Macksville Clinic - 2/12 Cooper St, Macksville, NSW, 2447 - Nambucca Heads Clinic - 20 Liston St, Nambucca Heads, NSW, 2448

Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) inflammation

What is Sacroiliac Joint Inflammation?

Sacroilliac joint (SIJ) inflammation is a condition that involves arthritic changes or inflammatory responses from an injury or systemic inflammatory conditions, this can be inherited or acquired. Inflammation occurs when the body undergoes an injury or a disease that is present, this can  increase muscle spasm, compression of nerves and generalised discomfort that will tend to be worse in the morning.

What causes sacroilliac joint inflammation?

SIJ inflammation can occur high-impact accidents which result in inflammation. This condition can be inherited or acquired inflammatory disorders. Symptoms will start off in SIJ region then progress to spine.

How do I know if I have sacroilliac joint inflammation?

You may have sacroiliac joint inflamation if you experience the following:

  • Most intense pain can be felt at night
  • Stiffness in the area
  • Felt as hot or burning feeling
  • Pain when you stay in static postures
  • Pain will remain constant throughout the day

Anti-inflammatories may help relieve pain. This condition is commonly found in males.

How can physiotherapy help with sacroiliac joint inflammation?

Physiotherapy is vital for a rehabilitation program if you have sacroiliac joint inflammation, you may be prescribed an anti-inflammatory or a SIJ anti-inflammatory injections which will allow you to return to your normal activities. Once anti-inflammatory strategies relieved pain then physiotherapy will start to help increase mobility and build strength.

What can I do at home?

It is important to understand your condition and listen to the instructions of physiotherapist. You may be able to lay on your back or side with your hips bent up in a foetal position at night, or when your pain is aggravated in which can help relieve pain. Ice packs may be used to help reduce inflammation. Gentle unloaded movement, stretches and massaging may help unload the inflamed SIJ and decrease protective muscle spasm.

How long will my recovery be?

Once the correct inflammatory medication has been administrated then symptoms should start to settle in 2-4 weeks. After this time your physiotherapist will start to use a combination mobility work to joints and a progressed functional strength program in which this can help you return back to your normal activities.

If you would like to find out more please call us or book an appointment here.

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Reference: Australian Physiotherapy Association 2019, Your Body, viewed 19 November 2019, < https://australian.physio/>.