Sacro-iliac (SI) joint pain is
a commonly misunderstood and underdiagnosed source of lower back discomfort.
According to Dr. Khitish Mohanty, a renowned orthopedic and spine specialist,
sacro-iliac dysfunction can significantly impair a person's quality of life,
but with the right diagnosis and treatment plan, relief is well within reach.
The sacro-iliac joint, located
between the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of the spine) and the ilium
(the uppermost part of the pelvis), plays a crucial role in stabilizing the
spine and transferring weight from the upper body to the lower limbs. When this
joint becomes inflamed or misaligned, it can lead to pain in the lower back,
buttocks, hips, and sometimes down the legs—symptoms often mistaken for
sciatica or lumbar disc issues.
Dr.
Mohanty explains that SI joint pain may arise from various
causes. These include trauma (such as a fall or car accident), pregnancy (due
to hormonal changes and pelvic stress), repetitive stress from sports or heavy
lifting, arthritis, or after spine fusion surgery which increases pressure on
the SI joint. For many patients, the discomfort is persistent and frustrating,
especially when the source of pain isn’t correctly identified.
"One of the biggest
challenges with sacro-iliac joint pain is its tendency to mimic other
conditions," says Dr. Mohanty. "That’s why a thorough evaluation,
including detailed patient history, physical examination, and diagnostic
imaging, is essential."
In some cases, Dr. Mohanty
uses diagnostic injections—injecting a local anesthetic into the SI joint—to
confirm the joint as the pain source. If the injection provides immediate pain
relief, it typically indicates that the SI joint is indeed the culprit.
Once a diagnosis is confirmed,
Dr. Mohanty believes in a comprehensive treatment strategy tailored to the
individual patient. Non-surgical options are usually the first line of
treatment and include:
- Physical Therapy: Focused on strengthening
the core, improving posture, and stabilizing the pelvis.
- Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs
or muscle relaxants can help manage pain and inflammation.
- SI Joint Injections:
Corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation and provide temporary
relief.
- Sacro-iliac Joint Belt: A
supportive belt can reduce joint mobility and alleviate discomfort during
movement.
For patients who don’t respond
to conservative treatment, Dr. Mohanty may recommend minimally invasive
sacro-iliac joint fusion. This procedure involves stabilizing the joint by
inserting implants through a small incision. "It’s a relatively quick
procedure with high success rates and shorter recovery time compared to
traditional surgeries," notes Dr. Mohanty.
Beyond physical treatment, Dr.
Mohanty emphasizes patient education. “Understanding your condition helps you
make informed decisions,” he says. He encourages patients to maintain healthy
lifestyle habits such as regular low-impact exercise, maintaining a healthy
weight, and avoiding prolonged sitting or standing, which can aggravate SI
joint problems.
What sets Dr. Khitish Mohanty
apart is not only his expertise in spine and joint care but also his
patient-centered approach. He believes in listening carefully, diagnosing accurately,
and treating holistically. Many patients under his care report not just
physical relief but renewed confidence in managing their condition.
In conclusion, sacro-iliac
joint pain, though often overlooked, is a real and treatable condition. With experts
like Dr. Khitish Mohanty
leading the way in diagnosis and care, patients have a strong ally in their
journey toward relief and recovery. If you or someone you know is experiencing
unexplained lower back pain, consulting a specialist like Dr. Mohanty could be
the first step toward a pain-free life.