Sacroiliitis

Sacroiliitis refers to inflammation of one or both sacroiliac (SI) joints — the joints connecting the lower spine to the pelvis. This condition can cause pain in the lower back, buttocks, hips, or legs, and may worsen with prolonged standing, climbing stairs, or sitting for long periods.

Sacroiliitis can occur as an isolated condition or as part of a systemic inflammatory disease such as Ankylosing Spondylitis, Psoriatic Arthritis, or Reactive Arthritis. Because its symptoms often overlap with other causes of back pain, accurate diagnosis and targeted management are essential.

At our center, we offer a multidisciplinary approach for the diagnosis and treatment of sacroiliitis, aiming to relieve pain, control inflammation, and restore normal mobility and posture.

Our Approach

Our treatment approach focuses on:

• Comprehensive assessment through clinical evaluation and imaging (X-ray, MRI, or CT scan)

• Identification of underlying causes, such as autoimmune or mechanical factors

• Customized treatment plans combining medication, physiotherapy, and lifestyle management

• Prevention of chronic pain and stiffness through early intervention

Symptoms We Manage

• Deep, aching pain in the lower back, buttocks, or hips

• Pain that worsens with prolonged standing, climbing, or sitting

• Stiffness in the lower back and pelvis, especially in the morning or after rest

• Pain radiating to the thighs or groin (mimicking sciatica)

• Limited movement and discomfort during walking or bending

• Inflammatory symptoms such as warmth or tenderness over the SI joints

Common Causes of Sacroiliitis

• Inflammatory arthritis: Ankylosing Spondylitis, Psoriatic Arthritis, or other spondyloarthropathies

• Mechanical stress: Leg length discrepancy, pregnancy, or postural imbalance

• Infection: Bacterial or tuberculosis-related sacroiliitis

• Trauma or overuse: Sports injuries, falls, or repetitive strain

• Degenerative changes: Osteoarthritis or joint wear over time

Treatment Options

Medical Management

• Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs): To relieve pain and reduce inflammation

• Disease-Modifying Drugs (DMARDs or Biologics): For inflammatory or autoimmune causes

• Corticosteroid Injections: Targeted SI joint injections for persistent or severe pain

• Antibiotic therapy: In cases of infection-related sacroiliitis

• Regular monitoring: To track response and prevent progression

Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation

• Postural correction and pelvic stabilization exercises

• Stretching and strengthening routines for the lower back, hips, and core muscles

• Manual therapy and mobilization of the SI joint to improve flexibility

• Heat or ultrasound therapy for pain reduction

• Ergonomic and movement training to prevent mechanical stress

Lifestyle and Supportive Management

• Guidance on maintaining an active lifestyle with safe exercise routines

• Weight management to reduce stress on the pelvis and spine

• Use of supportive belts or braces if necessary

• Education on proper sitting, lifting, and movement techniques

• Stress and sleep management to control chronic pain

Our Multidisciplinary Sacroiliitis Care Team

Our integrated care model includes:

• Rheumatologists and spine specialists

• Pain management experts

• Physiotherapists experienced in pelvic and spinal rehabilitation

• Radiologists for diagnostic imaging and guided injections

• Counselors and nutritionists for holistic support

This collaborative approach ensures accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment, and comprehensive rehabilitation.

Goals of Sacroiliitis Management

Our objectives are to:

• Relieve pain and inflammation in the sacroiliac joints

• Improve mobility, posture, and pelvic stability

• Identify and treat underlying systemic causes

• Prevent chronic stiffness and structural damage

• Restore functional independence and quality of life