Prime Surgical Blog

Lower Back and Leg Pain? Check your SI Joint

Written by Prime Surgical Suites | December 15, 2020

Pain is one of the most common reasons why people visit the doctor. Even though many people believe that they should simply push through the pain, the reality is that this can make some medical conditions worse.

If you are suffering from lower back or lower leg pain, you are not alone. According to information that was published by Georgetown University, close to 8 percent of all adults are currently suffering from chronic back pain.

Some of the most common causes of lower back pain include paraspinal muscle tenderness, a pinched nerve, and a herniated disc; however, one of the most overlooked causes is an injury of the sacroiliac joint, usually shortened to SI joint. When it comes to lower back and lower leg pain, everyone should be aware of SI joint issues.

 

SI Joint Injuries Are Among the Most Common Causes of Low Back Pain

If you are suffering from low back pain, then it is critical to keep an eye on the SI joint. The main purpose of this joint is to connect a spine to the pelvis. Therefore, this joint plays a major role in weight-bearing movements. If there is an issue with the SI joint, this can make it hard to walk, sit, or even stand. Therefore, it is critical to make an accurate diagnosis as quickly as possible. Even though surgery is not always required to address this problem, it is always better to start the treatment plan sooner rather than later. That way, if surgery is required, patients are able to recover more quickly.

 

Making an Accurate Diagnosis of Lower Back and Leg Pain

Unfortunately, it can be challenging to correctly diagnose SI joint dysfunction. Therefore, it is not unusual for us to see patients who have gone through several incorrect diagnoses before we arrive at an SI joint issue. For this reason, it is critical for you to rely on trained experts.

At Prime Surgical Suites, our team takes a thorough, individualized approach to every diagnosis. First, we start with a thorough history and physical exam to make sure that we are not missing anything. After this, we may use ancillary Imaging modalities such as an x-ray, CT scan, MRI, or even a bone scan. We want to make sure that we have all of the information before we provide you with a treatment plan.

 

Pain Relief Without Surgery

Even though we specialize in orthopedic surgery, we never recommend this unless we believe it is absolutely necessary. We will start low and go slow. We could use heat and cold applications, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy. In some situations, comprehensive rehabilitation that has been tailored to meet the needs of the individual can help someone avoid the operating room. That is why we only use surgery as a last resort.

 

The iFuse Implant System

At Prime Surgical Suites, when we believe surgery is necessary on the SI Joint, we use something called the iFuse Implant System. Our trained surgeons will walk you through the process. We will make sure that we answer all of your questions before the procedure begins.

Our orthopedic surgeons have an unparalleled level of training and experience. We stay up-to-date on the latest best practices in our field because we believe this allows us to provide you with the best care possible.

When you undergo surgery on your SI joint at Prime Surgical Suites, you will recover in the comfort of your own home. Our care doesn't stop when you leave the operating room. We will also provide you with a physical therapy plan that has been tailored to meet your exact needs. That way, you will recover as quickly and as comprehensively as possible.

 

Contact Prime Surgical Suites Today for Lower Back and Leg Pain

Are you struggling with lower back and leg pain? Is this impacting your ability to go through your daily routine? Experience counts and at Prime Surgical Suites, we leverage every ounce of our experience to help you with your lower back and leg pain. We will provide you with safe, convenient, and predictable results. Even if you need surgery, you will be able to recover in the comfort of your own home. Contact us today to make an appointment with a member of our team!

 

At Prime Surgical Suites, we provide state-of-the-art, cost-effective musculoskeletal surgical care in a convenient and comfortable outpatient setting for patients of all ages. Located in RiverCrest Medical Park, we are the region's first outpatient center focused exclusively on orthopedics. Our physician-led center will help restore your active lifestyle and well-being with compassion and orthopedic excellence.