Sacro-iliac Joint (SIJ) Dysfunction (Pelvic Pain) 

The pelvis is made up of three bones, the two ilial bones and the sacrum, (sacro-iliac). If you were to stand with your hands on your hips, these bones would be your iliac bones. The sacrum is a triangular bone that interconnects with the two ilial bones and can be felt at the lower end of your back. These two joints are held by very strong ligaments, which together with the overlying muscles give these joints stability. The two dimples, either side of the lower back are where the sacrum and the ilial bones meet (sacroiliac joint).

Pain arising from the pelvic structures is relatively common especially in women of childbearing age. This is because the hormones, which are released in pregnancy, have a softening effect on the ligaments enabling the pelvis to move more freely to accommodate childbirth. The softened ligaments therefore do not offer the same degree of stability and can become inflamed and cause pain. High force injuries such as a fall from a ladder or a road traffic accident can disrupt the normal mechanics of the pelvis and lead to pelvic pain.

Pain from the SIJ can be felt locally over the joint but may also be referred to the groin and/or thigh area and can be felt further down the back of the legs. It is usually one sided but can lead to other conditions if not treated appropriately.

Treatment for SIJ dysfunction aims to restore normal mechanics to the pelvis, settle pain and inflammation and regain normal pelvic stability through muscle strengthening exercises i.e. Pilates.