The spine can be affected by various pathologies that impair its health and mobility. One of the most common, though often underestimated, conditions that can affect it is spinal cord injury. sacroiliitis. This condition can affect both young people and adults, interfering with their quality of life and making daily activities difficult. In this article, we will address its main causes, symptoms, and treatments to better understand this condition and know how to respond when it appears.

What is sacroiliitis?

Sacroiliitis is a inflammatory pathology that affects one or both sacroiliitis joints, Located between the sacrum (the lower part of the spine) and the iliac bones of the pelvis, these joints play an essential role in body stability, transferring weight and loads from the torso to the lower extremities during activities such as walking, standing, or climbing stairs.

When these structures become inflamed, they can cause intense pain in the lower back, buttocks or hips, as well as reduce mobility and make everyday tasks difficult.

What causes sacroiliitis?

The causes of sacroiliitis can be diverse and encompass both mechanical and inflammatory factors, including:

• Trauma or joint overloadFalls, repetitive movements, lifting heavy loads, pregnancy, or microtrauma can generate excessive pressure on the joints, promoting inflammation.
• Inflammatory diseasesSome rheumatological pathologies, such as spondylitis or arthritis, can cause chronic inflammation of the sacroiliac joints as part of their evolution.
• InfectionsAlthough less frequent, the presence of an infection in the joint can cause pain and inflammation of these joints.
• Biomechanical alterationsDifferences in leg length, scoliosis, poor posture, or gait problems can alter the distribution of body weight, generating an overload on one or both joints, triggering inflammation.

Symptoms of sacroiliitis

The main symptom of sacroiliitis is pain located in the lower back or pelvis, These pains can radiate to the buttocks, hips, or even legs. This pain often worsens with prolonged sitting and can also intensify when walking, climbing stairs, running, or standing for extended periods.

Another symptom of sacroiliitis is joint stiffness, especially in the mornings or after periods of rest. The sensation of weakness or tension in the lower back, and the appearance of discomfort when adopting certain sleeping positions, such as lying on your side.

Diagnosis of sacroiliitis

To diagnose sacroiliitis, the specialist performs a thorough physical examination, assessing the mobility of the lumbopelvic region, the exact location of the pain, and the patient's response to specific movements or pressure on the sacroiliac joint. Medical history and the progression of symptoms are also taken into account.

In order to confirm the diagnosis, the following are requested: imaging tests such as X-rays and MRIs. Magnetic resonance imaging allows the detection of inflammation from the early stages of the disease.

Obtaining an accurate diagnosis from the early stages allows for timely and effective treatment, which is key to improving the patient's quality of life and preventing the progression of the problem.

Treatments for sacroiliitis

The therapeutic approach to sacroiliitis usually begins with Conservative treatments focused on reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and improving joint mobility. During this approach, the administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is common, as it helps control symptoms. In some cases, conservative treatment may be supplemented with muscle relaxants or analgesics.

When pain persists despite initial treatment, the following may be indicated: Corticosteroid injections. These are applied under medical supervision, usually guided by imaging, and act directly on the affected joint to reduce inflammation and provide longer-lasting relief.

The physiotherapy It plays a crucial role in conservative treatment. Through personalized exercises and techniques, the aim is to strengthen the lumbar and pelvic muscles, improve joint mobility, and teach the patient to adopt postures and movements that reduce joint stress.

In the most severe cases, or when sacroiliitis is associated with other inflammatory or degenerative conditions, it may be necessary to resort to surgery to stabilize the joint and relieve symptoms.

Exercises to treat sacroiliitis

As we have mentioned, exercises play a fundamental role in the treatment of sacroiliitis, as they contribute to improving joint mobility, strengthening the supporting muscles, and reducing the overload on the joint.

Among the most recommended exercises are gentle stretches of the lower back and glutes, controlled pelvic mobilization, and strengthening of the deep abdominal muscles. These routines should always be supervised by qualified professionals, such as physiotherapists, to ensure correct and safe execution.

In turn, disciplines such as Pilates, yoga, and swimming can be excellent complements to the treatment, as they help keep the body active without impacting the joint.

What makes sacroiliitis worse?

Certain activities or habits can increase pressure or irritation on the joint, worsening sacroiliitis. The main factors that can aggravate this condition include:

• Staying in the same position for a long time.
• Performing intense physical exertion or lifting weights repetitively.
• Going up or down stairs frequently.
• Sleeping on the same side all night.
• Maintaining improper postures while walking or sitting.
• Lack of physical activity.

Avoiding these factors and adapting your lifestyle to the recommendations of specialists can make a big difference in the quality of life of patients.

How is sacroiliitis treated surgically?

When conservative treatments fail to relieve symptoms, surgery may be considered. surgery to treat sacroiliitis. One of the most advanced options is the minimally invasive surgery, This procedure, which is usually performed endoscopically, involves making a small incision through which specialized surgical instruments are inserted to access the sacroiliac joint. This surgery stabilizes the joint, relieves inflammation, and reduces pain, all with minimal impact on surrounding tissues.

Recovery after sacroiliac surgery

Recovery after sacroiliac surgery can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the patient's overall health. Minimally invasive surgery offers a significantly faster recovery, with less pain and less disruption to surrounding tissues.

To ensure optimal recovery after surgery, it is essential to follow the recommendations given by the surgeon regarding rest, rehabilitation, and postoperative care.

In cases of spinal pain, especially in the lower back, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention to prevent the condition from worsening. Dr. Prof. Elgeadi, specialist in spinal pathologies and minimally invasive surgery, A spine specialist can effectively diagnose and treat conditions affecting this area. Don't hesitate to consult a spine specialist to take the best possible care of your spinal health.