Spine, Back & Neck
SI Joint Dysfunction
Pain around the back of the pelvis where the sacrum meets the pelvic bones.
Also called: Sacroiliac joint dysfunction, Pelvic joint dysfunction.
The sacroiliac joints sit either side of the base of the spine and transfer load between the trunk and the legs. When they are not moving symmetrically, people often describe a deep, one-sided ache near the belt line that can refer into the buttock or groin.
It can follow a specific event, such as a fall or awkward twist, or develop gradually, particularly during and after pregnancy or with repetitive single-sided loading such as always carrying a bag on one shoulder.
Why this matters
Standing on one leg, climbing stairs, getting out of a car and rolling over in bed are the activities people most often mention, because each one loads the pelvis unevenly.
Because the SI joints connect directly to both the spine and the legs, ongoing asymmetry here can influence how the low back and hips are working as well.
The brain & nervous-system connection
Where the nervous system fits in
The pelvis is a major source of position information for the brain. Asymmetric load and movement there frequently accompany altered balance and altered muscle timing through the hips and low back.
Evaluation includes how symmetrically the pelvis is moving and loading, along with the muscle groups that support it, since these often shift together with the joint itself.
What we look at
We look for patterns, not a single test
- Detailed health history and consultation
- NeuroInfiniti Stress Response Evaluation
- Posture and movement
- Balance and coordination testing
- Eye movement or neurological screening when appropriate
- Grip or motor-function testing when appropriate
- Palpation and spinal function
- Other examination procedures based on the individual
Not every person receives every test. What we perform depends on your history, your age and what the examination shows as we go.
Scope of care
What this does — and doesn't — mean
What we do
- • We evaluate chiropractic and musculoskeletal function.
- • We look at nervous-system-related functional findings that fall within our scope.
- • We assess movement, balance and coordination findings.
- • We measure stress-response patterns with the NeuroInfiniti evaluation.
- • We make individualized chiropractic care recommendations and re-measure over time.
What we don't claim
- • We do not diagnose, treat or cure diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a treatment for dementia, Alzheimer's disease or other neurological diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a replacement for medical care, testing or medication.
- • No outcome is promised. Results vary from person to person.
Common questions
- Will I be adjusted on the first visit?
- Generally no. The first visit is an evaluation visit. Dr. Geran reviews the findings and makes recommendations at the follow-up visit.
- Do I need imaging before I come in?
- Not usually. If your history or examination suggests imaging is needed, we will say so and help arrange the right next step.
When medical evaluation may be needed
Some symptoms need medical evaluation first. If anything in your history or examination suggests that, we will say so and help point you in the right direction.
Related at Foothills Chiropractic
- Low Back Pain & Sciatica — Low back pain is common, but the place that hurts is not always where the problem is being driven from.
- Back Pain — One of the most common reasons people look for a chiropractor — and rarely as simple as one sore muscle.
- Cervical Disc Herniation — Disc change in the neck, sometimes with arm symptoms.
- Cervical Spondylosis — Age-related change in the neck joints and discs, often seen on imaging.
Think Foothills Chiropractic might be right for you?
Start Here walks you through what the process looks like, so you can decide whether taking the next step makes sense for you.