Back Pain in Sports Players - Can it Be Sacro-Iliac Joint Dysfunction?

Many of the football players treated by MiltonTreatment: What Can You Do?
Chiropractic Clinic present to our clinic with Sacro-Iliac• Consult a specialist
pain. Often, pain arising from this joint is misdiagnosed• Rest from aggravating activities
as being a "slipped disc", since the pain caused by the• Wear some support, like a brace or a belt
Sacro-Illiac joint can refer into the leg. But in contrast to• Do light exercises, preferably in a pool
a slipped disc, the pain rarely radiates below the knee.• Use corrective insoles
Typical signs and symptoms of Sacro-Iliac Pain are aChiropractic Care is very effective where normal
dull ache, located at the base of the spine whichSacro Iliac joint movement is 'blocked' and needs to be
intensifies with sitting, bending, lifting and standing uprestored. By restoring movement and unlocking the
from a seated position. Sometimes the pain can referjoint, abnormal stresses on the ligaments around the
to the groin, buttock or the back of the thigh.joint will be removed. Once normal Sacro Iliac joint
The Sacro-Iliac joints are located at the back andmovement has been restored, active rehabilitation
bottom of the spine and consists of Ilium bones andexercises will be introduced. These exercises are very
the Sacrum. The joint surfaces are covered withspecific and will differ for each individual.
articular cartilage and the joints are reinforced by thick,Rest from aggravating activities is of vital importance
strong ligaments, which give the joint great stability.during an acute episode of pain. Ibuprofen, paracetamol
Sacro-Iliac Joint pain can have several causes, but theor aspirin will also give some form of relief and should
one of the most commonest ones is when a personbe considered during the initial stages of pain. Always
lands on one buttock, during a fall. Something notconsult a professional when taking any medication.
uncommon in football! A leg length discrepancy mightCorrective insoles
also create Sacro-Iliac pain.Sacro Iliac Joint Dysfunction can be caused by
Some inflammatory disorders will also produce pain inbiomechanical factors, such as a difference in leg
the Sacro Iliac joint. The general term for theselength or altered leg alignment. These causes must be
disorders is: 'spondyloarthropathies', which simplyaddressed if someone is looking for long term relief.
means a disease that affects the spine. Examples ofCustom made Orthotics can be helpful in these cases.
these conditions are: ankylosing spondylitis, psoriaticIt is very important to differentiate Sacro-Illiac Joint Pain
arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and Reiter'sfrom a slipped disc or a herniated disc, since the
syndrome. The interesting thing about these conditionsmanagement of these conditions differ quite a bit and
for the medical staff is is that they occur especially incan cause a long delay in improvement if treated
young men, aged between 16 and 35. Theseinappropriately. It is therefore of vital importance to
conditions can only be treated with medication, and aconsult a professional when dealing with back
referral to a Consultant Rheumatologist is required.problems.