What exactly are SI complaints?
The sacroiliac joints (in full: sacroiliac joints) connect your sacrum to your pelvis. They are small, but incredibly important for your range of motion and stability. If there are SI symptoms, it usually means there is a blockage, irritation or instability in one or both SI joints. As a result, you may suffer from:
- Nagging pain low in the back or buttock
- Radiating pain to the upper leg
- Difficulty sitting or standing for long periods
- Pain when turning or bending
- Feeling of instability in your pelvis
These symptoms are often mistaken for, say, a herniated disc or muscle pain, but really require a different approach.
Symptoms in SI complaints: how to recognise them?
The most common symptoms in SI complaints are:
- Pain on one side of the lower back, often combined with stiffness
- Complaints when getting up from a chair or out of bed
- Difficulty climbing stairs or turning over in bed
What does an osteopath do for SI complaints?
An osteopath does not just look at the spot of pain, but at the whole body. Because often a blockage of the SI joint is the result of something else: for example, pelvic misalignment, scar tissue, a fall on your tailbone or even tension in your abdominal organs. With osteopathic treatment of SI complaints, you can expect this:
- In-depth physical examination, including posture and mobility
- Manual treatment to release blockages
- Working on the causes, such as intestines, muscles or scars
- Advice on posture, exercise and lifestyle
Exercises for SI symptoms: what can you do yourself?
Besides treatment, it is also important to do exercises to strengthen your core and pelvic area. If you do not feel confident about this, it is a good idea to seek help from a physiotherapist.
Some examples of exercises for SI complaints:
- Reclining knee-to-chest stretch
- Pelvic tilt in supine position
- Bridge making (pelvic lift)
- Stabilising exercises on an exercise ball
Are you unsure if osteopathy is for you?
It is understandable that you would like more information before making an appointment. Osteopathy is still relatively unknown to many. Yet it can be a valuable step towards symptom reduction, especially in cases of persistent or unexplained headaches. At an initial consultation, the osteopath discusses your medical history in detail, examines the body and draws up a personalised treatment plan. In doing so, transparency and clear communication are key.
