What Is Sacroiliitis Disease: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

The pain which begins in the lower back and then slowly spreads to the hips can feel like a daily burden. People often blame this on improper body posture and long hours of work. But in some cases, the real cause lies much deeper. One such hidden condition is sacroiliitis disease, which is the inflammation of the joint linking your spine to your pelvis.

Let’s understand what makes this condition so challenging, and how it is possible to diagnose it in its early stages with treatments that are actually effective.

What is Sacroiliitis Disease?

Sacroiliitis disease is inflammation of either one or both of the sacroiliac joints, which are located at the meeting point of the sacrum and iliac bones in your pelvis. These joints play a very crucial role in transferring weight and absorbing the impact between your spine and lower body. When inflamed, it causes pain and stiffness, and this influences mobility and quality of life. It is commonly confused with general lower back pain, making its awareness crucial for early diagnosis.

Unlike muscle strain, this pain usually worsens after prolonged standing or sitting. And a few people can have difficulty sleeping. The symptoms of the disease are similar to other spinal problems, making it difficult to identify the precise cause.

Symptoms of Sacroiliitis Disease

The symptoms of sacroiliitis usually start painlessly and can feel like general back discomfort. Over time, the pain becomes more precise, making daily movements harder. Although the disease begins silently, but understanding its symptoms makes early detection possible.

Common symptoms include:

• Deep, persistent pain in the lower back, buttocks, or hips.
• Pain worsens with prolonged standing, stair climbing, or running.
• Stiffness and reduced range of movement in the lower back or hips.
• Sometimes, pain radiates to the groin, thighs, or legs, mimicking sciatica.
• In infection-related cases, fever, chills, and severe pain may appear.

Common Causes of Sacroiliitis Disease

Several different factors can lead to sacroiliitis. Some develop it gradually through constant stress on the joints, whereas others experience it suddenly after an injury. Lab tests, medical history and imaging are the most common methods through which doctors identify these different causes.

Joint Injury

Accidents or falls can cause physical trauma, which can result in straining or damaging the sacroiliac joint and further leading to inflammation. Even small injuries can result in chronic pain if not treated properly.

Arthritis

Inflammatory conditions like ankylosing spondylitis or osteoarthritis, arthritis can cause inflammation in the joint and degeneration. These conditions, triggered by immunity issues or ageing, often impact the sacroiliac joints.

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, hormonal changes can loosen the pelvic joints, which puts more stress on the sacroiliac area. Increased weight and movement can cause temporary inflammation and pain.

Infection

Bacterial infection in the sacroiliac joint is a rare occurrence, often leading to severe pain and fever. Immediate medical attention is required in order to prevent permanent damage.

Degenerative Conditions

With old age, cartilage wear, and weakened muscles can also stimulate the inflammation of the sacroiliac joint over time. This can result in pain and decreased joint activity, particularly in the elderly.

In some cases, even small repetitive movements such as climbing stairs or jogging can trigger inflammation over time.

Treatment Options That Help

The treatment of sacroiliitis involves a combination of measures aimed at reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and improving joint activity. Treatment plans depend on the intensity of symptoms and the cause itself. The following are the key options that doctors use to help patients recover and be active.

Medications

Medications form the first line of defence in controlling inflammation and pain associated with sacroiliitis disease. These can be tailored depending on symptoms and medical conditions.

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce swelling and pain.
• Corticosteroid injections into the sacroiliac joint provide targeted relief during flare-ups.
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are prescribed when sacroiliitis is due to autoimmune arthritis.
• Pain relievers may be used for symptom management under medical supervision.

Physiotherapy

Regular physical therapy improves joint mobility and strengthens the muscles supporting the sacroiliac joints. An exercise program designed by a physiotherapist can help reduce joint stress and improve posture.

• Stretching routines to increase flexibility.
• Strengthening exercises for core and hip muscles.
• Techniques to correct posture and gait imbalances.
• Education on safe movement and daily activities.

Lifestyle Management

Lifestyle adaptations play a significant role in relieving symptoms, as well as avoiding further aggravation of the sacroiliac joints.

• Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the pressure on the joints.
• Wearing supportive footwear for proper alignment.
• Avoid sitting or standing for long durations and have regular breaks.
• Adding low-impact exercises such as swimming and yoga.

Alternative Therapies

Complementary treatments may support symptom relief but should be used alongside conventional care.

• Heat and ice therapy to reduce the pain and inflammation.
• Acupuncture and massage to relax the muscles.
• Hydrotherapy to enhance joint movement with less strain.

Surgical Options

Surgery is considered only in severe cases where conservative treatments fail to relieve disabling symptoms.

• Fusion of the sacroiliac joint to stabilise and reduce pain.
• Surgery is rare and recommended after thorough evaluation by specialists.

How Doctors Diagnose Sacroiliitis?

Since sacroiliitis pain resembles other back disorders, and thus its diagnosis needs to be made through a detailed evaluation. A doctor could start with a physical examination, which involves checking lower back tenderness and pain patterns during movement.

If sacroiliitis is suspected, several tests may follow:

• X-rays and MRI scans show joint damage or inflammation.
• Blood tests check for signs of infection or arthritis markers.
• Joint injections help confirm the diagnosis if pain reduces after a local anaesthetic is given.

Accurate diagnosis is important. Treating the wrong cause of back pain may waste time and allow inflammation to worsen.

Final Thoughts

You might think sacroiliitis is just regular back pain, but knowing its signs and causes is very important. When you understand the symptoms, you can get the right tests and treatment on time before the condition becomes serious. If you feel constant pain in your lower back, hips, or buttocks, do not ignore it because early care can help you recover faster.

Many people are unaware that some NRI health insurance plans offer coverage for specialist consultations and advanced treatments that can greatly improve the quality of life for people suffering from sacroiliitis. With Niva Bupa, NRIs can access comprehensive coverage tailored to their needs, making healthcare management simpler, smoother, and more affordable.

FAQs

1. Can sacroiliitis affect both sides of the body?

   Yes, sacroiliitis can impact one or both sacroiliac joints, and symptoms may be felt on either side or both hips.

2. Is sacroiliitis a hereditary disease or passed down genetically?

   There is a genetic component in some forms of arthritis-related sacroiliitis, especially ankylosing spondylitis, but injury-related cases usually are not inherited.

3. Can sacroiliitis return after successful treatment?

   It can recur, especially if joint stress resumes or underlying causes like arthritis are not fully controlled.

4. Can sacroiliitis disease cause leg length discrepancies?

   Chronic inflammation can alter posture and gait, sometimes making legs appear uneven, though it does not physically shorten bones.

5. Can sacroiliitis lead to nerve damage?

   If inflammation irritates nearby nerves continuously, it may cause symptoms like numbness or weakness in the legs.