Sacroiliac Joint (SIJ) Pain: What It Is and How Osteopathy Can Help

Struggling with lower back pain that won’t quit? Your sacroiliac joint (SIJ) may be contributing to your symptoms. Here’s what the SIJ does—and how osteopathy may assist in managing SIJ-related pain.

What Is the SIJ, Anyway?

The sacroiliac joints sit between your sacrum and pelvis. They don’t move much, but they play an important role in transferring forces between your upper body and legs while helping absorb load during everyday movement.

What Causes SIJ Pain?

SIJ pain can happen when the joints are inflamed or moving too much – or not enough. Common contributing factors include:

• Falls, accidents or trauma

• Overuse from running or climbing stairs

• Hormonal changes during pregnancy

• Uneven leg length

• Medical conditions like arthritis

• Poor walking posture

Several of these contributing factors are explored in more detail in our other blog posts. Click the links throughout this article to find out more about each condition and how osteopathy may help manage the associated symptoms.

What Does SIJ Pain Feel Like?

You might feel pain in your lower back, buttocks, hips, or even down your leg. It can be sharp, dull, or stabbing. Often it’s one-sided, but not always.

Other symptoms include:

• Trouble sitting too long

• Discomfort sleeping on one side

• Instability in the pelvis

• Increased pain with walking, running, or twisting

• Pain when moving from sitting to standing

How Osteopathy May Help

We begin with a thorough assessment of your posture, movement, strength, and other factors that may be contributing to your symptoms.

Management may include:

• Hands-on techniques that may assist with managing muscle tension and supporting joint mobility
• Individualised advice about movement and daily activities
• Tailored stretching and strengthening exercises, particularly for the glutes and core where appropriate
• Discussion of additional support options, such as a sacroiliac belt during pregnancy, if clinically appropriate

Our aim is to support your movement and function while helping you better understand the factors that may be contributing to your symptoms.

Tips & Exercises to Try at Home

If you’re experiencing SIJ pain, it may be helpful to temporarily modify activities that aggravate your symptoms, such as running, cycling or golf, while seeking professional advice.

You may wish to try exercises such as:

• Bridge: May help improve glute strength and pelvic stability.
• Bird Dog: May help improve core control and balance.

Think you might have SIJ pain?
Don’t tough it out; get assessed by a professional. Call us on 03 9846 2800 to book an appointment.

Did you catch our last post on Lumbar Disk Prolapse: All About Lumbar Disc Prolapse

Would you like to know about Knee Pain? Find out here: What to do about Knee Pain?