Sacroiliitis – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Sacroiliitis is a painful condition affecting the sacroiliac joints. These joints are where the lower spine connects with the pelvis. This condition causes discomfort and stiffness in the buttocks or lower back, sometimes radiating down the legs.
Pain typically worsens with prolonged standing, sitting, or when climbing stairs.
Healthcare providers often find sacroiliitis challenging to diagnose because its symptoms resemble other lower back problems. The condition is associated with inflammatory arthritis of the spine.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain in the buttocks or lower back
- Stiffness in the affected area
- Pain that radiates down the legs
- Discomfort that increases with certain activities
Treatment approaches generally focus on physical therapy and medication to manage pain and inflammation.
Symptoms
Pain from sacroiliitis typically affects the buttocks and lower back region. This pain can extend to the legs, groin area, and sometimes even the feet. Many people notice that movement can actually help improve their discomfort.
Several activities tend to worsen sacroiliitis pain:
- Prolonged sitting or sleeping
- Standing for extended periods
- Putting more weight on one leg
- Climbing stairs
- Running
- Taking large steps while walking
Causes
Sacroiliac joint problems can stem from several factors:
Injury: Sudden impacts from accidents or falls can harm these joints.
Arthritis: Both osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear) and ankylosing spondylitis (spine-related arthritis) can affect sacroiliac joints.
Pregnancy: During pregnancy, these joints naturally loosen to facilitate childbirth. The extra weight and changes in walking patterns put additional stress on these joints.
Infection: Though uncommon, infections can develop in the sacroiliac joint area.
These issues often lead to pain and discomfort in the lower back and buttock regions. Proper diagnosis is important to determine the specific cause of sacroiliac joint problems.
Risk Factors
Several health conditions can raise the chance of developing sacroiliac joint swelling:
- Inflammatory arthritis types include ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis.
- Digestive disorders such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
- Pregnancy and childbirth, which put extra stress on these joints.
The body changes that happen during pregnancy often affect the sacroiliac joints. The weight gain and altered walking patterns can lead to pain and swelling in this area.
Complications
Sacroiliitis can interfere with daily activities that involve certain movements. People with this condition often find it hard to bend forward or lift objects.
They may also struggle to maintain one position for extended periods or to stand up after sitting.
The persistent pain associated with sacroiliitis can also affect mental health. Many patients experience sleep disturbances and symptoms of depression.
