In order to learn about SI joint pain, you have to know what sacroiliac or SI joints are first.
These joints connect the sacrum to the left and right iliac (pelvic) bones respectively.
The sacrum is the triangular bone at the lower end of the lumbar spine.
It is basically the bone connecting the spine with the pelvis.
Most of the vertebrae of the spinal column are mobile, but this is not the case with the 5 ones that make up the sacrum.
These are actually fused together so they do not move.
The two iliac bones are connected together to make up the pelvis.
They are large and mostly flat.
Simply put, the these joints connect the spine to the pelvis.
The sacrum and the iliac bones, known together as ileum, are connected with a set of very strong and relatively tight ligaments.
They do not move a lot.
Most of the motion in the pelvic area is around the hips and the lower end of the spine.
The job of these joints is to provide adequate support to the body when it is in an erect position.
It is natural for your own weight to exert substantial pressure on these joints.
As a result, the cartilage of the SI joints is subject to considerable wearing.
This may lead to inflammation and consequently pain.
It is worth looking into SI joint dysfunction, SI joint pain and SI joint syndrome in greater detail.
It should be pointed out that there are other names given to these problems.
These are SI joint strain and SI joint inflammation.
Each one of these terms actually describes a single condition that affects one or both of these joints.
What are the causes of this condition? A detailed explanation is necessary for this question to be answered.
Just like all other joints in the body, they have a layer of cartilage that covers the ends of the bones that are joined together.
The purpose of this cartilage is to absorb the shock exercised on the bones during movement.
Basically, it helps the bones to work effectively and to stay protected.
At one point, the cartilage may get damaged or worn out completely.
In this case, the bone starts rubbing against one another.
The condition is called osteoarthritis also known as degenerative arthritis.
The inflammation of the joint and the rubbing of the bones against one another naturally cause severe SI joint pain or dysfunction.
It is common for degenerative arthritis to affect these joints due to their role as weight bearing joints.
Pregnancy may also cause pain or dysfunction.
There are changes in the amounts of hormones released in the body.
These changes occur naturally so that the body prepares for child birth.
They cause relaxation of the ligaments.
The relaxation of the ligaments holding the SI joints together affects adversely their weight and pressure bearing capacity.
The higher stress on the joints speeds up the natural wearing process.
The walking pattern of pregnant women increases the pressure on the joints and makes the problem worse.