About this topic
The spine ends in a set of 5 fused bones. They are called the sacrum. They join the pelvis at the sacroiliac joint. This is also called the SI joint. Strong bands of tissue called ligaments hold this joint together. Normally, there is very little movement at this joint. Its job is to absorb shock and take stress off of the spine. You can have SI joint pain if this joint is irritated. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask the doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what to do.
- Take drugs as ordered by your doctor.
- Rest. Avoid activities that make the problem worse.
- Ice may help with pain. Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- If your doctor tells you to use heat, put a heating pad on your lower back or neck for no more than 20 minutes at a time. Never go to sleep with a heating pad on as this can cause burns. Sometimes alternating heat and ice can lessen pain.
- Use an SI belt if your doctor suggests you wear one. An SI belt holds the SI joint tightly together and can lessen pain.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Your doctor may send you to physical therapy (PT) or a chiropractor for treatments to lessen pain and to learn the right exercises to do.
- If you do not get better with treatment, your doctor may need to send you to an orthopedic surgeon.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Fight an infection
The doctor may give you a shot to help with pain and swelling. Talk with your doctor about the risks of this shot. ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
You may need to rest for a while. You should not do physical activity that makes your health problem worse. Talk to your doctor if you run, work out, or play sports. You may not be able to do those things until your health problem get better. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Long-term back pain
- Weight gain, less muscle strength and flexibility, weaker bones
- Need for surgery
- Infection
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Stay active and work out to keep your muscles strong and flexible. Warm up slowly and stretch before you exercise.
- Use good posture.
- Use proper ways to lift and bend:
- Spread your feet apart so you have a good base of support. Then, bend with your knees when you pick up something from the ground.
- When lifting and moving an object, keep your back straight. Keep the object as close to your body as possible. Do not twist. Instead, move your feet to the direction you are going.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Pain with passing urine or blood in the urine
- Loss of control of urine or stools
- More pain or numbness in your leg or foot
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my pain.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have more numbness or pain in my legs or feet.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚