower back or hip pain
• Lower back or hip stiffness
• Leg pain 
• Pain that is worse after prolonged standing, running, or climbing stairs

Symptoms may range from very mild to severe but treating sacroiliitis in its early stages can prevent pain and symptoms from getting worse. At the Spine Institute of Louisiana, our Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeons have helped thousands of patients with sacroiliitis live active and healthy lives using the latest non-surgical and surgical procedures. 

How is Sacroiliitis treated at the Spine Institute of Louisiana? 

There are many treatment options at the Spine Institute of Louisiana that can decrease inflammation as well as relieve pain and symptoms of sacroiliitis. At the Spine Institute of Louisiana, sacroiliitis is usually effectively treated using nonsurgical treatment options and the specialists at the Spine Institute of Louisiana create treatment plans based on your lifestyle and goals. These treatment plans may consist of any combination of the following non-surgical treatment options:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
• Physical therapy
• Injections

Surgery is only recommended if sacroiliitis does not respond to non-surgical treatment options. The Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeons at the Spine Institute of Louisiana are experts at performing Sacroiliac Joint Fusions.