Sacroiliitis is an inflammation of one or both of the joints that connect the lower spine to the pelvis. It is characterized by extreme pain and severely restricted range of motion, and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, skin conditions, and diarrhea. Most patients seek treatment for this condition as soon as symptoms begin to manifest, because sacroiliitis is very painful. Diagnosing sacroiliitis can be difficult and is sometimes confused with general low back pain and other conditions that can cause back pain. Diagnostic tests to rule out other conditions can sometimes be expensive, but they are well worth the expense.
The condition occurs when the sacroiliac joint between the sacrum, base, or spine, and the ilium, or pelvic bone, becomes inflamed or infected. It can be caused by a number of factors, including trauma to the region, pregnancy, skin infections, osteomyelitis, arthritis, urinary tract infections, intravenous drug abuse, and endocarditis. Infectious skin and blood conditions, when left untreated, can sometimes spread to the sacroiliac joint, which is normally protected from the elements by a thick layer of ligaments and fibrous tissue. People who are experiencing infections such as endocarditis should be sure to take their medications as directed to prevent the infection from spreading.
The sacroiliac joint is a crucial part of the human anatomy. Joint motion tends to be limited when the body is under normal conditions, as it is the focus of stability that allows humans to walk upright. Sacroiliitis can make it impossible to walk or move, which can further complicate an accurate diagnosis, as the patient is sometimes unable to tolerate routine examination. If a patient is experiencing the symptoms associated with sacroiliitis and is experiencing one of the risk factors, she should tell a doctor about it during the exam.
If sacroiliitis is caused by an infection, a blood culture may reveal this. A doctor may also use X-rays and MRI as diagnostic tools. Sacroiliitis is usually treated with rest, corticosteroids, general anti-inflammatories, and physical therapy. If left untreated, sacroiliitis can lead to serious problems with the sacroiliac joint, especially if it's caused by an infection. In some cases, the infection can also spread to other parts of the body, causing serious medical complications. Back pain should always be addressed immediately, as it can be a symptom of a major medical problem.