Sacroiliitis

Sacroiliitis

Sacroiliitis is the inflammation of the sacroiliac joints, which connect the lower spine to the pelvis. This condition often results in pain in the lower body, including the lower back, buttocks, and legs.

An anatomical illustration of the sacroiliac joint, commonly affected in sacroiliitis.

Overview

Sacroiliitis is a significant contributor to lower back pain and can be a symptom of various spondyloarthropathies, such as ankylosing spondylitis. It can be challenging to diagnose due to the complexity of the sacroiliac joint and its proximity to other structures.

Causes

Sacroiliitis can be caused by:

• Trauma or injury to the sacroiliac joints
• Degenerative diseases like osteoarthritis
• Inflammatory conditions, including ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis
• Pregnancy, due to the increased stress and changes in weight distribution

Symptoms

Common symptoms of sacroiliitis include:

• Pain in the buttocks or lower back, which may extend down the legs
• Stiffness or a burning sensation in the pelvis
• Increased pain with prolonged standing or stair climbing

Diagnosis

Diagnosing sacroiliitis involves a combination of patient history, physical examination, imaging studies like MRI, and sometimes diagnostic injections.

MRI scan showing sacroiliitis. Image from Wiki Commons.

Treatment and Management

Treatment options include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief
• Physical therapy and exercise to increase flexibility and strength
• Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation
• In severe cases, surgery may be considered

Living with Sacroiliitis

Managing sacroiliitis often involves lifestyle adjustments, regular exercise, and possibly working with a physical therapist to develop a personalized exercise regimen.

See Also

• Joint Pain
• Inflammatory Arthritis
• Pelvic Pain

External Links

• Arthritis Foundation - Sacroiliitis
• Mayo Clinic - Sacroiliitis

References

Sacroiliitis Resources
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