Sacroiliac Joint Pain – Bromley Sports Injury Clinic

Key Points

Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain occurs where the spine meets the pelvis.
Symptoms overlap with sciatica, hip arthritis, or lumbar disc problems, making diagnosis tricky.
Common in runners, lifters, new mothers, and people with hypermobility or postural issues.
At Bromley Sports Injury Clinic we provide expert assessment, rehab, and tailored treatment plans.

What is Sacroiliac Joint Pain?

The sacroiliac joints connect the base of the spine (sacrum) to the pelvis.

They act as shock absorbers between the spine and hips, but can become painful if irritated, inflamed, or unstable.

Symptoms

Localised pain in the lower back, buttock, or groin
Pain on one side, sometimes both
Discomfort when standing, walking, or climbing stairs
Pain aggravated by turning in bed or prolonged sitting/standing
Sometimes mimics sciatica (leg pain, tingling), but usually doesn’t extend below the knee

Causes & Risk Factors

Trauma (falls, car accidents, lifting injuries)
Pregnancy & postnatal changes (ligament laxity)
Hypermobility or inflammatory conditions (e.g. ankylosing spondylitis)
Repetitive sports loading (running, lifting, twisting)
Postural imbalances or leg length differences

Diagnosis at Bromley Sports Injury Clinic

Because SIJ pain mimics other causes of back pain, accurate diagnosis is key.

Osteopathic assessment – movement testing, joint provocation, postural review
Differential diagnosis – ruling out sciatica, piriformis syndrome, hip arthritis
Diagnostic ultrasound – not for the SIJ itself, but useful to exclude hip or gluteal pathology
Referral for MRI – if inflammatory arthritis or structural changes suspected

Self-Help for SIJ Pain

Gentle stretching of hips and lower back
Core strengthening to stabilise the pelvis
Avoid prolonged standing on one leg or uneven weight bearing
Use a pillow between knees when lying on your side
Warm compresses for stiffness, ice for acute flare-ups

Treatment Options at Bromley Sports Injury Clinic

✅ Osteopathic treatment – mobilisation, soft tissue therapy, pelvic alignment techniques
✅ Exercise rehabilitation – core and glute strengthening to stabilise SIJ
✅ Sports massage – easing tension in surrounding muscles (glutes, hamstrings, lumbar spine)
✅ Bracing or taping – temporary support in pregnancy or instability
✅ Referral pathways – rheumatology if inflammatory arthritis suspected

Prevention

Maintain strong glutes and core to support pelvic stability
Avoid sudden increases in running mileage or heavy lifting without preparation
Postnatal rehab to restore stability after pregnancy
Correct postural imbalances and leg length issues
Regular stretching of hips and lower back

FAQs – Sacroiliac Joint Pain

Q: How do I know if it’s SIJ pain or sciatica?
SIJ pain is usually localised to the buttock or groin and rarely extends below the knee. Sciatica often radiates further down the leg.

Q: Can SIJ pain be picked up on a scan?
Ultrasound isn’t ideal for the joint itself, but it can rule out hip or muscular causes. MRI may show inflammation in more complex cases.

Q: Is SIJ pain common in pregnancy?
Yes. Hormonal changes increase ligament laxity, making the joint more vulnerable.

Q: Can SIJ pain go away on its own?
Mild cases often improve with activity modification and rehab, but persistent cases benefit from targeted treatment.

Book Your Appointment

Don’t let pelvic or lower back pain hold you back. Book your sacroiliac joint pain assessment in Bromley today for clarity, diagnosis, and a tailored recovery plan.

📍 Bromley Sports Injury Clinic | Same-week appointments available

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