Low back pain is a common symptom that affects many people during their lifetime. For some, low back pain can be an acute, short-term problem. Others experience chronic, long-term symptoms. Appropriate testing can show whether the pain is from the hip, spine, or SI joint.
The three components of SI joint function may be affected by everyday wear and tear, degenerative arthritis, an injury, loss of muscle strength, or the hormonal, muscular and postural changes that
occur during and after pregnancy. Other surgeries such as spine surgery may limit motion above or below the SI joint making it more susceptible to wear and tear and subsequent pain.
Many structures in the lower back and pelvic area can cause pain, including the SI Joint. Here are just a few:
- Slipped Disc: Most commonly, people think of a “slipped disc” as a cause of low back pain.
- Hip Problems: Occasionally, hip problems can be confused with low back conditions.
- Arthritis: Arthritis of the back can cause low back pain.
- Degeneration secondary to scoliosis: This is also a cause of pain in the lower back, buttons, and pelvic region.
- SI Joint Pain: The SI joint is an often overlooked cause of low back pain.
Here's a quiz to determine whether your SI joint is a contributor to pain in your lower back, pelvic region, buttocks, or legs.
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Pelvic pain is pain in the lowest part of your abdomen and pelvis. Pelvic pain might refer to symptoms arising from the reproductive, urinary or digestive systems, or from muscles and ligaments in the pelvis.
Depending on its source, pelvic pain can be dull or sharp; it might be constant or off and on (intermittent); and it might be mild, moderate or severe. Pelvic pain can spread to your lower back, buttocks or thighs. You might notice pelvic pain only at certain times, such as when you use the bathroom or have sex.
Pelvic pain can occur suddenly, sharply and briefly (acute) or over the long term (chronic). Chronic pelvic pain refers to any constant or intermittent pelvic pain that has been present for six months or more.
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July 03, 2021
- Hoffman BL, et al. Pelvic pain. In: Williams Gynecology. 3rd ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Education; 2016. //accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Accessed May 7, 2019.
- Frequently asked questions. Gynecologic problems FAQ099. Chronic pelvic pain. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. //www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Chronic-Pelvic-Pain. Accessed May 7, 2019.
- Tu FF, et al. Evaluation of chronic pelvic pain in women. //www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed May 7, 2019.
- Jameson JL, et al., eds. Menstrual disorders and pelvic pain. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 20th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2018. //accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Accessed May 7, 2019.
- Stratton P. Evaluation of acute pelvic pain in women. //www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed May 7, 2019.
- Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. //www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/prostate-problems/prostatitis-inflammation-prostate. Accessed May 7, 2019.
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