The sacroiliac (SI) joints sit where the base of the spine meets the pelvis, one on each side. They move very little, but they carry the load between your upper body and your legs. When one is irritated or moving poorly, the pain is usually felt on one side of the low back or in the buttock.
What SI Joint Pain Feels Like
- An ache or sharp pain on one side of the low back, often just beside the base of the spine
- Deep pain in the buttock that can spread to the hip, groin or back of the thigh
- Pain that is worse standing up from a chair, climbing stairs, rolling over in bed, or standing on one leg
- Stiffness first thing in the morning that eases as you move
Pain that travels below the knee, or comes with numbness or tingling in the foot, more often points to a nerve problem. That is one reason the exam matters.
Why It Gets Mistaken for Sciatica and Disc Problems
The SI joint sits close to the lower spine and the sciatic nerve, so the symptoms overlap. A disc problem, sciatica, a hip problem and plain low back pain can all feel similar. Treating the wrong one wastes weeks. Only an examination can tell them apart.
Common Causes
- Pregnancy and the months after, when ligaments loosen and the pelvis carries a changing load
- A fall or a car accident, sometimes with no pain until days later (see auto accident care)
- Repeated one-sided loading from a job, a sport, or always standing on the same leg
- Wear and arthritis in the joint over time
- Problems elsewhere in the low back, hip or knee that change the way you walk
How Dr. Hansen Approaches It
The first step is working out whether the SI joint really is the source. Dr. Hansen takes your history, watches how you move, and uses hands-on tests that stress the joint. He takes x-rays when he needs to see the structure. You get his findings in plain language before any care starts.
Care is drug-free. It usually centers on specific adjustments to restore normal motion at the joint and the spine around it. For people who prefer a gentler approach, an instrument adjustment is available. Where soft tissue around the joint seems involved, SoftWave therapy may be discussed after the exam. If the exam points somewhere else, Dr. Hansen will say so.
When to Get Medical Care Right Away
Do not wait for a chiropractic appointment if back or pelvic pain comes with loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, leg weakness that is getting worse, a fever, or severe pain after a fall or accident. Go to an emergency room or call your doctor first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a chiropractor help with SI joint pain?
Chiropractors commonly evaluate and treat SI joint problems. Dr. Hansen examines first to confirm the joint is the source, then recommends care or tells you if you need to see someone else. Call (631) 321-5400 to book.
Is SI joint pain the same as sciatica?
No, though they can feel alike. SI joint pain is usually one-sided and sits low in the back or buttock. Sciatica is nerve pain that often runs down the leg, sometimes below the knee. An exam shows which one you have, or whether it is both. More on sciatica.
How do I know if my pain is from the SI joint?
You cannot tell reliably on your own. Pain on one side that is worse getting out of a chair or climbing stairs fits the pattern, but a disc, hip or muscle problem can do the same. The hands-on tests in an exam are what separate them.
Does insurance cover care for SI joint pain?
Most plans cover chiropractic visits, and the front desk verifies your benefits for free before your first visit. See Insurance & Medicare for the plans we accept.
Published 2026-11-07. This page is general information, not medical advice. Individual results vary.
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