Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Pain Treatment

Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Pain Treatment Starts Here

The sacroiliac (SI) joint connects the spine to the pelvis and helps transfer force during walking, standing, and lifting. When the SI joint becomes irritated or unstable, it can cause low back pain, buttock pain, and discomfort that may feel similar to sciatica. At Mountain View Pain Center, we help identify what’s driving your symptoms and build a plan to reduce pain and restore comfortable movement.

Common Symptoms of SI Joint Pain

  • Pain on one side of the low back or just below the beltline

  • Buttock pain (often one-sided)

  • Pain that may refer into the groin, hip, or upper thigh

  • Pain that worsens with standing, walking, stairs, or transitioning from sitting to standing

  • Pain with prolonged sitting or driving

  • Tenderness near the back of the pelvis

  • Feeling “stuck,” stiff, or unstable through the pelvis

  • Symptoms that flare after lifting, twisting, or uneven weight-bearing

Common Causes and Risk Factors

  • Pain on one side of the low back or just below the beltline

  • Buttock pain (often one-sided)

  • Pain that may refer into the groin, hip, or upper thigh

  • Pain that worsens with standing, walking, stairs, or transitioning from sitting to standing

  • Pain with prolonged sitting or driving

  • Tenderness near the back of the pelvis

  • Feeling “stuck,” stiff, or unstable through the pelvis

  • Symptoms that flare after lifting, twisting, or uneven weight-bearing

When to Seek Urgent Care
Seek urgent evaluation if you have new or worsening weakness, loss of bowel or bladder control, saddle numbness, severe unrelenting pain after trauma, fever/chills, or rapidly worsening numbness/tingling.

How We Evaluate SI Joint Pain

SI joint pain can overlap with low back pain, hip pain, and sciatica-like symptoms, so we focus on clarifying the source. Your visit may include a review of symptom triggers, movement testing, and assessment of the low back, hips, and pelvis. We may use specific exam maneuvers that help determine whether the SI joint is contributing to your pain. If symptoms include radiating pain, numbness, or tingling, we may also perform a basic neurologic screen. We also check for red flags to determine whether imaging or referral is appropriate.

How We Treat SI Joint Pain

At Mountain View Pain Center, our multidisciplinary team combines evidence-based care to reduce irritation and improve pelvic stability:

Mountain View Pain Center Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Pain Management

Pain Management

Targeted diagnostic injections and image-guided procedures when appropriate to reduce inflammation and help confirm pain sources.

Mountain View Pain Center Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Pain Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy

Movement-based care to improve hip mobility, strengthen the core and glutes, and build pelvic stability for long-term results.

Mountain View Pain Center Chiropractic Care for Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Pain

Chiropractic Care

Hands-on care to support joint mobility and reduce muscle tension, tailored to your symptoms and comfort.

Mountain View Pain Center Acupuncture for Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Pain

Acupuncture

A natural option to support pain relief and relaxation, often combined with your broader plan.

Treatments We Commonly Recommend

  • Core and glute strengthening for pelvic stability

  • Hip mobility work and movement retraining

  • Manual therapy for the low back, hips, and pelvis

  • Posture, gait, and lifting mechanics coaching

  • Graded return-to-activity plan

  • Image-guided SI joint injection (when appropriate)

  • Home program to reduce flare-ups and build consistency

Home Care & Quick Relief

  • Core and glute strengthening for pelvic stability

  • Hip mobility work and movement retraining

  • Manual therapy for the low back, hips, and pelvis

  • Posture, gait, and lifting mechanics coaching

  • Graded return-to-activity plan

  • Image-guided SI joint injection (when appropriate)

  • Home program to reduce flare-ups and build consistency

SI Joint Pain FAQs

  • SI joint pain is often felt on one side of the low back or buttock, sometimes referring into the hip, groin, or upper thigh.

  • Yes. SI joint irritation can refer pain into the buttock and upper leg and may feel similar to sciatica. We evaluate symptoms to determine whether nerves are involved.

  • Diagnosis often involves your symptom pattern, exam findings, and targeted testing. In some cases, an image-guided diagnostic injection can help confirm the SI joint as a pain source.

  • Many people improve with a coordinated plan that builds hip mobility and pelvic stability—often combining PT, chiropractic care, acupuncture, and, when appropriate, pain management procedures.

  • Not always. If your symptoms or exam suggest imaging would help guide care, we’ll recommend the appropriate next step.

  • Often, no. Some insurance plans require a referral or authorization—if you’re unsure, we can help verify.

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