Understanding
SI Joint Pain
The sacroiliac joint is a common — and often overlooked — source of chronic lower back pain. Learn what it is, what causes it, and what a minimally invasive treatment looks like.
What is the SI joint?
The sacroiliac (SI) joint connects your lower spine (sacrum) to your pelvis (ilium). You have two — one on each side — that help transfer weight between your upper body and legs.
Lower Back & Buttock Pain
SI joint pain most commonly presents as aching in the lower back, buttock, or hip — often on one side.
Activity-Related Symptoms
Pain often worsens when sitting for long periods, standing up, climbing stairs, or lying on the affected side at night.
Referred Discomfort
Some patients experience pain radiating into the groin or thigh, or notice stiffness and limited mobility in the hip and pelvis.
What causes SI joint pain?
SI joint dysfunction can develop gradually or result from a specific event. Injury, arthritis, pregnancy-related changes, or general wear and tear can all affect the joint's ability to absorb and transfer load properly.
Injury or Trauma
Falls, accidents, or sudden impacts can strain or damage the SI joint ligaments and surrounding structures.
Arthritis & Wear
Osteoarthritis and degenerative changes over time can reduce joint stability and increase pain with movement.
Pregnancy-Related Changes
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can loosen SI joint ligaments, sometimes resulting in lasting discomfort.
When is surgery considered?
Your doctor may consider SI joint fusion if conservative treatments — such as physical therapy, medications, or injections — have not provided enough relief. Only your doctor can determine the right treatment plan.
Conservative Treatment First
Physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and SI joint injections are typically the first line of treatment for months before surgery is considered.
Diagnostic Confirmation
Your physician will use imaging and diagnostic injections to confirm the SI joint is the primary pain source before recommending fusion.
Minimally Invasive Fusion
SI-Logix is designed as a minimally invasive procedure with a small incision, low-profile instrumentation, and an outpatient-capable setting in many cases.
Recovery
Many patients are able to walk the same day as their procedure and return to light activities within approximately two weeks. Individual results may vary.
Talk to a provider near you
Contact us to learn about physicians in your area who use the SI-Logix system, or get answers to common questions on our FAQ page.