What Is Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction?
The sacroiliac (SI) joints sit on either side of the bone that connects the spine to the pelvis, also known as the sacrum. Problems can develop when the SI joint moves too much, too little, or unevenly, leading to irritation within the joint or strain on the surrounding ligaments. This is what we refer to as sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
SI joint dysfunction can develop for a variety of reasons, including injury, repetitive stress, differences in leg length, or changes in the body related to pregnancy. Whatever the cause, our team at the Center for Regenerative Sports & Spine Care offers comprehensive care for patients living with pain or stiffness from SI joint dysfunction. Led by Dr. Mairin Jerome, an experienced physiatrist with training in interventional orthopedics, we specialize in nonsurgical joint treatments to help Atlanta, GA-area patients reduce daily pain and restore function.
If you're struggling with SI joint pain and looking for alternatives to surgery, reach out to the Center for Regenerative Sports & Spine Care to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jerome and learn more about your treatment options.
Learn more about SI joint dysfunction and other back and neck conditions we treat in Atlanta, GA.
How Do You Treat SI Joint Dysfunction?
During your initial consultation, Dr. Jerome will talk with you about your symptoms and gently examine the hip area around the SI joint to identify the source of your pain. She may also order x-rays to assess the SI joints for inflammation or other signs of damage.
Treatment for SI joint dysfunction at the Center for Regenerative Sports & Spine Care focuses on strengthening support around the joint and improving how it moves. Based on your injury, Dr. Jerome might recommend shockwave therapy, targeted pain injections, or regenerative injections (such as platelet-rich plasma or bone marrow aspirate concentrate), all performed in-office at our Atlanta, GA practice. Before moving forward, she'll explain what you can expect from your treatment and how it works.
Depending on your needs, we may also recommend strategies you can use at home to help stabilize your spine and limit the impact of SI joint dysfunction on your day. This might include physical therapy, gentle stretches, or wearing a brace or belt to help support the joints.
What Are the Benefits of Treatment for SI Joint Dysfunction?
An estimated 15 – 30% of adults with chronic low back pain suffer from some form of sacroiliac joint dysfunction. If you've noticed pain in your lower back or legs, especially during physical activity or after sitting for a long time, you might be living with this condition. Our nonsurgical treatments for SI joint dysfunction at the Center for Regenerative Sports & Spine Care can help create a more stable and comfortable foundation for movement, offering benefits such as:
- Reducing pain in the lower back, buttock, or pelvic region during movement
- Improving comfort while sitting, standing, walking, or climbing stairs
- Restoring more balanced movement between the spine and pelvis
- Reducing strain on surrounding muscles and supporting ligaments
- Helping the joint feel more stable during weight-bearing activity
- Improving tolerance for longer periods of activity without flare-ups
- Decreasing irritation caused by uneven or restricted joint motion
- Supporting better posture and movement mechanics throughout the lower body
- Making daily activities feel smoother and more comfortable
Center for Regenerative Sports & Spine Care Reviews
Dr Jerome is incredibly thorough and knowledgeable! She took time to speak with me about all treatment options and how to eliminate my pain. She not only got me moving again, she got my life back! I highly, unequivocally recommend Dr Jerome!
I met with Dr. Jerome after experiencing difficulties with stiffness in my back and legs which was creating difficulty walking. Prior to meeting with Dr. Jerome I met with several doctors including a Neurologist who diagnosed me with spinal stenosis and suggested trying some PT but was told there wasn't anything that could be done and this will be your new normal. I had a friend recommend seeing Dr. Jerome for a second opinion after the success he saw with his daughters and wife who had their own issues and their success. Dr. Jerome met with me and spent well over an hour evaluating my X-Rays and MRI's and determined the root cause and said that there wasn't any reason for my issues to be my new normal! She conducted 2 surgeries using my own blood platelets which improved my mobility and my life drastically! During that same evolution she identified an issue with my hip which had deteriorated and was developing bone spurs (no other doctor caught or identified that issue) she said that the damaged hip was beyond anything she could do to repair and suggested seeing a surgeon for a 2nd opinion. She was right and I recently had my hip replaced! In closing I have to say that in my 58 years of life I have never met with a doctor who spent as much time and focus with me in order to try and improve my circumstances and my life. Dr. Jerome in my opinion is the best doctor I have ever interacted with! I would highly recommend her to any friend, family member, or anyone for that matter! Any patient with the good fortune of having Dr. Jerome in their corner will be blessed with someone who truly cares for them and is the best at what she does! Forever grateful! Rob Edgeton West Des Moines, IA.
On Feb 20, 2023, I had my first appointment with Dr Mairin Jerome at Regenexx in Des Moines IA and on March 27, 2023. I was impressed by her inquiries into my health, she examined my knee, finding the pain areas with her hands and used a ultra sound to get a better idea of my knee. (It was so very different then my Ortho physician who took x-rays and stood across the room and told me I needed two complete knee replacements and when did I want to schedule it, I felt like I’d been hit by a 2 x 4). I had platelets a prolotherapy injection; into my R knee and lower back. I was amazed after two days I had low to no pain, I only used only two pain pills. I was told what every step of the procedure was and asked if I understood, Dr Jerome called that evening to check on how I was doing, I felt supported and she knew what was going on with my PT on my follow up visit. Dr Jerome went above and beyond what she needed to do to make me comfortable. On Sept 20, 2023 I had a stem cell procedure done on my L knee and it went as easily as the first procedure. There were extra stem cells so she put them into my L hip, sweet! Again, I feel Dr Jerome took that extra measure of patient care. I am sensitive to medications and usually take half of what is prescribed, she ‘listens’ and prescribed my pain meds in a smaller dose so that I didn’t have to deal with breaking pills up. For me it’s the little gestures that make a doctor great. Dr Jerome is an excellent doctor, I and many others in Des Moines, will miss her as she goes back east to practice. Kathleen McLean (age 73)
Dr. Jerome got to the root of my issues was able to treat my spine comprehensibly. Enjoyed her humor and patience with my veins! Very sad to see her leave Des Moines!
Dr. Jerome is very professional, attentive and caring. She takes the time to listen not only with her ears but her eyes and heart as well. She noted symptoms I didn't realize I had. She provided personal follow-ups, not just relying on her staff, and supplied emotional support when I felt my issues were crashing down around me. There are not enough words to properly thank you, Dr. Jerome, for all you have done for my knees, back, neck and hands.
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Find Relief from Lower Back Pain
The sacroiliac joints are small, but the work they do is crucial for supporting balance and motion in your day-to-day life. If you're suffering from SI joint dysfunction and live in the Atlanta, GA area, our team at the Center for Regenerative Sports & Spine Care is here to help. Schedule a consultation and exam with Dr. Jerome to learn how we can help reduce strain on your joints.