Sacroiliitis

Sacroiliitis is an often misunderstood condition that can cause significant pain and discomfort in the lower back and buttocks. The sacroiliac joints, located at the junction of the spine and pelvis, play a critical role in transferring the weight of the upper body to the lower limbs. When these joints become inflamed, the result is sacroiliitis.

What is Sacroiliitis?

Sacroiliitis refers to the inflammation of one or both of the sacroiliac joints. This inflammation can cause pain in the lower back, buttocks, and occasionally in the legs. Sacroiliitis is often associated with various types of arthritis, including ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and reactive arthritis.

Secure your health with a second opinion. Make informed decisions and book your appointment today!

Get A Second Opinion

Symptoms of Sacroiliitis

The symptoms of sacroiliitis can vary in intensity and may include:

Pain in the lower back and buttocks
Pain that radiates down one or both legs
Stiffness and reduced range of motion in the lower back and hips
Pain that worsens with prolonged standing or walking
Pain that improves with rest

Causes of Sacroiliitis

The causes of sacroiliitis can be multifactorial and may include the following:

Mechanical Stress

Mechanical stress on the sacroiliac joints due to activities that involve repetitive movements or prolonged standing can lead to inflammation. This is particularly common in occupations that require heavy lifting or long periods of standing.

Trauma

Direct trauma to the sacroiliac joints, such as from a fall or motor vehicle accident, can cause inflammation and pain.

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, hormonal changes can lead to the relaxation of the ligaments in the pelvis, increasing the risk of sacroiliitis. The added weight and altered gait during pregnancy can also contribute to mechanical stress on the sacroiliac joints.

Inflammatory Arthritis

Sacroiliitis is commonly associated with inflammatory arthritis conditions, such as ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and reactive arthritis. These conditions can cause chronic inflammation of the sacroiliac joints.

Infection

Although rare, infections in the sacroiliac joints can cause sacroiliitis. This can occur due to bacterial infections, such as brucellosis or tuberculosis.

Risk Factors for Sacroiliitis

Certain factors can increase the risk of developing sacroiliitis, including:

Genetics: A family history of arthritis or sacroiliitis can increase the risk.
Age: Sacroiliitis is more common in young adults and middle-aged individuals.
Gender: Men are more likely to develop sacroiliitis associated with ankylosing spondylitis.
Occupation: Jobs that involve heavy lifting or prolonged standing can increase the risk.
Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and increased mechanical stress during pregnancy can contribute to the development of sacroiliitis.

Types of Sacroiliitis

Sacroiliitis can be classified into different types based on the underlying cause:

Mechanical Sacroiliitis

This type is caused by mechanical stress or trauma to the sacroiliac joints. It is often seen in individuals with occupations that involve repetitive movements or heavy lifting.

Inflammatory Sacroiliitis

Inflammatory sacroiliitis is associated with inflammatory arthritis conditions, such as ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and reactive arthritis. Chronic inflammation of the sacroiliac joints characterizes this type.

Infectious Sacroiliitis

Infectious sacroiliitis is caused by bacterial infections in the sacroiliac joints. It is relatively rare but can occur in individuals with compromised immune systems or those with a history of infections.

Diagnosis of Sacroiliitis

Diagnosing sacroiliitis involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and laboratory tests.

Clinical Evaluation

A thorough medical history and physical examination are essential in diagnosing sacroiliitis. The healthcare provider will assess the patient's symptoms, review their medical history, and perform a physical examination to evaluate the range of motion and identify areas of tenderness.

Imaging Studies

Imaging studies, such as X-rays, MRI, and CT scans, are crucial in diagnosing sacroiliitis. These studies can help visualize the sacroiliac joints, identify inflammation, and rule out other potential causes of pain.

Laboratory Tests

Laboratory tests may be performed to identify underlying inflammatory or infectious conditions. Blood tests can help detect markers of inflammation, such as elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).

Sacroiliitis ICD 10

The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) code for sacroiliitis is M46.1. This code is used for billing and coding purposes in healthcare settings.

Ready to take control of your health journey? Book your appointment now and start your path towards wellness today!

Book an Appointment

Treatment Options for Sacroiliitis

The treatment of sacroiliitis aims to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve function. Treatment options may include:

Medications

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Corticosteroids: Corticosteroid injections into the sacroiliac joints can provide significant pain relief and reduce inflammation.
Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs): DMARDs, such as methotrexate and sulfasalazine, are used to treat inflammatory arthritis conditions associated with sacroiliitis.
Biologic Agents: Biologic agents, such as TNF inhibitors, can be effective in treating inflammatory sacroiliitis.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can help improve the range of motion, strengthen the muscles around the sacroiliac joints, and reduce pain. A physical therapist can design a personalized exercise program to address the patient's specific needs.

Lifestyle Modifications

Making lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms, maintaining a healthy weight, and practicing good posture, can help manage sacroiliitis.

Surgical Intervention

In severe cases of sacroiliitis that do not respond to conservative treatments, surgical intervention may be considered. Surgical options may include sacroiliac joint fusion or joint replacement.

Sacroiliitis and Ankylosing Spondylitis

Sacroiliitis is a hallmark feature of ankylosing spondylitis, a type of inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the spine. Ankylosing spondylitis often begins with inflammation of the sacroiliac joints and can progress to involve the entire spine. Early diagnosis and treatment of ankylosing spondylitis are crucial in managing the condition and preventing complications.

Find Our Specialists