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What kind of doctor do you see for SI joint dysfunction?

Author

Christopher Ramos

Published Mar 07, 2026

What kind of doctor do you see for SI joint dysfunction?

A clinician such as a physical therapist, pelvic health specialist, or pain management specialist can perform these tests to help you diagnose SI joint disease or SI joint dysfunction.

Regarding this, what type of doctor treats SI joint dysfunction?

Rheumatologists are experts in treating SI joint pain caused by inflammatory arthritis such as ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout, as well as SI joint pain from other causes. Obstetricians often treat sacroiliac joint pain caused by pregnancy.

Likewise, can an MRI detect SI joint dysfunction? Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can reliably detect inflammation and structural changes in sacroiliac joints (SIJs) in patients with lower back pain (LBP). However, patients with LBP are usually referred for MRI of the lower back (e.g. lumbar spine LS), and imaging of the SIJs is rarely requested for these patients.

Additionally, how do you treat sacroiliac joint dysfunction?

Nonsurgical treatments: Physical therapy, chiropractic manipulation, and stretching exercises help many patients. Some patients may require oral anti-inflammatory medications or topical patches, creams, salves or mechanical bracing. Figure 2. A needle is gently guided into the sacroiliac joint using x-ray fluoroscopy.

How do you test for sacroiliac joint dysfunction?

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction tests include discussing your history and pain experience, a physical examination, tests to rule out other sources of pain, like lumbar spine pain and hip pain, and these commonly accepted methods: Provocative tests. Diagnostic imaging (X-ray, CT, MRI)

What should I avoid with sacroiliac joint dysfunction?

Moves to Avoid
  • Lunges or step-ups: Single-leg lower body moves like lunges of any kind or step-ups/downs place your pevis in a less stable position.
  • Impact: Impact moves like running, jumping, or other ballistic moves will likely aggravate pain given the hypermobility in your pelvis.

Is SI joint dysfunction permanent?

For the most severe and chronic forms of sacroiliac dysfunction, treatment should proceed with the support of a sacroiliac belt, injection therapy, and finally, surgery. The anti-inflammatory effect of injection therapy is not permanent, and the injections do not offer an opportunity to stabilize an incompetent joint.

Can a chiropractor help sacroiliac joint dysfunction?

There are two general chiropractic manipulation approaches for sacroiliac joint dysfunction: Traditional chiropractic adjustment, also called spinal manipulation or high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) thrust. Gentle/less forceful adjustment, also called spinal mobilization; low-velocity, low-amplitude thrust.

How do you release a sacroiliac joint?

Start in the supine position, with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor,
  1. Place the ankle of one foot on the knee of the other.
  2. Wrap your hands under the supporting knee.
  3. Using your abs, gently lift the supporting knee off the floor, going only as high as you can without pain at the SI joint.

Is sacroiliac joint dysfunction a disability?

There is no official disability listing for sacroiliac joint dysfunction, so it can be difficult to get benefits. The sacroiliac joints are two joints that connect your spine to your pelvis. Pregnancy is also a common cause of sacroiliac joint dysfunction.

What does it feel like when your SI joint is out?

Symptoms of Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

Common presenting symptoms include low back pain often found on only one side, that is worsened with prolonged sitting/standing or specific mechanical movements. Other symptoms include buttock pain or radiating pain, numbness, or tingling in the hips, groin, or legs.

How do you stop sacroiliac pain?

16 Ways to Reduce Swelling and Inflammation in Your SI Joint
  1. 1 Use ice and heat therapy to relieve pain.
  2. 2 Non-habit forming pain medications.
  3. 3 Reduce or eliminate foods that lead to inflammation.
  4. 4 Acupuncture.
  5. 5 Cognitive behavioral therapy, including relaxation techniques.
  6. 6 SI joint steroid injections.
  7. 7 Stretching with low-impact exercise.

Can you cure sacroiliitis?

There are a few treatment options for sacroiliitis but none of them are permanent or overwhelmingly successful. Medications such as over-the-counter pain relievers and muscle relaxants are often prescribed to alleviate symptoms. In more severe cases, prescription medications can be used.

What is the best sleeping position for SI joint pain?

Most patients find it best to sleep on the side, with a pillow placed between the knees to keep the hips in alignment. For many, over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen, and/or anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, provide sufficient pain relief.

Do muscle relaxers help SI joint pain?

Muscle relaxants: You may experience muscle spasms because of SI joint inflammation. Your doctor can prescribe a muscle relaxant, such as baclofen or carisoprodol, to help ease the pain by reducing spasms.

What causes lower back pain just above the buttocks?

Sciatica is pain caused by compression of the sciatic nerve. This is the nerve that runs through your buttocks and down the back of your leg. Sciatica is usually caused by a herniated disc, bone spur, or spinal stenosis compressing part of the sciatic nerve.

How do I know if my SI joint is hypermobile?

Hypermobility of the SI joint describes too much movement, which can lead to instability and pain in the lower back and hip that may radiate, or spread.

How common is SI joint dysfunction?

The SI joint is to blame in 15 to 30 percent of people with chronic lower back pain. About 80 percent of adults in the United States will experience lower back pain during their lives. Lower back pain is a leading cause of missed workdays, and the most common cause of job-related disability.

How can you tell the difference between sacroiliac pain and sciatica?

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction affects the sciatic nerve and has similar symptoms to sciatica. However, pain along the sciatic nerve caused by sacroiliac joint dysfunction is not caused by a compressed nerve root as it exits the spine, as occurs with true sciatica.

Will an xray show SI joint inflammation?

X-ray evidence of sacroiliitis—inflammation of the sacroiliac joint at the base of the spine—is one of the most telling signs of ankylosing spondylitis. However, a patient might feel sacroiliitis or other back pain years before changes in the spine's anatomy can be seen on x-rays.

Is walking good for SI joint dysfunction?

Walking: It's a good way to care for your lower back. Start slow with 20 minutes, twice a week. Make sure you wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes. If you don't notice any pain, add more time to your walk or speed up your pace.

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