Chiropractic treatment is about the ability to express your optimal physical health and wellbeing. The focus of chiropractors is to improve the quality of your life through natural, medication free treatment. When you come to our clinic, a chiropractor will assess your symptoms, conduct tests, and make a spinal adjustment to restore your bodies’ nervous system to optimal functioning.
The nervous system controls all of your body’s movements; such as breathing, swallowing, and even blinking. It is very important that this system is working optimally. Furthermore, when it is able to do so, it can reduce your physical symptoms of pain that may be felt around the SI joint and overall back.
The SI Joint
One of the most common reasons patients come to see a chiropractor is because they feel pain in their SI joint. The SI joint is short for sacroiliac joint. You have two of these joints which are found on each side of the sacrum and hip bone. The SI joint rests at the bottom of the spine and connects to the sacrum and hip bone.
When the SI joint is not functioning as it should be, it’s range of motion may be limited or there may be too much motion. The joint helps to transfer weight from the top part of the body to the lower; however, when it’s not working, it can result in a significant amount of pain.
Causes of SI Joint Pain and Dysfunction
As a chiropractor might explain to you, SI joint pain can result from:
- Sitting too much
- Carrying too much weight
- Limited movement
- Stress and overcompensation after spine-related surgeries
- Pregnancy
- A trauma (i.e. car accident)
- Sports
- Yoga
- Symptoms of SI Joint Dysfunction
The symptoms of SI joint dysfunction will vary from one person to another. Some symptoms may include:
- Low back pain
- Pain in the buttocks
- Pain down the leg
- Front thigh pain
SI joint pain can mimic other types of pain in the lower back. A chiropractor can help to determine where the source of pain is and adjust your spine as needed.
How a Chiropractor Can Help You
Through a chiropractic adjustment, a chiropractor can help to restore motion in your SI joint (and the nearby joints), as well as reduce your pain. The amount of chiropractic adjustments needed, as well as, their intensity will be dependent upon your symptoms. In general, your chiropractor might recommend between 2 and 6 adjustments to improve your SI joint range of motion and the symptoms you’re experiencing.
A Chiropractor Who Cares About Your Spine
SI joint pain can be extremely debilitating; however, you can take the first steps towards reducing the symptoms and feeling better. Best of all, with chiropractic care, there is no strong medications and it’s non-invasive. If you are experiencing SI joint pain, low back pain, or would like to have your SI joint assessed for dysfunction, please call a chiropractor today.
Resources:
Wikipedia, Chiropractic Care