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What are the Different Sacroiliac Symptoms?

Rebecca Freshour
Rebecca Freshour

The sacroiliac joints connect the lower spine to the pelvic bones. Together, they support the entire weight of the upper body when in an erect position and act as a sort of shock absorber for the spine. When the sacroiliac joints are injured or under duress, there are several different symptoms that may present themselves, including low back pain and stiffness on either side or both. Severe cases may result in pain radiating down through the hips and thighs, even as far down as the knees.

Many sacroiliac symptoms a person may experience can also be related to other medical issues, making a diagnosis difficult at times. The most prominent of these is pain the lower back, the back of the hips, and in the groin and thigh areas. Pain usually worsens when the person is standing or walking, but may seem to improve while lying down.

Pain in the lower back could indicate sacroiliac injury.
Pain in the lower back could indicate sacroiliac injury.

Sacroiliac pain can be located on either side of the back — or both sides — and can feel like anything from a dull ache to a sharp pain that can restrict movement. In rare, severe cases, the pain can move to the lower limbs and into the knee, ankle, or foot areas. At times, the discomfort may seem to radiate out into the buttock or lower back and around to the front into the groin area. The condition also can cause testicular pain in males.

The sacroiliac joints are located in a pair at the base of the spine, where it meets the pelvic bones.
The sacroiliac joints are located in a pair at the base of the spine, where it meets the pelvic bones.

Other symptoms include difficulty putting on socks and shoes and pain in the legs when getting into or out of a vehicle. Stiffness in or around the lower back area often occurs when sitting for long periods of time and when getting up from bed after a nap or a night's sleep. Though it may be more comfortable to sit on the affected area when having sacroiliac pain, traveling long distances can cause a deep aching sensation in one side of the back.

Sacroiliac issues may make it difficult for some people to stand, walk and move without pain.
Sacroiliac issues may make it difficult for some people to stand, walk and move without pain.

Sacroiliac symptoms can often mirror some sciatica symptoms and therefore may be misdiagnosed. Some of the symptoms that these two conditions share include numbness, tingling, and burning sensations. Forward bending can be difficult and painful when standing, but may improve once seated. Muscle spasms can also occur in both situations.

If a person experiences pain associated with the sacroiliac joints, he or she should seek the advice of a medical professional. Recording the symptoms and how often they occur can help the healthcare provider make a proper diagnosis. The association between these symptoms and those of other medical conditions may mean that more than one visit is needed to pinpoint what may be causing the pain.

Discussion Comments

anon334264

I have been having this pain in the left buttock radiating to the left side of left lower limb. This happens only when I sleep in the night and get up in the morning, or post my after noon naps.

I am a 60 year old male. I have no back pain or any pain in the lumbar or around the spine rt from the neck till the end of spine. I have taken Hifenac RM and nurokind P for a week and found relief. But has started again. It's acute only when I get up post sleep. Advise please!

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    • Pain in the lower back could indicate sacroiliac injury.
      By: Maridav
      Pain in the lower back could indicate sacroiliac injury.
    • The sacroiliac joints are located in a pair at the base of the spine, where it meets the pelvic bones.
      By: Vladislav Gurfinkel
      The sacroiliac joints are located in a pair at the base of the spine, where it meets the pelvic bones.
    • Sacroiliac issues may make it difficult for some people to stand, walk and move without pain.
      By: Monkey Business
      Sacroiliac issues may make it difficult for some people to stand, walk and move without pain.
    • Individuals who experience sacroiliac symptoms should consult with a doctor.
      By: Burlingham
      Individuals who experience sacroiliac symptoms should consult with a doctor.
    • Muscle spasms can occur when the sacroiliac joints are under duress.
      By: Hemeroskopion
      Muscle spasms can occur when the sacroiliac joints are under duress.
    • Sacroiliac symptoms may include pelvic pain.
      By: BlueSkyImages
      Sacroiliac symptoms may include pelvic pain.
    • Testicular pain may be a part of sacroiliac symptoms.
      By: GordonGrand
      Testicular pain may be a part of sacroiliac symptoms.