Sacroiliac joint dysfunction

The sacroiliac joints are those that join the pelvis and the spine. There are two iliac bones, each on one side of the sacrum located at the base of the spinal column. The iliac bones and sacrum are held together due to the strong ligaments so the sacroiliac joint is practically immovable and with aging, it becomes completely ankylosed or totally rigid. The sacroiliac joint plays an important part in absorbing the shock in the lower part of the spine and pelvis.

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is among the most frequent triggers for the incidence of pain in the lower back. It is not a dangerous condition and in most cases, the surgical intervention is not necessary. However, it can be a little bit bothersome.

Causes of sacroiliac joint dysfunction

Arthritis or wearing of the cartilage that covers sacroiliac joints due to aging or being in an erect position most of the times is the main reason for the occurrence of sacroiliac joint dysfunction.Similarly to other joints in the body, this joint may also develops some type of arthritis, mainly gout and rheumatoid arthritis. Furthermore, septic arthritis may also affect this joint when the bacteria reach the joint through the bloodstream, settle there and develop the infection. It is considered to the most serious types of arthritis since, in the majority of cases, a surgical procedure is necessary as to drain out the sepsis.In women, pregnancy is fairly common culprit for this condition. The levels of the hormone relaxin are elevated when a pregnant women approaches the childbirth. The increased amounts of this hormone cause the relaxation of the ligaments in this area. The loosen ligaments lead to the sacroiliac joint dysfunction if the body weight is excessive and if it puts a lot of pressure on the sacroiliac joints.Furthermore, sacroiliac joint dysfunction may also be induced by an injury to this area, which mainly occurs in the people who are in some kind of sport or who ride the motor vehicle.Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is a common condition in the people who have one extremity shorter than the other. The hip area is constantly put under stress in these people.Sacroiliac joint dysfunction may also be the result of the pain in the legs, ankles, feet, knees and hip.

Whichever the cause is, the sacroiliac joint dysfunction is a treatable condition and can be cured by eliminating the underlying culprit.