Humans are made with many structures or organs that ensure they can move freely and survive in this world. There are still many wonders of the human body waiting to be unlocked and many diseases or conditions that need to be addressed to provide the best health for humans. Health conditions such as sacroiliitis can cause a person to have difficulties in performing daily life routines. In this DoctorOnCall’s article, we will learn about sacroiliitis.
To comprehend what is this condition, do you have any idea what sacrum and iliac are related with the sickness? Sacrum is the safeguard formed hard construction situated at the foundation of the lumbar vertebrae. Did you had any idea that this bone was once viewed as a sacred bone? This is on the grounds that it was utilized in conciliatory rituals and safeguarding the genitalia (confidential proliferation part). Iliac bone is the biggest and highest bone of the hip, otherwise called the fundamental piece of the pelvic support. Sacroiliac joint is situated in the pelvis that connects the iliac to the sacrum. This joint guides in dealing with the power and weight of the chest area to the legs.
Sacroiliitis is the inflammation of the sacroiliac joint. It is often associated with many conditions that cause inflammation to the spine. It is also often found in patients with certain arthritis. Sacroiliitis has been associated with almost 25% of cases with lower back pain. This shows that the likelihood of a person to experience sacroiliitis is somehow possible. Many cases in younger patients are due to sports injuries or trauma.
There are many conditions that can result in inflammation to the sacroiliac joint. These conditions are the cause of the significant pain. Among the causes are osteoarthritis, a degenerative disease causing joint problems, pregnancy as the inflammation caused by the hormone and trauma to the joint. Trauma can be as simple as abrupt rotation or falls to motor vehicle collisions. In rare cases, it can be caused by infection, particularly bacterial. Ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis can also cause sacroiliitis. Both ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis are caused by the abnormal immune system attacking the healthy tissue of the joint.
Due to the fact that there are many causes for low back pain, sacroiliitis can be difficult to be diagnosed early. This is why it is important for patients with suspected symptoms to get checked by doctors immediately. Lower back pain is the most commonly observed symptom of sacroiliitis. The pain can be felt down to the buttock, hip, groin and leg. Pain is often worse after sitting for a long period or with rotational movements such as rolling over in bed. The pain itself can be sharp, stabbing or dull and achy. Sacroiliitis is often present on one side. Some people may experience fever. In certain cases, symptoms may be prominent at night or when waking up.
To diagnose sacroiliitis, doctors will start with medical history and physical examinations. To differentiate between sacroiliitis and the other causes of low back pain, specific physical examination such as applying pressure onto certain spots of the spine, hip and buttocks before proceeding to movement of the legs, can give clues on what could be the cause for the pain. Blood tests may be requested to see possible signs of inflammation and imaging tests to see changes or damages to the sacroiliac joint. MRI may be requested in cases of ankylosing spondylitis. Doctors may also use injections to numb the joint to help diagnose sacroiliitis. This is because if the injected anaesthesia is able to stop the pain, sacroiliitis could be the cause for the pain.
Treatment aims to ease pain and to enable patients to move the joint. This includes mediation such as pain relief medication and muscle relaxant. Some cases may require immunosuppressive medication as sacroiliitis mediated by autoimmune disease such as in ankylosing spondylitis. Steroid injection is provided if medication by oral fails to decrease pain or inflammation. Radiofrequency ablation may be provided if medication fails to relieve the pain. Surgery is considered as the last option in treating chronic pain caused by sacroiliitis. Sacroiliitis by infection often requires antibiotics. Large abscess caused by infection is usually drained through surgery. Physical therapy is recommended as it helps to maintain flexibility and strengthen muscles. This will help to stabilise the sacroiliac joints.
Most patients with sacroiliitis are expected to recover within 2 to 4 weeks. It is common for sacroiliitis to come back, especially when a patient does not change their lifestyle. It is worth noting that damage to the joint may be permanent. Most people with sacroiliitis can be treated well with medication and physical therapy. Sacroiliitis itself is more than just difficulty in staying in a position or the pain that comes with it. This is because the ongoing pain may actually be so severe that it leads to poor sleep quality and even depression in some instances. Thus, patients who have low back pain symptoms should not take the matter lightly and ensure they are getting the proper treatment.