SI Joint Pain During Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms & Safe Treatment

, 10 months ago

SI joint pain during pregnancy is a common condition caused by hormonal changes, weight gain and increased stress on the pelvic joints, leading to discomfort while walking, standing or sleeping.

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Pregnancy leads to sacroiliac joint dysfunctions which primarily involve the condition known as Sacroiliitis. The sacroiliac joint is referred to as the SI joint is the location where the ilium or the upper part of the hip bone and the sacrum, a large triangular bone formed at the base of the spine converge. In pregnancy, these joints begin to inflame due to the increase in mobility. Sacroiliac pain in pregnancy is the number one cause of pregnancy related lower back pain.

Causes of SI Joint Pain During Pregnancy

Pregnancy hormones, mainly relaxin, prepare your body for childbirth by loosening and softening the ligaments that connect your pelvic bones. While necessary for labor, this can be uncomfortable. Here are some common causes of sacroiliac during pregnancy:

• Lifting heavy objects with bad posture.
• Uterus expansion puts extra pressure on the SI joints and lower back.
• Abdominal muscles weaken, which reduces the amount of support to your back.
• Women who have had lower back or pelvis injuries are more prone to SI joint dysfunction and maternity related sacroiliac joint syndrome.

Also remember that women are 8 to 10 times more likely to get SI dysfunction than men because of body chemistry and structure differences.

Symptoms of SI Joint Pain During Pregnancy

Sacroiliac in pregnancy occurs when there is either too much or too little movement within the SI joint, which leads to inflammation and sacroiliitis. The pain from the sacroiliac dysfunction during pregnancy at times can get very sharp during pregnancy, as it often worsens during prolonged sitting, standing, or even walking. Symptoms of sacroiliac dysfunction during pregnancy include:

• Lower back pain: This symptom of sacroiliac during pregnancy can range from dull to sharp and is usually felt on one or both sides of the spine.
• Stiffness: Around the sacroiliac joint, limiting movement.
• Radiating pain: Pain can also radiate to the hips, groin, buttocks, or even abdomen.
• Numbness or tingling: In the legs, often accompanied by weakness.
• Worsening pain with activity: Pain may also worsen with activities like climbing the stairs, running, or any movement that puts additional stress on the SI joint.
• Pelvic instability: A feeling of instability in the pelvis and lower back.

Treatment Options for SI Joint Pain During Pregnancy

Managing sacroiliac pain in pregnancy involves a combination of self-care measures, physical therapy, and, in some cases, medical interventions. Here are some common treatment options for sacroiliac and pregnancy:

• Physical Therapy: Physical therapy often serves as the front-line treatment for sacroiliac dysfunction during pregnancy. The physical therapist will educate you on exercises that strengthen the muscles surrounding the SI joint to improve your posture and help relieve pain.
• Supportive Devices: Wearing a pelvic support belt can help stabilize the SI joint and reduce pain by providing additional support to the pelvic region.
• Heat and Cold Therapy: The application of heat or cold packs to the affected region may help reduce inflammation and, hence, pain.
• Rest and Activity Modification: Symptoms may be managed by resting and avoiding activities that further aggravate the pain. It’s also important to modify movements to reduce stress on the SI joint, like avoiding standing on one leg or lifting heavy things.
• Pregnancy-Safe Medications: Sometimes, your doctor may recommend some pain relievers that are approved during pregnancy for managing severe pain.

How to Prevent SI Joint Pain During Pregnancy

While it may not be possible to completely avoid SI joint problems during pregnancy, some measures can help lessen the chances of developing or reducing the severity of sacroiliac in pregnancy:

• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Gaining only the recommended amount of weight reduces stress on the SI joint.
• Practice Good Posture: Paying attention to your posture as your belly enlarges can decrease the pull on your back and pelvis.
• Strengthen Core Muscles: The strain on the SI joint and pelvis will be less when core muscles are stronger through exercise.
• Use Proper Body Mechanics: When lifting objects, always bend at the knees and avoid twisting movements to protect the SI joint.

 When to See a Doctor for SI Joint Pain During Pregnancy

While mild SI joint pain during pregnancy is common and often improves with rest, certain symptoms should not be ignored. You should consult a spine specialist or obstetrician if the pain becomes severe or starts affecting daily activities. Medical attention is recommended if you experience difficulty walking, standing, or turning in bed due to SI joint pain.

Seek immediate advice if the pain radiates to the legs, is accompanied by numbness or weakness, or worsens despite home care measures like posture correction and physiotherapy. Persistent pain that interferes with sleep or causes instability in the pelvic region may indicate sacroiliac joint dysfunction requiring professional evaluation and guided treatment.

Conclusion

Pregnancy sacroiliac joint pain is fairly common and can be very painful; however, it is effectively treatable with the right approach. If you are suffering from SI joint pain during pregnancy or other signs of pelvic girdle dysfunction during pregnancy, consult your health professional. Doctors at the QI Spine specialize in pregnancy-related sacroiliac dysfunction. Once properly cared for and managed, one can enjoy a healthy pregnancy and get ready to welcome the little one.

SI Joint Pain During Pregnancy – Frequently asked questions