Lower back pain significantly disrupts lives, being a primary reason for absenteeism at work and leading to disability. Finding effective treatment for lower back pain demands patience, time, and guidance from an experienced spine doctor. An advanced method is Sacroiliac (SI) joint fusion surgery. This procedure represents a minimally invasive surgical approach to relieving pain by addressing its root cause rather than merely concealing the symptoms.
Doctors Javier Placer and Ruben Rivera, who practice at the Florida Spine and Pain Institute, are certified specialists in Interventional Pain Management. They are highly trained in performing advanced procedures such as SI Stabilization . If you are struggling with lower back pain, consider this treatment, as it could have a positive impact on your condition.
What is the SI Joint?
The SI Joint is the connection point between the sacrum and the ilium, located just below where the belt would sit, on both the left and right sides, near where the hip connects with the tailbone. This joint houses a significant nerve that runs through it and into the buttocks. Instability in this joint may lead to discomfort in the lower back and legs.
The SI joint serves as a stabilizer and cushion for the spine and pelvis. It bears the upper body’s weight during various activities like standing, sitting, walking, or jumping and distributes the forces to the legs. This joint is essential in transferring energy between the legs and upper body, making it crucial for movement and physical activities.
What is SI Joint Dysfunction?
SI joint dysfunction is characterized by pain arising from the sacroiliac joint due to excessive or insufficient movement, resulting from weakening previously strong and supportive ligaments.
This condition, often called SI joint dysfunction or SIJD, can also be known by various names, including sacroiliitis, SI joint degeneration, SI joint inflammation, SI joint syndrome, SI joint disruption, SI joint insufficiency, SI joint strain, and arthritis.
The issue can manifest as lower back, groin, or leg pain on the affected side. Such pain can stem from a range of causes, including injuries, overuse, or prolonged sitting or bending, which strains the posture.
Diagnosing SI joint dysfunction can be difficult because its symptoms resemble those of other conditions, such as disc herniation or sciatica. A comprehensive review of symptoms and a physical examination that recreates the pain are standard diagnostic procedures. If an anesthetic injection into the sacroiliac joint, guided by imaging, results in symptom relief, the diagnosis can be confirmed.
Treatment for sacroiliac joint dysfunction typically begins with conservative approaches like physical therapy, medication, or injections. If these measures fail to alleviate symptoms, surgery may be the next step.
Symptoms of SI Joint dysfunction
- Dull, aching lower back pain that ranges from moderate to severe.
- Lower back pain is felt on one side but sometimes on both sides.
- Pain that spreads to the buttocks, groin, or hips.
- Sciatic-like pain in the buttocks or back of the thighs that may include tingling and numbness
- Increased discomfort occurs when applying more strain on the SI joint, such as running, jogging, lying down, or bearing weight on one side.
- Instability in the pelvic region or lower back can cause the pelvis to feel like it may collapse while standing, walking, or transitioning from standing to sitting.
- Stiffness and reduced range of motion in the lower back region, pelvis, hips, and groin may impede activities like climbing stairs or bending at the waist.
Factors Contributing to SI Joint Dysfunction
Several factors may increase the risk of developing SI joint dysfunction:
- Gait issues
- Weight gain and hormonal changes
- Previous lumbar spine surgery
- Repetitive joint-stressing activities
What is SI Joint Fusion Surgery?
The SI joint fusion procedure is a cutting-edge and efficient method for alleviating pain in the SI joint. This minimally invasive surgery aims to stabilize the movement of the SI joints by inserting an allograft, thus creating an ideal condition for a long-lasting fusion and enabling immediate restoration of joint stability.
This technique can be especially beneficial for individuals experiencing chronic pain due to SI joint dysfunction, offering a less invasive alternative for treatment. The operation involves a minor incision, approximately one to two inches in length, on the lower back, allowing patients to be discharged from the surgical center on the same day and return to their daily routines within a few weeks.
The procedure is performed under either general anesthesia or monitored anesthesia care, is completed in an operating room, and typically lasts less than an hour. Compared to traditional SI fusion surgeries, the recovery time is significantly reduced, facilitating a quicker return to work and everyday activities.
Following the surgery, the surgeon will arrange a follow-up visit to monitor the patient’s recovery progress, examine the incision, and possibly conduct further X-rays of the surgical area as necessary. The timeline for resuming work and other activities will vary based on the individual’s recovery pace and the nature of their job.
Sacroiliac Joint Fusion Benefits
SI joint surgery may offer several benefits to patients:
- Lasting Pain Relief
The most significant advantage is permanently alleviating low back pain. Surgery on the SI joint also addresses related issues like leg numbness, tingling, and muscle spasms.
- Enhanced Mobility
SI fusion surgery significantly enhances a patient’s capability to perform daily physical activities and walk, overcoming the limitations imposed by low back pain. Regaining the ability to move freely without pain can lead to regained independence.
- Improved Life Quality
Constant low back pain can affect almost every part of one’s life, from sleep quality to personal relationships. Post-surgery improvements in mobility and pain reduction can improve the quality of life for those suffering from SI joint pain.
Sacroiliac Joint Procedure Available in Davenport, Clermont, and Orlando, FL
If you have any further questions regarding the Sacroiliac Joint Procedure, please don’t hesitate to contact the team at Florida Spine and Pain Institute.
Dr. Javier Placer and Dr. Ruben Rivera specialize in treating chronic and acute pain conditions.
Why suffer from pain when you don’t have to? Book an appointment with us today and start living the life you deserve.
