Does Sacroiliac Joint Pain Heal On Its Own?

7 Common Causes of SI Joint Pain

There can be numerous causes of SI joint pain, and what precisely is causing your pain can play a significant role in whether the pain will resolve on its own. Some of the most frequent causes for SI joint dysfunction include: 

1. Acute Injury 

A traumatic event such as a car accident, fall, or a sudden twisting motion can lead to SI joint pain. Like other injuries to the body, this may heal on its own over time. However, if the pain persists for longer than three months, then it may be time to seek treatment. 

2. Pregnancy 

Pregnancy releases numerous hormones to prepare the body for childbirth. During pregnancy, one of the most frequently produced hormones is relaxin, which allows your muscles and ligaments to loosen up. Due to the increased amount of relaxin in the body, the SI joint becomes less stable, making you more susceptible to injuries and other painful conditions. In addition, the extra body weight incurred during pregnancy can also induce SI joint dysfunction due to the increased stress the weight placed on the joints. 

Since pregnancy is a temporary state, SI joint usually resolves on its own within four months postpartum. However, about 20% of women may experience SI joint pain for up to three years after giving birth. 

3. Spine Surgeries

Studies have indicated that SI joint pain is frequently seen in patients following a lumbar fusion. This pain may occur due to SI joint degeneration being more likely in patients with a fusion rather than those without any fused vertebrates.  

Since spinal fusions permanently connect vertebrates in your spine, you will often need to seek interventional treatment for your SI joint pain to relieve your symptoms. 

4. Infection 

In rare cases, your SI joint pain may be caused by pyogenic sacroiliitis, which is an osteoarticular infection of the joint due to the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. This diagnosis can be difficult because of its nonspecific symptoms but can usually be reached by taking an MRI. Upon diagnosis, your SI joint pain may be healed with oral antibiotics, but you may require a surgical incision and drainage to aid in recovery if the infection has progressed.  

5. Arthritis

There are a few different types of arthritis that can lead to inflammation and pain in the SI joint, such as: 

• Osteoarthritis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Psoriatic arthritis 

Since arthritis is usually an ongoing chronic condition, you will likely need to seek out interventional treatment because the pain will not heal on its own.

6. Overuse

Repetitive stress from activities can place disproportionate stress on your SI joint, leading to pain and inflammation. This condition is particularly noticeable in high-level athletes, and if they do not take a break or lower their amount of activity, their pain will likely not improve.  

7. Abnormal Walking Pattern 

If you have an uneven gait due to an issue in the knee, hip, ankle, or different leg lengths, you may experience SI joint pain. Your SI joint pain will likely not heal on its own until you have corrected the underlying problem that is causing you to favor one leg over the other. 

How to Help SI Joint Pain Heal

In the case that your SI joint pain will not heal on its own, there are a few treatments you can try to help soothe your discomfort: 

• Steroid injections 
• Over-the-counter pain relievers 
• Physical therapy 
• Ice or heat application
• Anti-inflammatory medications

LinQ SI Joint Stabilization System for Chronic SI Joint Pain

If none of the above treatments have helped eliminate your pain, you may be a candidate for the LinQ SI Joint Stabilization System. This minimally invasive procedure helps eliminate chronic SI joint pain through the insertion of a single LinQ allograft. 

To learn more about this innovative procedure, contact PainTEQ today to find a pain physician near you.