Sacroiliitis

Sacroiliitis is an inflammation of one or both of the sacroiliac joints, which connect the pelvis to the sacrum. The sacrum and the iliac bones are held together by a collection of strong ligaments allowing relatively little motion at the sacroiliac joints. With sacroiliitis, even slight movements can cause discomfort or pain.

Symptoms:

• Pain in the lower back, thighs, groin, or buttocks
• Pain worsens with standing or walking and improves when lying down
• Inflammation in one or both legs
• Limping
• Decreased lumbar or hip range of motion
• Pain with prolonged sitting
• Pain during split leg positions
• Pain with hiking or climbing stairs

Common causes:

• Traumatic injury - an accident or fall affecting the spine, lower back, pelvis or buttocks
• Degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis) - degeneration of the sacroiliac joints
• Pregnancy - the pelvis stretches to accommodate childbirth, then can realign asymmetrically following delivery
• Infection
• Improper stretching
• Jarring movements to the hip or pelvis such as while jumping and landing hard on the heel, or kicking
• Gait deviations
• Asymmetrical standing or seated position
• Poor posture
• Muscle imbalances
• Improper ergonomics
• Improper lifting mechanics

Risk Factor:

• Injury or trauma to the spine, pelvis, or buttocks
• Gender- more often occurs with women
• Urinary tract infection - the infection may spread from the urinary tract to the sacroiliac joints
• Pregnancy - pelvic bones expand in preparation for childbirth and may inflame the area around the sacroiliac joints
• Work or sport which involve awkward or extreme hip positions (gymnastics, martial arts)