Although named the Sacroiliac Joint, it is not a proper joint. Synostosis is the correct term for that part of your body, which refers to the adjacent bones’ fusion or union due to a bony substance growth. The role of the sacroiliac joint is to connect your pelvis (iliac bones) to the sacrum on both sides. Thus, the joint is essential in enabling shock absorption, vital for safeguarding your spine against impact forces. Unfortunately, the SI joint may still be susceptible to injury or degeneration, contributing to nearly 30% of chronic low back pain cases. In such a situation, you may require San Bernardino SI joint surgery. The objective of a surgical procedure is to stabilize the SI joint movement and thus significantly lower the pain in your back, pelvis, groin, and hips.
Causes of the sacroiliac joint dysfunction
The dysfunction of the sacroiliac joint is often due to mechanical strain and overuse injury. However, other potential causes of the condition include arthritis, pregnancy, and a history of lower back fusion surgery.
Why you may decide on SI joint surgery
After performing a series of physical examinations, your health provider will often recommend that you undergo physical therapy and use oral medications or injections. That may mean that you discontinue activities or tasks that may be causing your problem.
Physical therapy is essential for the rehabilitation of the SI joint through exercises. On the other hand, injection therapy is mainly for reducing SI joint swelling.
If the other conservative treatments do not successfully alleviate your SI joint pain, your health provider may recommend surgical fusion. If nonsurgical treatments are ineffective, you will have significant lower back pain, making it challenging to continue performing your daily activities. You may also require SI joint fusion when your lower back and the pelvic region are unstable, making it difficult for you to move, walk, stand, or sit.
For the last 13 years, the minimally invasive procedure has successfully provided pain relief for more than 80% of patients with the symptoms associated with SI joint dysfunction.
How to sleep comfortably after SI joint surgery
One of the main symptoms of SI joint dysfunction is your inability to sleep comfortably. You will often experience pain when rolling in the bed or changing sleeping positions. SI joint surgery can help eliminate the pain which disrupts your sleep.
You may have difficulty sleeping for a few days or weeks. The solution is to take your medications as prescribed by your doctor.
Also, ensure you sleep on a mattress that is not sagging in the middle, and use pillows to support your back. That ensures that your spinal system and the pelvic region are appropriately aligned while you sleep.
When sleeping on your back, place one or two pillows under your knees to support the region causing the pain. And if sleeping on your side, place a pillow between your knees.
Contact Ali H. Mesiwala, MD, FAANS, today for your SI joint fusion surgery.
