The heavy burden of SI joint pain

By George N. True II

Do you suffer from pain that affects the lower back or buttocks? Does it spread to the legs, groin, and feet? Are you pregnant or were you previously injured in a motor vehicle accident? If you answered “yes” to these questions, chances are you’re suffering from sacroiliitis or SI joint pain, a common cause of chronic lower back pain that affects an estimated 10 million people in America alone.

SI joint pain is the inflammation of one or both of the sacroiliac joints. These joints connect the lower spine and pelvis and are made up of the sacrum (the bony structure above the tailbone) and ilium (the top part of the pelvis).

SI joint dysfunction was first diagnosed in the early 1900s, but many people still have it today. While no one knows the exact number of people who are suffering from sacrum pain, it is seen in 15% of patients who visit outpatient clinics.

The high cost of sacroiliac joint pain

What’s clear about SI joint pain is the condition has a significant impact on the quality of life and is a heavy burden for most patients. In their 2014 book “Sacroiliac Joint Pain”, Marc A. Raj of the Bodor Clinic, George Ampat of the University of Liverpool, and Matthew Varacallo of Penn Highlands Healthcare System said the total annual cost for treating chronic lower back pain exceeded $100 billion with patients spending as much as $8,000 yearly for treatments. That figure has increased to $200 billion, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.

In another book, “Sacroiliac Joint Pain: Burden of Disease”, Daniel Cher of SI-BONE, Inc., David Polly of the University of Minnesota, and Sigurd Berven of the University of California said that chronic lower back pain is a significant public health problem with an estimated 83 million well years of life lost yearly because of ill health, disability, or early death.

The authors revealed that lower back pain is an important issue that is more taxing than cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. They added that it is one of the top three causes of disability.

Of the many types of low back pain, SI joint pain is common and the sacroiliac joint is known to be the main source of the problem in several patients.

 

Celebrities with sacroiliac pain

Sacrum pain can affect anyone and this problem can be found in people from different walks of life. No one is immune from it, not even these celebrities:

1. George Clooney

Clooney, an award-winning actor and one of the sexiest men in Hollywood, underwent numerous spinal surgeries to deal with sacroiliitis. His ordeal started when his spine was injured after doing a stunt in the geopolitical thriller “Syriana” for which he won an Academy Award.

2. Charlize Theron

Named by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world, Theron fell while shooting the science fiction action movie, “Aeon Flux”. She had to undergo corrective surgery when the right side of her body became numb and she wore a neck brace for a month.

3. Usain Bolt

Considered the greatest sprinter of all time, Bolt was an eight-time Olympic gold medalist despite having scoliosis. To treat his condition, he took a break from running in 2010 and sought medical help. He made a triumphant return to the Rio Olympics in 2016.

4. John F. Kennedy

Kennedy was the 35^th president of the United States who served during the Cold War. Before assuming office, he was active in athletics. This triggered his sacrum pain which required surgery.

 

Sacroiliitis symptoms

How do you know if you have SI joint dysfunction? Pain is a common symptom of sacroiliitis that can be felt in the lower back, buttocks, groin, and hips. This can extend to one or both legs and can be aggravated by:

• Bending forward
• Carrying a lot of weight on one leg
• Climbing stairs or a hill
• Menstruation
• Prolonged sitting, standing, or lying
• Rising from a seated position
• Running
• Taking large strides

What kind of pain does SI joint dysfunction cause? This has been described as a dull, aching or sharp, stabbing pain that gets worse with movement. In others, there is frequent urination and numbness, prickling, or a tingling sensation. If the pain is disabling, people with sacroiliac joint pain can suffer from insomnia and depression. (Read the second part of this series on Wednesday for the causes of sacroiliac joint pain. Don’t miss it!)

For questions, email georgenavatrue@yahoo.com.