What is Sacroiliac Joint Pain? 

The sacroiliac joints sit at the base of the spine, connecting the sacrum (tailbone area) to the pelvis on each side. They play a crucial role in transferring load between the upper body and the legs. When these joints become irritated, restricted, inflamed, or overly mobile, it can lead to sacroiliac joint pain.

SIJ pain is often felt in the lower back, buttock, or posterior hip and can be mistaken for sciatica, disc problems, or hip pathology.

Common features include:

• Aching, sharp, or stabbing pain in the buttock, lower back, or back of the hip
• Pain that may refer into the groin and thigh, but usually not below the knee
• Discomfort when standing up from sitting, rolling in bed, or climbing stairs
• Pain after walking, long car journeys, or standing on one leg
• Feeling of stiffness around the pelvis or lower back
• Pain that may be one-sided or alternate sides
• Tenderness over the SIJ area when pressed
  



Pregnancy, pelvic asymmetry, or previous injuries can increase susceptibility.

Treatment is tailored to improve mechanics, reduce pain, and stabilise the joint. We may use:

• Manual therapy and mobilisation to improve alignment and joint movement
• Soft tissue techniques for gluteal, lumbar, and pelvic muscles
• Pelvic stabilisation exercises for the glutes, core, and deep hip muscles
• Postural and ergonomic advice (e.g. lifting, sitting, standing habits)
• Sacroiliac support belts in certain cases (e.g. pregnancy-related pain)
• Gait and movement retraining
• Adjunctive therapies such as taping, acupuncture, or dry needling
  

Treatment also considers contributing areas like the lumbar spine, hips, and knees.

• Many people improve within 4–8 weeks with appropriate management
• Chronic or recurrent cases may need longer-term rehabilitation and movement retraining
  
• Strengthening and postural work plays a vital role in preventing flare-ups
• Most patients can return to normal activity with guided treatment
  

Further medical evaluation is recommended if you experience:

• Severe or unrelenting pain not eased by rest
• Pain with fever, illness, or weight loss
• Pins and needles, numbness, or leg weakness
• Persistent night pain
• History of inflammatory conditions or trauma