• 28 Jul, 2026
• UnityPain
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Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction | Unity Pain Modesto

When Your Lower Back Pain Starts in a Different Place

Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons people visit a doctor. But not all lower back pain comes from the spine. Sometimes the problem starts in the sacroiliac joint — a small but important joint that connects your lower spine to your pelvis. If you have been dealing with stubborn lower back or hip pain and nothing seems to help, sacroiliac joint dysfunction may be worth looking into. You are not alone, and your pain is real.

Living with this kind of pain can be exhausting. It can make it hard to sit at work, sleep at night, or simply walk to the mailbox. Many people go months or even years without getting the right diagnosis. Understanding what the sacroiliac joint does and what can go wrong may help you take an important step toward feeling better.

What Is the Sacroiliac Joint?

The sacroiliac joint — often called the SI joint — sits at the bottom of your spine. You actually have two of them, one on each side of your lower back. These joints connect the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of your spine) to the iliac bones of your pelvis. They act like shock absorbers, helping transfer weight and force between your upper body and your legs.

Unlike many joints in the body, the SI joints do not move very much. They are held firmly in place by strong ligaments. But they still carry a lot of stress, especially when you walk, climb stairs, or stand for long periods. Over time, or after an injury, these joints can become irritated, inflamed, or misaligned — leading to real and sometimes severe pain.

What Causes Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction?

There are several reasons the SI joint can stop working the way it should. One common cause is injury — for example, a fall, a car accident, or even a misstep that puts sudden stress on the joint. Pregnancy is another well-known cause. The body releases hormones during pregnancy that loosen ligaments, and the added weight can strain the SI joints. Some people develop problems gradually over many years.

Arthritis can also affect the SI joint. Ankylosing spondylitis, a type of inflammatory arthritis, is known to target the SI joints specifically. Leg length differences, past spine surgeries, and uneven muscle strength in the hips and core can all put extra stress on these joints as well. Because there are so many possible causes, getting a proper evaluation is an important first step.

What Does SI Joint Pain Feel Like?

SI joint pain is often felt in the lower back, buttocks, hips, or the back of the thigh. Some people feel it on just one side. Others feel it on both sides. The pain can sometimes travel down the leg, which makes it easy to confuse with sciatica or a herniated disc. This is one reason sacroiliac joint dysfunction is often missed or misdiagnosed.

Common triggers include sitting or standing for a long time, climbing stairs, rolling over in bed, or putting weight on one leg. Some people feel a dull ache most of the time, while others feel sharp pain with certain movements. Stiffness in the morning is also a common complaint. If any of these patterns sound familiar, it may be time to talk to a pain specialist who can do a proper evaluation.

How Is It Diagnosed?

Diagnosing SI joint dysfunction can be tricky because the symptoms look a lot like other conditions. A pain specialist will usually start with a thorough medical history and physical exam. There are specific physical tests — such as the FABER test or the Gaenslen test — that can help identify whether the SI joint is the source of pain. Imaging like X-rays or MRI may be ordered to rule out other causes.

One of the most reliable ways to confirm SI joint dysfunction is with a diagnostic injection. A small amount of numbing medicine is injected directly into the joint under image guidance. If the pain goes away for a period of time after the injection, that tells the doctor the SI joint is likely the source of the problem. This kind of careful, step-by-step approach helps make sure you get the right treatment for the right cause.

What Are the Treatment Options?

Treatment for SI joint dysfunction usually starts with conservative care. Physical therapy is a common first step. A trained therapist can work on strengthening the muscles around the joint and improving flexibility and posture. Anti-inflammatory medications may also help reduce pain and swelling. Many people find that a combination of approaches works better than any single treatment.

When conservative care is not enough, joint injections are often the next step. A corticosteroid injection directly into the SI joint can reduce inflammation and provide meaningful relief for some people. Other options may include radiofrequency ablation, which uses heat to interrupt pain signals from the joint. At Unity Pain Management in Modesto, patients with SI joint pain can be evaluated and treated with a personalized plan that may include joint injections and coordination with other specialists when needed. Every person is different, and treatment should reflect that.

Finding the Right Support

If you have been living with unexplained lower back, hip, or buttock pain, you deserve answers. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is a real, treatable condition — and it does not have to control your life. Getting the right diagnosis is the first step toward finding real relief. Working with a compassionate, knowledgeable pain management team can make a big difference in your quality of life.

Unity Pain Management serves patients throughout the Modesto area and welcomes most insurance plans, making it easier to access the care you need. Whether you are just starting to look for answers or you have tried treatments before without success, there is still hope. Reach out to a pain specialist, ask questions, and take that next step toward a more comfortable life. You have already shown strength by searching for help — that matters.

References

• Rashbaum, Ralph F., et al. “Sacroiliac Joint Pain and Its Treatment.” Clinical Spine Surgery. 2016.
• Cohen, Steven P. “Sacroiliac Joint Pain: A Comprehensive Review of Anatomy, Diagnosis, and Treatment.” Anesthesia & Analgesia. 2005.
• Simopoulos, Thomas T., et al. “A Systematic Evaluation of the Therapeutic Effectiveness of Sacroiliac Joint Interventions.” Pain Physician. 2012.
• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. “Low Back Pain Fact Sheet.” National Institutes of Health. 2023.
• Vleeming, Andry, et al. “European Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Pelvic Girdle Pain.” European Spine Journal. 2008.