Can Sacroiliac Joint Pain be Cured?

Someone asked me through my Email the question: Can sacroiliac joint pain be cured? My answer is: Yes, but how? Read this piece of content.

SI Joint Pain Relief

Getting SI joint pain relief can be a tricky process. The SI joint, otherwise known as the Sacroiliac Joint, connects the spine and the pelvis. As a result, it doesn’t usually move very much and for most people is never a problematic joint. However, for the same reasons, when it becomes inflamed, it is very difficult to deal with. The joint is always under pressure when sitting or standing and can be painful when bending over if it is irritated. It is also hard to diagnose if the joint is, in fact, the problem, as the symptoms are the same as other lower back problems and symptoms. Very often, this joint issue will not even show up on x-rays or other scans. However, once diagnosed, there are several treatment options.

Rest

The simple act of resting can be one of the best ways to relieve SI joint pain. Very often, it becomes irritated in the case of athletes. When experienced, they should desist playing the aggravating sport until the joint is healthy again. Modifying or avoiding the types of activities that aggravate the pain may help in reducing the pain. Sitting properly is very important.

Medication

Of course, taking anti-inflammatory medication is another important part of the healing process. Until the irritation is reduced, the joint will continue to be painful. Irritation can stay in the joint a bit longer than the pain will be felt, so it is important to take the anti-inflammatory medication for as long as prescribed, even if the pain symptoms go away.

Physical therapy

Once healed, physical therapy can also be a great way to help prevent the joint from becoming inflamed again. Strengthening muscles around the joint so that they can better support the body, along with improving flexibility, can be a huge help. Even for athletes who are in great shape, it may be useful to target those specific muscles. Not every sport will strengthen muscles in that area, even if the joint is being bent often. There are some stretches and exercises for strengthening, which can be done from the comfort of your home to provide SI joint pain relief. Videos and walkthroughs are available online, or you can visit a physical therapist for instruction.

Cortisone injection

As with most joint problems, this can be recurring even with the best of care and attention. In these cases, an injection of cortisone can sometimes be the only effective means of SI joint pain relief. Cortisone applies for stronger medicine directly into the joint and gives the body yet more help to combat the irritation. However, cortisone should be used only when other treatment options have not yielded results. It is not a good replacement for natural healing or the strengthening of surrounding muscles.

Surgery

In extreme cases, it is also possible to fuse the joint together through surgery in order to prevent recurring problems. This is generally the last method used by a doctor to cure a problem. Furthermore, it is not always the best idea for athletes who may need to have the extra bit of flexibility this joint provides. However, for chronic recurring pain, this can be the best solution for permanent SI joint pain relief.

Home remedies for sacroiliac joint pain

Ice pack and Warm compress

Switching between placing ice packs on the joint and heating it may help relieve sacroiliac joint pain. The warm compress may lead to increased blood flow in the area of the pain, so it will reduce the pain. It will also cure the inflammation of the joint.

Turmeric paste

There is a study conducted by Joseph C. Maroon, Jeffrey W. Bost, and Adara Maroon published in Journal of Surgical Neurology International. They found that the turmeric act as natural anti-inflammatory agents for a pain reliever. So putting the turmeric paste in the affected area will cure your sacroiliac joint pain.

Lavender essential oil

Massaging the sacroiliac joint area using lavender oil will cure the pain because the lavender oil acts as a painkiller. Here you will find studies have investigated the anti-inflammatory properties of a compound found in lavender essential oil (Read the study)

Stretching exercises

Exercises are important for your Sacroiliac joint pain. You have to target your lower back area. Start your stretching exercise by lying down at your back. Bend your knee toward the ceiling. Hold your knee with your both hand.  Pull your knee towards you as much as you can. Keep at this position for 15 minutes. Start with your right knee then follow the same steps with your left chest.

In everyday life, it is important to avoid overloading, one-sided postures, and extreme movements. In addition, the back should not be too cool.

At the same time, sufferers should exercise regularly to relax the muscles and activate the synovial fluid. For example, anyone sitting at a desk for a long time should pay attention to a movable backrest, stand up regularly and stretch the spine.

In the long run, strengthen the abdominal, back and glutes through core training. In case of symptoms, you can mobilize your sacroiliac joint with the following exercises:

1. Lie on your back. Alternately stretch the left and right legs by pulling the heels on the floor forward. The pelvis moves, the upper body stays still.
2. Lie on your back and put your feet up so that your knees are at a right angle. Now move your knees alternately left and right.
3. Place the right leg in a supine position so that the knee forms a 90-degree angle. Lay your arms sideways on the floor and raise your forearms at a right angle. Now lean your right leg over your middle to the left. Try to touch the ground with your knee while keeping your right shoulder on the ground. Hold for a few seconds and do the exercise with the left leg.