Is there any hope is SI joint pain will improve?

Posted by audrey5449 @audrey5449, Dec 3, 2023

I am despondent that the SI joint pain is not going to improve. I have been doing physical therapy and had shots last week. My pain is still severe. Is there options other than shots that will help with the pain? I have not been able to lie in a bed for over two years because to stretch out on my back makes the pain unbearable. Not allowed inside because of kidney disease. I'm not sure if I should limit my activities or if I should push through the pain. Can someone please tell me what to expect and/or what I need to do to help myself.

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I see chiropractors for the SI joint. It is a simple quick adjustment with immediate relief. It doesn't last.
But, when your SI joint is out of it's groove it pinches the myriad nerves in the low back. It throws your whole body from levity, because then one leg is shorter.
My challengeable opinion is that when you push your self with this imbalance you are training your muscles to hold the pattern.
There are newer small devices to fuse the SI joint, which I wouldn't advise.
Once the joint is returned to it's normal groove, there are exercises to rehabilitate the ligaments and strenghthen the muscles.
Some PTs have a special training to do the intensity 5 thrust adjustment, but they don't do them often and I've never had a good SI adjustment from physcial therapy. They also are not great at recognizing the dislocation because no matter how great your pain the that dislocation is very small.
I've not had a bad SI from a chiropractor. But some are better than others.
It is such small things that can ruin our lives.
Best wishes

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I was doing physical therapy for a few months and also chiropractor. The chiropractor helps me more. I do exercises before I get out of bed to try to relieve my pain. I just got a roller walker with a seat, it really helps but the problem is getting it in and out of the car when I have to go somewhere.naproxen helps my pain but the doctor does not want me taking it due to the stomach issues so once in a while I take one with food.Look up online exercises to help with SI joint.A good chiropractor will help,but need several visits,then keep up with exercises.good luck to you.

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My daughter id PT for 10 years of misery with SI joint pain. She finally had PRP- platelet rich plasma- treatment and was literally better in 24 hours. She is going back for another after 7 years.

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Hi audrey5449
As I read your post, I am lying on my bed on an ice pack. I have 3 that I can rotate.
I find relief by lying on my back with my legs elevated.
Of course, we have to find what works for each person.
I smashed my S.I joint and fractured my sacrum in violent incident with a violent patient 30 years ago! Hazards if being a nurse!
Now I have arthritis in the joint I have been wondering the same thing as yourself... "is it possible to regain normal function? And what will help as the joint worsens?"
Now on top of everything else I have, it is a real discouragement.
The exercises I learned many years ago, are still the same, and I do those.. but not during a flare. This is the first flare in over 2 years, and it has been a 'dosey.' Had the shot 10 days ago but now it seems I have reached the level of benefit its going to give this time.
So thank you for your question, I am interested in the various answers.
My specialist was surprisingly silent on the issue, which is ominous. 😮
I'd like to squeeze in a bottle of Krazy glue to hold things together!
So I am sending my best to you; may you find some relief especially at this time of year.
Hope we willsee some possible help from our Connect Buddies!
(I'm off to get another ice pack)

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Has anyone tried the 'sacroloc' belt to support the pelvis and S.I. joints?

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@thisoldewe my daughter tried the belt for quite awhile. Again, look into PRP. It was suggested by MGH and Spaulding Rehab so not "out there" but still considered experimental by insurance. It works for certain cases and is worth looking into. It basically tightens the joint. Blood is taken out, spun to concentrate the platelets, and then injected in the joint.

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Have you looked into surgical fusion of the SI joint? There are orthopedic surgeons around the country that do the fusions with good success. It is a minimally invasive procedure. Do some research and perhaps find a doctor near you for a consultation.

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@windyshores

@thisoldewe my daughter tried the belt for quite awhile. Again, look into PRP. It was suggested by MGH and Spaulding Rehab so not "out there" but still considered experimental by insurance. It works for certain cases and is worth looking into. It basically tightens the joint. Blood is taken out, spun to concentrate the platelets, and then injected in the joint.

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Thank you so much for taking the time to answer. I will definitely check this out.

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@westcom

Have you looked into surgical fusion of the SI joint? There are orthopedic surgeons around the country that do the fusions with good success. It is a minimally invasive procedure. Do some research and perhaps find a doctor near you for a consultation.

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Thank you westcom, I appreciate your recommendation.
Yes, I certainly will look into this.
Thank you!

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I have SI joint pain that makes it really difficult to move. I recently had a steroid injection into the SI joint and it has helped reduce the pain considerably.

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