If you’re struggling with persistent lower back pain or sciatica despite treatment, an undiagnosed issue could be preventing your recovery. Many people try physical therapy, chiropractic care, massage therapy, medications, or even injections without lasting relief—often because the root cause hasn’t been properly identified.

The Overlooked Cause of Back Pain: SI Joint Dysfunction

One of the most commonly missed contributors to lower back pain and sciatica is the sacroiliac (SI) joint, located at the base of the spine near the pelvis. While X-rays or MRIs can show the joint itself, they can’t determine if it’s functioning correctly. SI joint dysfunction affects people of all ages, from teenagers to older adults, and can mimic other conditions like herniated discs or arthritis.

Because the symptoms of SI joint dysfunction often overlap with other back-related conditions, it’s easy for this issue to go undiagnosed. However, recognizing the subtle differences in symptoms can help identify whether the SI joint is the true source of pain.

Recognizing the Signs of SI Joint Dysfunction

SI joint issues often present symptoms similar to lower back pain and sciatica, including:

• Pain, numbness, or tingling in the lower back, hips, groin, or down the leg
• Discomfort when sitting for long periods
• Pain when changing positions (e.g., getting in and out of a chair or bed)
• Increased pain with twisting or certain movements

Because these symptoms can be mistaken for other conditions, a trained physical therapist must perform specific assessments to determine if the SI joint is the underlying cause.

Why SI Joint Dysfunction Is Often Overlooked

Many people assume their pain is due to herniated discs, arthritis, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease—and while those conditions can contribute, they may not be the sole issue. In fact, many patients who improve significantly with treatment for a herniated disc still experience lingering pain. In these cases, an undiagnosed SI joint problem could be the missing piece.

Finding the Right Treatment for Lasting Relief

If your lower back pain or sciatica hasn’t fully resolved, your SI joint may be the missing piece of the puzzle. A skilled physical therapist can perform targeted tests to determine if SI joint dysfunction is contributing to your pain and create a personalized treatment plan to restore proper function.

If other treatments haven’t worked, contact us today at 865-392-1033 to schedule an evaluation and start your journey toward lasting relief.