What Is the Sacroiliac Joint?
Sacroiliac Joint is the connection between the sacrum at the base of the spine and the ilium of the pelvis. The paired joints transfer forces between the upper body and legs during standing, walking, and other movements. Supporting ligaments help limit motion while allowing the pelvis to adapt to changing loads.
Quick Facts About Sacroiliac Joint
Category
Pelvic joint
Used for
Assessing lower back and pelvic pain
Common confusion
Often confused with sciatic nerve pain
Also called
SI joint
Often discussed with
Back Pain Treatment
Key Takeaways About Sacroiliac Joint
- Each joint links the sacrum with one side of the pelvis.
- Ligaments provide stability and limit excessive joint movement.
- Sacroiliac pain is not the same as sciatic nerve pain.
How Sacroiliac Joint Works
Sacroiliac Joint function depends on the fit between the sacrum and the pelvic bones. Strong ligaments support the joint and restrict large movements. The joint still permits small shifts that help the pelvis respond as weight moves from the trunk into the legs.
Related glossary terms: Lumbar Spine, Joint Mobilization, Referred Pain.
Clinicians consider symptoms, movement, posture, and tenderness when examining this area. Pain may be felt near the low back, buttock, or pelvis, while nearby structures can produce similar symptoms. The lumbar spine and sciatic nerve are therefore considered during a broader back pain assessment.
From the Advanced Injury Care Clinic team
When we assess the sacroiliac joint, we consider the location of symptoms and how the low back, pelvis, and legs move together. Our team also checks nearby tissues because several structures can create similar patterns of discomfort.
Sacroiliac Joint in Practice: A Real-World Example
A person with back pain after lifting may feel discomfort close to one side of the pelvis. An assessment can examine sacroiliac joint motion along with the lumbar spine and surrounding muscles.
Related Services
Related Terms
Lumbar Spine
Lumbar Spine is the lower section of the vertebral column between the thoracic spine and sacrum…
Joint Mobilization
Joint mobilization is a hands-on chiropractic technique that applies controlled movement to a joint. The clinician…
Referred Pain
Referred Pain is a pain sensation felt in an area away from the tissue causing it…
Sciatic Nerve
Sciatic Nerve is the largest nerve in the body, formed by nerve roots in the lower…
Advanced Injury Care Clinic
Have Questions About Sacroiliac Joint?
Contact Advanced Injury Care Clinic for practical guidance on Sacroiliac Joint and related chiropractor work in Hermitage.