Symptoms of SI Joint Dysfunction

Symptoms of SI joint dysfunction can be quite severe and include: 

• Pain that radiates down to the buttocks and legs
• Frequent shooting pains in the lower back 
• Loss of bladder or bowel control 
• Stiffness and reduced range of motion
• Worsened pain when putting pressure on the SI joint

SI Joint Dysfunction Diagnostic Tests

There is no single way to give an official diagnosis for SI joint dysfunction. Rather, it is essential to receive a combination of both a physical examination and various diagnostic tests to determine the source of your pain. Some sacroiliac joint dysfunction diagnostic tests that your physician may administer include: 

Sacral Thrust Test

In a sacral thrust test, your physician will place their hands on your sacrum and provide a sudden, quick burst of pressure to one or both sides of your pelvis while you lie face down. If there’s pain with this particular movement, it may indicate dysfunction in the SI joint. 

Distraction Test 

With a distraction test, you will lie on your back while the physician applies vertically oriented force to both the anterior iliac spines. Similar to the sacral thrust test, if the applied pressure causes you pain, it may indicate SI joint dysfunction.

FABER Test 

In the FABER test, you lay on your back as your leg is placed in a figure-4 position. This stance flexes your hip and has your ankle resting itself on the opposite leg’s knee. While stabilizing your pelvis, the physician will apply different kinds of force and move your bent knee in different directions. If these movements produce pain or your range of motion is too limited to complete the exercises, then you may be diagnosed with SI joint dysfunction. 

Compression Test

The compression test is when your doctor applies downward pressure to the SI joint as you lay on your side. If there is pain, then you may be experiencing SI joint dysfunction.

Diagnostic Injection

There is also a test called diagnostic injection, sometimes called an SI joint block, where your doctor will inject a steroid into the affected SI joint. The injection helps determine if the SI joint is the specific source of your pain. If the steroid injection provides relief, then the SI joint can be confirmed as the source of your pain. 

Diagnostic Imaging Tests 

Diagnostic imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs are not ideal for imaging the SI joints since they only show the bones of your pelvis, which limits what doctors can see in terms of how well your SI joints are lining up with each other. However, these diagnostic tools help rule out potential problems with other parts of your lower back or spine. 

What Happens if I am Diagnosed with SI Joint Dysfunction?

While there are several conservative treatment options that may help with your SI joint pain, these methods may not always be effective for the long term. 

Fortunately, with the LinQ SI Joint Stabilization System, PainTEQ aims to provide SI joint dysfunction patients with a minimally invasive option to treat their symptoms. Contact us today to learn more.