SI Isn’t Just Short for Sports Illustrated

S Stands for the Sacroiliac Joint

When it comes to comes to our bodies, it stands for the sacroiliac joint. If you have been to a

chiropractor before, chances are you have heard this term used. The SI joint is made up of

the sacrum, which is a fused group of 5 vertebrae that are shaped like an inverted triangle. It

connects the last lumbar vertebra, L5, with the traditional tailbone, called the coccyx. Also, the

joint is made up of the upper most portion of the pelvic bones called the ilium. The SI joint is a

significant part of our body because it supports the spine above and transfers body weight from

the spine into the pelvis and down into the lower extremities.

Chiropractors See SI Joint Problems Which Most Patients Misinterpret as Pain 

Chiropractors often see SI joint problems that most patients will misinterpret as pain stemming

from the lumbar spine. Most patients will present with unilateral (one-sided) sacral pain,

symptoms that increase when transitioning from a seated to standing position, climbing stairs,

or even prolonged sitting or standing. At times, inflammation in the SI joint will refer pain to

the glutes, hip joints or thighs, but will rarely go below the level of the knee.

Pregnancy often can lead to an onset of SI joint issues that can continue post-pregnancy. As

a woman’s hormones change during pregnancy to allow the body’s muscles and ligaments to

stretch, making room for the growing baby, the SI joint expands and become hypermobile (too

much movement). Over the years, the changes that took place can cause an early onset of

arthritic changes in the SI joint. The more pregnancies a woman has, the more likely she will

develop SI joint problems in her lifetime.

Chiropractic Helps to Prevent the Onset of SI Joint Pain ad Inflammation 

Chiropractic care can help prevent the onset of SI joint pain and inflammation by allowing

motion to be reintroduced to the SI joints. Ask Dr. Kmett more about SI joint problems if you

have any of the above symptoms, are pregnant, or have previously been pregnant!

Talk to Dr. Kmett today about your chiropractic treatment options!

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