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Sacroiliac Dysfunction

 x-ray of the pelvisAlso known as sacroiliac joint syndrome, sacroiliac dysfunction is a condition that refers to any pain that is in the buttocks, lower back, or adjacent leg. While almost anyone can develop sacroiliac dysfunction, women who have had children are at risk for the condition as their SI joints can result in discomfort from the stress of carrying a baby. In order to properly diagnose the condition, a provider may perform the following tests: distraction test, compression test, x-rays, and CT scans. A patient’s physical exam, symptoms, and medical history may also be used during the assessment.

Causes

The two primary risk factors of sacroiliac dysfunction are severe injuries and sacrum bone abnormalities.

  • Severe Injuries: Substantial injuries from a motor cycle accident, a blow to the side of the pelvis, or a direct fall on the buttocks can cause degenerative arthritis of the SI joints. The impact from these severe injuries may strain the ligaments around the joint and eventually tear them apart. When these ligaments tear, there will be too much joint movement. This excessive motion may result in degenerative arthritis in the joint or sacroiliac dysfunction.
  • Sacrum Bone Abnormalities: Sacroiliac dysfunction can also be caused by abnormality of the sacrum bone. Some people have bones that never fused together, which ultimately created a SI joint that is malformed. People with sacrum bone abnormalities are more prone to develop problems with their SI joints.

Symptoms

Since sacroiliac dysfunction is often mistaken for back and pelvic pain, symptoms of the condition are often hard to distinguish from other types of pain. The most common symptoms include:

  • Buttock pain
  • Thigh pain
  • Lower back pain
  • Sitting problems

Treatments

 x-ray of the spainConservative therapies are the most common treatment options for improving symptoms of sacroiliac dysfunction.

  • SI Joint Injections: Your doctor may suggest that patients receive SI joint injections to reduce the pain that is caused by irritated sacroiliac joints. Cortisone may also be added to this injection to calm the arthritis inside the joint. In most cases, the symptoms usually subside only temporarily, but some patients may experience pain relief for several months.
  • Physiotherapy: The primary goals of this type of therapy are to learn techniques to control the symptoms, obtain optimal body movement, and learn correct postures. In addition to hand-on techniques such as massage, a trained therapist may also implement specific exercises to strengthen SI joint mobility and function. As a well-rounded rehabilitation program, physiotherapy can be used to relieve symptoms of pain and inflammation.
  • Chiropractic: This alternative healthcare approach may be used to treat muscle and joint problems that are caused by traumatic injuries. Chiropractic treatment may consist of mobilization and stabilization exercises to improve joint movement and posture.

When conservative therapies are unsuccessful, surgical treatment may then be heavily considered.

Contact Allied Pain & Spine Institute today to schedule a consultation with one of our pain management specialists.

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Michelle T.

I fly in to see Dr. Petros from Southern California.  I wouldn't do so if he wasn't the best there is.  He is compassionate and has always treated me kindly. I can tell he is sincere in the way he talks to me and is diligently looking for solutions that work best with me and my chronic pain needs.  Very out of the box approach, which I appreciate these days!  I would truly recommend Dr. Petros to anyone looking for a Dr. that not only cares about you as a patient but has the confidence and skill set to get results! His office staff is friendly and caring too.  Allied Pain and Spine Institute is the Gold Standard in pain care in my humble opinion!! When I find a doctor that understands the issue and always goes above and beyond to help me, I do what I can to continue seeing them. I am so glad I found this office!!

Louise W.

Dr Petros is amazing!  When he uses a needle his aim is "right on".  He is also very personable, an altogether great guy.  I always find my visits to him to be very informative. I have had both sides of my degenerated back injected (epidural shots) with complete success.  He allows me to have no sedative, which is cool because his jokes and stories in the operating room are really good.  He greatly enjoys his work, and enjoys the difficult challenges of getting a needle into the right place in my back.  My arthritic knee is perhaps more straight-forward, but other doctors have failed to give me pain relief.  Dr Petros studies the structure with ultrasound before injecting it.  The result - instant relief! On my recent visit for a broken back (ski accident) the doctor and staff were very accommodating to help me make a dinner engagement shortly after my appointment.  This is definitely a five-star operation!

Ellie O.

Wow, wonderful doctor!!! I avoid all the doctors like the plague...seriously it makes my blood pressure go up when I have to go but I chose Dr. Vaidya. My friend referred him to me, he's simply the best... TOP NOTCH!!! He turned out to be a breath of fresh air. Dr. Vaidya really stands out head and shoulders above everyone else. I usually don't write reviews but he's so outstanding that I really wanted to do it for him. He's the most honest and caring doctor I have met.  He listens and gives you full attention and committed to find the best individual solution for you. He always goes out of his way to get you the most appropriate treatment and he will make it happen. He's very knowledgeable in his field. He's very professional, friendly, personable and definitely easy to talk to. His integrity is very valuable. He's one of the sharpest and most driven individuals you will ever meet.

Keith M.

Simply the best doctors and staff in the area. I've fought back and neck pain for over 30 years, and Dr. Petros and his team have kept me from the operating table and able to enjoy my life. I've had injections, acupuncture, as well as back braces. He listens to my concerns, cares very deeply for my pain and discomfort, and has successfully treated everything from stenosis, pinched nerves, herniated disks, and even helped me with the symptoms from shingles and lung disease. I couldn't be happier with the care he has given me over the years.

Kaitlin Z.

Dr. Vaidya has changed my life. I am in my late 20s with chronic pain and nothing had worked until I came here. All services here are wonderful and the staff is absolutely amazing. I can't recommend enough!!

Tracy B.

I have been a patient of Dr. Vaidya for a few years after not getting what I needed from other spine and pain doctors. I was looking for a doctor who would think outside the box and come up with some other ways to treat my growing amount of pain. Between Dr. Petros and Dr. Vaidya, they have brought me to a place where my pain is better managed. And let's just talk about bedside manners! I have never met doctors in the past 23 years of this back journey of mine that has as amazing bedside manners as these guys. I have cried and laughed with the team at Allied Spine. The way that I am always greeted and promptly cared for is bar none! The front office staff, and especially Nas, has been a God sent. I would never go anywhere else.

Justin P.

I am a new patient of DR Petros and my experience was great for my first two visits so far. He really takes time to listen to your issues and provides thorough answers and treatment options. The front desk staff are all very nice and respond in a timely manner to requests. Highly recommended all around!

Lisa A.

I have seen Dr. Vaidya for about 2 years. He is an amazing doctor.the attention and care you receive is well over 5 stars. He knows who I am by my face, he knows my health history with out looking in my chart, he remembers conversations we have had at previous appointments. He truly cares for his patients. I will be moving our of state, and will travel back here each month to see doctor Vaidya. I lost my insurance over a year ago and pay out of pocket to see the doctor, it is worth every penny to be treated with respect, as a person and with care. I love all the staff and feel like I am visiting family when I come in for my appointments.

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